January 7, 2024
Cancer update:
This post is 6 days overdue but it's been a tough week. Earlier this week, I met with the radiation oncologist in Canton, Ga and then headed to Chattanooga to get a second opinion from a gynecological oncologist. At this point, I still didn't have the report from the mri that was done on Dec 29th. I did however have the images and showed them to the oncologist. She was able to show me the tumor but was unable to measure it without it being on her computer with analysis tools.
She did a physical examination and determined that the tumor has expanded laterally into the parametrium tissue that surrounds the cervix, and has also expanded into the top of the vaginal canal. The tumor is at least 4cm wide.
Reflecting back on my notes from my obgyn doctor from when the biopsy was done on 11/20/23, she said the cancer was microscopic and she couldn't visualize a mass. Comparing that to the physical exam from the first oncologist on 12/13/23 where she could easily see the tumor with her bare eyes, this appears to be an aggressive tumor.
The process of radiation was finally described to me and was a bit daunting. The possible side effects are life changing. The oncologist said my body will be forever changed. Yet again, I was surprised with info received by the doctors. One of these visits, I'm going to be surprised by positive news about the cancer, but that time is not now. But my faith remains. I know this is going to suck. I'm going to embrace it, endure it and try to listen to what God is teaching me through this process. There is always a reason for everything. This is bigger than me.
I continue to feel the love and support from family and friends and am ever so thankful!
When I got this news early in the week, I got on the phone to see if there had been an opening in the PET scan schedule because I didn't want to wait until Jan 9th to get it done. Thankfully a 645am opening at Northside Cumming was there for me. We scrambled to change things around, move all appointments up on the calendar and I packed my suitcase to head down to Cumming to get a hotel near the hospital for the PET scan.
God blessed me with an angel of a radiology nurse named Mark. He is a 3 time survivor or thyroid cancer and we had an instant connection of spirits. I wish I could describe the encounter but it's hard to even put into words. But I know God placed him in my path that day.
I finally saw the MRI report last night via the patient portal online. For now, I'll say that there appears to be additional trouble spots to deal with, as well as a golfball sized cyst on my remaining ovary, though it might be benign, as was the baseball sized one on my right ovary that was removed when I was 19. I'll wait to update everyone on the whole report once I get it all explained to me by the doctors Monday morning. The PET scan results will be revealed to me then as well. There was mention in the report of getting a bone scan as well.
So tomorrow is a big day - test results, chemo class, and possibly doing the CT Simulation which is the run through of the treatment and identifying the spots to target. It's currently scheduled for Tuesday not I'm hoping they can move it up to tomorrow.
We spent 4 hours Friday afternoon submitting documentation for financial aid. That was a stressful process but hopefully we'll get approved. I thought I could get free lodging at the Hope Lodge but found out this week that it is in Decatur, GA which is too far from where my treatments are. Next step is to try to negotiate a cheaper rate work a nearby hotel, as I'll be there for about 8 weeks.
So that's it for now. Please know that I read every message however it may take some time to respond, as this is consuming all the hours of my days. It has now become a full time job. My entire life is on hold right now. I'm not happy about it but that's where things are right now. I'm ok. Spirits are still in an upward position. There will be low times, as was the case earlier this week. Whatever the outcome will be, I know that God's glory and grace will be shown.
Love you all and thanks again for your support!❤️
This post is 6 days overdue but it's been a tough week. Earlier this week, I met with the radiation oncologist in Canton, Ga and then headed to Chattanooga to get a second opinion from a gynecological oncologist. At this point, I still didn't have the report from the mri that was done on Dec 29th. I did however have the images and showed them to the oncologist. She was able to show me the tumor but was unable to measure it without it being on her computer with analysis tools.
She did a physical examination and determined that the tumor has expanded laterally into the parametrium tissue that surrounds the cervix, and has also expanded into the top of the vaginal canal. The tumor is at least 4cm wide.
Reflecting back on my notes from my obgyn doctor from when the biopsy was done on 11/20/23, she said the cancer was microscopic and she couldn't visualize a mass. Comparing that to the physical exam from the first oncologist on 12/13/23 where she could easily see the tumor with her bare eyes, this appears to be an aggressive tumor.
The process of radiation was finally described to me and was a bit daunting. The possible side effects are life changing. The oncologist said my body will be forever changed. Yet again, I was surprised with info received by the doctors. One of these visits, I'm going to be surprised by positive news about the cancer, but that time is not now. But my faith remains. I know this is going to suck. I'm going to embrace it, endure it and try to listen to what God is teaching me through this process. There is always a reason for everything. This is bigger than me.
I continue to feel the love and support from family and friends and am ever so thankful!
When I got this news early in the week, I got on the phone to see if there had been an opening in the PET scan schedule because I didn't want to wait until Jan 9th to get it done. Thankfully a 645am opening at Northside Cumming was there for me. We scrambled to change things around, move all appointments up on the calendar and I packed my suitcase to head down to Cumming to get a hotel near the hospital for the PET scan.
God blessed me with an angel of a radiology nurse named Mark. He is a 3 time survivor or thyroid cancer and we had an instant connection of spirits. I wish I could describe the encounter but it's hard to even put into words. But I know God placed him in my path that day.
I finally saw the MRI report last night via the patient portal online. For now, I'll say that there appears to be additional trouble spots to deal with, as well as a golfball sized cyst on my remaining ovary, though it might be benign, as was the baseball sized one on my right ovary that was removed when I was 19. I'll wait to update everyone on the whole report once I get it all explained to me by the doctors Monday morning. The PET scan results will be revealed to me then as well. There was mention in the report of getting a bone scan as well.
So tomorrow is a big day - test results, chemo class, and possibly doing the CT Simulation which is the run through of the treatment and identifying the spots to target. It's currently scheduled for Tuesday not I'm hoping they can move it up to tomorrow.
We spent 4 hours Friday afternoon submitting documentation for financial aid. That was a stressful process but hopefully we'll get approved. I thought I could get free lodging at the Hope Lodge but found out this week that it is in Decatur, GA which is too far from where my treatments are. Next step is to try to negotiate a cheaper rate work a nearby hotel, as I'll be there for about 8 weeks.
So that's it for now. Please know that I read every message however it may take some time to respond, as this is consuming all the hours of my days. It has now become a full time job. My entire life is on hold right now. I'm not happy about it but that's where things are right now. I'm ok. Spirits are still in an upward position. There will be low times, as was the case earlier this week. Whatever the outcome will be, I know that God's glory and grace will be shown.
Love you all and thanks again for your support!❤️