Surgery Report
Last Wednesday we had our meeting with the head of my surgical team, Dr. Tozzi. I have not done my job keeping you all informed of the latest news; hopefully you will forgive me. Having to write it down makes it that much more real and I have been avoiding that. Not that my 12-inch scar isn't a constant reminder, but with friends visiting last weekend I was trying to forget about all this and just have some fun. The gravity of my diagnosis keeps repeatedly hitting me like a giant Stonehenge sarsen stone. Defeating this cancer feels as enormous as moving those stones all the way from Wales, but I try to remember -- one step at a time. And it helps to remember the small milestones, so on that note, tomorrow marks four weeks post-op. But, back to the doctor's report.
The meeting was not with my oncologist, but simply a summary of how surgery went. We didn't learn much new information, but conformation of things that were already assumed. All the biopsy sites were indeed cancerous, meaning the cancer is stage 3c, but just barely, because the cancerous spot on my liver was small. The main tumor started from my right ovary and was 14cms. The cell type is a high-grade serous carcinoma, the most common type, but not what we were hoping for. The only really good news was that the volume of cancer was much much less than a typical stage 3c, so hopefully that will help with my prognosis. Dr. Tozzi reiterated that they think they removed all the cancer, which is a big factor for a good prognosis. But chemo is a must and will start soon, typically at six weeks post-op. My treatments, six in total, will be every 3 weeks for 4 months, ending in July. After a few weeks to get my white blood cells back up, we will come home, as planned, in early September. My surgical site continues to heal well and I am reducing the tramadol without any pain. I still feel tight, but no pain. My job for the next two weeks is to continue to heal and build strength. Our meeting with the oncologist is Monday, when we should get a schedule for treatment, but basically it's the beginning of a long, long road.
To keep me distracted and my spirits up, Lara, Tom and their kids, Hanah and Ema, from Norwich, came to visit. And Nan came all the way from Oregon! We visited The Natural History Museum, The Story Museum, and had a nice walk around Oxford's historic buildings and canals. Thanks to the generosity of Rosa!! (who is brave enough to drive on the "wrong" side), Bruce, Nan, and I went went to Stonehenge and the Avebury stone circle. It was great to finally see World Heritage sites that have been on our bucket list since moving to Ox. Thank you Rosa for all that driving.
That's all the news from here -- more in a few days. As always, thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. It keeps me going. Hugs to all, MK
Comments (11)
We just love you so much We will be there to help during chemo Mom
We know you can do this! You will have so many pulling for you during chemo and we have faith in the strength we are sending you across the miles! The one day at a time is an ideal way to think of things! Congrats on your present healing and tapering off the pain meds. We care so much about you both!
great pictures! So good to see your smile. Thinking of you every day and sending lots of healing love-energy your way!!! Turtle looks forward to seeing you in September, which will be her 18th birthday. yours truly, Jonelle
Thank you so much Michelle for keeping us afloat. I hope you feel our love on the other side of the pond. In the spirit of distracting you... You will be home by the time I cross the finish line of the Sept 11, 2016 Santa Cruz Ironman Triathlon 70.3. My first Ironman! I have been training for a while and Noozhawk has picked up my column on this journey. I will send the links to the articles as they appear. I dedicate this Ironman to you, Michelle. As I train, the honest spirit with which you are leading your journey inspires me. I hope my articles are as rich in information and heart as your updates are. I hope my voice comes through as clearly as your voice does in every update. Most importantly, it is my goal to inspire someone else to face a challenge with a positive spirit and the desire to be responsible for their health, like you have inspired me. Thank you Michelle for being you and sharing you with me. I love love love you my dear dear friend.
Great to hear that you're recovering from the surgery so well! And that you're managing to enjoy yourself in the process. We're thinking of you!
Allison, boy you know how to tear me up. I'm really honored you are dedicating your Triathlon to me! I will be there at the finish line to cheer you on. love and hugs, Michelle
Michelle, you are so inspiring. Your spirit and intelligence and courage are as impressive as any I have seen in my career as a physician. I'm very proud of you. Love, Jim
Smiling faces and Stonehenge, what a remarkable picture! Sending you the golden light of healing, Cherie Mignone
Dear Michelle...thanks for sharing your thoughts. Your mom has kept me posted, but it's also good to be able to connect with you. As I recall you are one who has always been able to look beyond what is to what you want something to be. I have faith you will succeed this time just as you have before. In the meantime I am sending you many healing hugs and mucho positive energy xo
Dear Michelle, You have been in my thoughts non-stop since I last saw you. You are so strong and positive, and I hope that these traits will allow you to continue to power through the weeks ahead. I hope that the blog is also serving a bit as therapy and support as you process all your thoughts and receive words of encouragement from all your friends and family that live far away. Your posts are amazingly articulate and can serve as an inspiration to others fighting cancer. I really value the opportunity to stay connected to you. Love, Tiffany
Hi Michelle, We have met several times, but not sure you remember me - it's been awhile. I'm a friend of your Mom's (and Dad's), and have followed your odyssey through her. You, Bruce, your Mom, Jim, Drs., . . . everyone . . . have been in my prayers, prayers for strength, for wisdom for the Drs., for successful surgery, and now, for the chemo treatment that you will tolerate it as well as possible and that it will be effective. I also pray that somehow you will know a peace that is not "normal," if that makes sense. You have been a great source of encouragement and strength for many others as well. We will continue to uphold you in prayer as the days pass. You are young, in good health, and with your great attitude, you will get through the days one at a time. Take care and soak up every bit of goodness and love that you find in every day. Our best to you and Bruce, Patty (and Fred) Tunnicliffe