For those of you who haven't heard... The news from our visit to the docs in the big city is this:
There's NO new disease, regardless of the fact that my CA125 went up dramatically the last time. My brain is clear of any metastasis (which happens, unfortunately), the known breast tumors are smaller (although not completely gone, which explains the elevated CA125). Anyway – no surprises. I asked why the CA125 (the number which supposedly reports ovarian cancer) would go up if it’s breast cancer and he says, ‘Michelle you’ve got to get over those numbers!’ and goes on to explain to me for the 2nd time that those numbers are so archaic and nonspecific you simply cannot base your treatment regimen on them. Which of course, is what my doctors here do. Makes me crazy. I hope we can figure out how to give these docs a larger hand in my treatment in the future. I do NOT have a garden-variety cancer and really can’t be treated by doctors who aren’t specialists. Thank goodness I’ve discovered a few who’ll take a shot at me.
So bilateral mastectomy is tentatively scheduled for July 1st. Slightly nerve-wracking yes, but at this point one just hopes to get rid of the disease. Keep your fingers crossed for that.
One note of interest: The day prior to surgery they are going to place a filter into a large vessel so it filters out any large clots that could damage me, like the ones I got in my lung after surgery at Salt Lake. Isn’t that interesting? Might be nice not to have to worry about major clots this time around.
Again, this doctor is so positive, and he's filled with ideas for the future as far as new medications and things to prevent tumor regrowth, or ones that help chemo work better if need be. He says, ‘we’ve got things to use that the doctors in Wyoming haven’t even dreamed of yet’. *smile.
Basically we now feel we can breathe a sigh of relief… this is what we’d hoped. Now I can just concentrate on getting ready for convention. No way I can explain the feeling so I won't even try. We've looked that cancer-beast in the face again and lived to tell the tale. Victors again!
Thanks everyone, for all your thoughts our way.
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25 comments:
smile good news for you. The surgery will not be easy we know but you seem to be beating the monster bit by bit. Keep on fighting.
We will hope to see you at Cody.
HUGS!!!!
Retha
Thank goodness for a positive report! I've been so worried about you since Tues. but was afraid to inquire in case you were needing space to "lick the wounds". I'm sure that conv. will be like balm in Gilead. Soak it up!
Wow, your post gave me goose bumps! I loved the "the Dr. is so positive"!!
So happy to hear a positive report, and I know you will enjoy convention!
Wow, wonderful news!!! Now you truly can enjoy some restful days of convention!! Looking forward to seeing you! :)
Amity
So happy for good news!! The surgery seems daunting, but like has been said, you are beating this beast bit by bit.
I'm assuming the surgery will be in Denver? I love your doctor's positive outlook...that is a special kind of medicine in its own right!
Love you!
Thank you for putting this on your blog! :) Lots of folks are sure interested!
It was so good to read about your positive report!! Hope everything goes good with your surgery! So glad you can go enjoy wonderful days at convention!!
Love and Hugs!!
Janet A.
We're so glad to hear the positive news! Hope you have as great a convention at Cody as we had at Chugwater.
Hey- Shawna was filling me in a little bit at Chug. Good to hear good news in the end!! I'm hoping to come see you in Denver when you're there. So glad convention will be a good resting place again! Take care Michelle- love ya- Jill
Looking forward to seeing you at Cody (just me and my friend from VA). Glad you have doctors that are positive. Helps you to remain positive. Keep up the good fight.
John & Esther
Oh, bloogity-floogity. What do you do, though?! Thanks for your comment on my blog! I will now think of YOU at convention and enjoying your days! They're the best!! :) Soak it up and don't worry a thing about the future. Of course, you know that already. :) Have a good convention!
Encouragement reminds us to keep our chin up!! :) We hope to see you soon!! Love/hugs! LW
I'm glad you can be encouraged, Michelle. We know you will be greatly encouraged after going to Cody.....have a great convention. We had special days at Chugwater. We are so glad your sis in on our preps crew. We do enjoy and appreciate her. We will trust that all will go well in Denver. Take care, Linda L
Hi again Michelle, it's me, Jen's mom checking in. Glad to hear that there's positive steps to take even though they may be scary! It's still good to take the "plunge" on the road to a slightly different recovery. A good friend of mine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about 6 weeks ago. Quite a blow, itsn't it. She's doing well, some set backs, but I think all things considered she's being real positive. I absolutely love your pictures! Everytime I use your calendar,(everyday!), I think of you. Take care and continue being positive, you are an absolute treasure! Chari Martin
A little cheer for modern medicine! And a big cheer for another convention! Wish we could be there too!-my sis and family will be there so maybe you will see them. Good Days to you and keep encouraged!
Alison
I'm glad your doctor's visit last week went well with a good report. You will be enjoying great days at Cody right now - I sure think often of everyone gathered there. The hard part about moving is missing out on seeing all our friends there - but we have had wonderful days here to make up for it. I loved the picture of the frog and mud puppy, as well as all the rest of them. All our best. Dave and Karen
Michelle, you keep us all inspired with your positive attitide. Our thoughts are with you as you head to convention... and then surgery. I sure enjoy your blog and all of your pictures. If you are ever our way, please look us up, we would love to see you and we have a really cute baby you could hold!!;o)
What good news! And how great to read about the awesome dr's in Denver. I read your post quickly the first time, and then again a second time slowly...to really absorb it. *smile*
My thoughts have gone to Cody often the last few days and also to Hermosa where Mel and Justin are....and know that both places, you all are having rich heart-enriching days. Hugs & love to you,
Welcome home from Cody...a bit of Heaven on earth! How could we ever be thankful enough for those precious days spent beside the still waters?! We were all holding our breath until we got your Denver report, and now, we are sighing for relief at the positives, and trust both of you have been able to truly find rest for your soul!
Thanks for the update...we're all supporting you from afar!
Love,
Don and Jeanie
P.S. We enjoy our calendar, too!!! Thanks for all you put into it! :)
Hi there...I'm a frequent reader of your blog, but not a frequent commenter...but I DO love to hear your news and so glad you are feeling encouraged with all you have had handed to you so far! It was so good to see you and Andy at Cody...and to be with you while we all enjoyed the wonderful provision for us there. We are thinking of you now as you face the next steps...take care and know we all are rooting for you from our corners! Teri and Ed
There isn't much I can say that hasn't been said in the comments already. Just add us to the list of folks who are happy for positive doctors, who thought about you all through Cody and were so glad you were there, and who are thinking of you tons as you get ready to head to Denver again soon...and not for vacation! :) With our travels, I've been so out of touch, but please know we think of you tons and wish we could have seen you while we were up!! Much love, Michelle and crew
There isn't much I can say that hasn't been said in the comments already. Just add us to the list of folks who are happy for positive doctors, who thought about you all through Cody and were so glad you were there, and who are thinking of you tons as you get ready to head to Denver again soon...and not for vacation! :) With our travels, I've been so out of touch, but please know we think of you tons and wish we could have seen you while we were up!! Much love, Michelle and crew
So glad to hear the positive side of the story, but sorry to hear about the surgery. We'll be thinking of you on July 1st! Just saw that your sis is in my in-law's field this next year. Will be anxious to meet her in Aug. when we venture to MT. Thinking of you and hope all goes great in Denver!
I just wanted to leave a note and let you know we'll be thinking about you on July 1. Keep up your positive attitude. Myrna & Tim
Michelle...it was great to see you and meet you in person finally at Cody! My thoughts are with you as you go through your surgery. Glad for positive news! Emily
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