One week ago today I got the news. I was at my doctor for a follow up after having a hysterectomy. Everything was fine, the mood was light, my husband Bob was with me, there was lots of chit chat when Dr. Jeng said "I have a bit of bad news to tell you. The pathologist called me this morning and found a tumor that we didn't see during the surgery. You have cancer."
Endometrial adenocarcinoma to be exact. That's uterine cancer for all of us regular folks. Having cancer...that's the bad news. The good news is that I don't have ovarian cancer AND this type of cancer is very treatable if caught early. If caught early....there in lies the rub. We don't yet know what stage cancer I have because my lymph nodes nor the peritoneal fluid (aka the wash) was tested. I'm not exactly sure why these things weren't done. especially considering that the very reason I was having a hysterectomy was because of symptoms associated with uterine cancer. I'm a little bit peeved about that. I have an appointment next Monday with the gynocological oncologist that assisted with the surgery to discuss treatment options and that question will be one of my first. What I do know right now is that it was a grade 2 or 3 tumor and that lymphovascular invasion was present. How the hell they know that without testing my lymph nodes is beyond me but I intend to find out. Right now I am researching all I can about this and trying to find an additional doctor for a second opinion. I am not going to just sit back and take a passive role in my health care plan. I am going to do everything within my power to get the best care possible. I am lucky that I live close to some of the best hospitals on earth. I intend to take advantage of that. Dana Farber and MGH here I come.
I found great comfort blogging during the long wait to become Grace's mom. Even though I am not the most prolific writer, I found writing to be very therapeutic and the support I received carried me through some difficult days. Not to mention all of the lovely friends that I made during that time. I came. I blogged. I conquered!
Cancer you don't stand a chance.
My heart just sank reading this, but you have the right spirit. You must absolutely get as informed as possible and be your own advocate. We will be cheering you on.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I am so sorry to hear about this. I hope that it is treatable and you have a speedy treatment and recovery. I will be following your progress.
ReplyDeleteWendy (mom to Camille)
So sorry to hear this and I'm sending lots of good wishes your way.
ReplyDeleteThe common bond of adoption and blogging brought many of us together and we have stayed together even as life began to take over. Many of us are still together and you've got a kick ass group of people, if I may so, who love you, support you, and will do whatever we can when you need us to. In the meantime, you've got all the prayers, well-wishes, and good juju I can muster up. xo
ReplyDeleteBoston Chicks are hard core... show Cancer who is boss woman!!!
ReplyDeleteSucks! But, still here to follow you on your journey.
ReplyDeleteI've only just seen this and I'm so sorry about your news. Such a shock. As others have said, you have a fantastic attitude and that will help get you through this. Sending you all good wishes and support. Debsxxxx
ReplyDeleteI got all excited to see you're blogging again, and then I saw the topic. If you have to have cancer, at least have it near the best treatment centers in the world.
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