Third Times the Charm!
On Tuesday afternoon we meet with my oncologist, Dr. Sekhon. The expected was confirmed; I am in recurrence. My CA 125 marker crept up another 3 points, to 37. The PET scan showed only one tumor, near my pancreas. You know you're in a bad way when that sounds like good news, but it did. One tumor is better than last time when I was husbanding a small flock of them. The Avastin infusions likely deserve credit for limiting the cell's ability to form tumors. Glad that $16,000 drug was doing something! Dr. S wanted more imaging, so Wednesday morning I was in the MRI tube. By Wednesday afternoon my PA called with those results. It looks like I am a candidate for surgery and radiation, which is atypical for recurrent OC patients. I am pleased to have treatment choices; it helps disperse the burden on my body. I know surgery is hard, I am guessing radiation is hard, but they are hard in different ways than chemo. I am hoping for surgery because data suggests a second debulking offers 18 months longer progression-free survival. Another new strategy I'm pushing for is heated intraperitoneal chemo. I have read it's very toxic and a tough go, but it improves disease-free progression. I am all in -- we are fighting back!
Now for an update on recent fun. It has been a glorious spring! We enjoyed a 3-day trip to Santa Cruz Island for the Audubon Christmas bird count. Thank you, Jessie, for organizing, and for the trip to Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, where we saw several thousand sand hill cranes. Thank you, Laura and Michael, for the amazing day at Hollister Ranch. Thanks, Terry and Randy, for the quick visit and Riviera walk. Thanks to Helena for painting lessons and help with errands. Thanks, Alex, for walks with Ginger. Thanks, Chris, for fixing my broken irrigation system! Thanks to Ken for the thoughtful gift of an avocado tree, complete with planting services! And thanks, Jane and Fukiko, for the lovely series of Japanese cooking classes and dinner. And to everyone else I am forgetting right now. I feel loved and supported. I appreciate all the large and small gestures of kindness that have come my way.
Tomorrow is spring break, and you know what that means -- travel. We are off to Hawaii. Home April 8th to a week of Drs appointments. We should have a Porlock battle plan in place by April 11th and I will post news then. I look forward to seeing lots of you for game nights, walks, and other fun stuff as I am able. Hugs to all, MK
Comments (14)
here's to a spring break with lots of debauchery and real relaxation. our spring break won't be so exotic: a weekend in seattle, time in portland with lupe (probably visiting museums) and the piece de resistance: a colonoscopy for me on friday. yay!
Thank you for the update and the relatively good news. I’ll be back on April 4 and available for hanging out and postoperative support services. I can also offer the loan of comforting dogs, including a black lab mix that might remind you a bit of Emma!
Although full of limitations myself, remember we are very close by. Enjoy HA. Sending you positive energy and friendship
I am available for anything. Total support from Colorado Mom
Hi Michelle, we met at livestrong; glad you enjoyed Galapagos. We have been wondering about you. Wishing you a happy trip to HI, and when you return, if you want to connect, let me know. I have a friend who did get the hot chemo last year for intestinal cancer. It might be good to connect with him, if you are interested I would be happy to put you in touch. He is currently in FL, but headed to Mich. soon where they live part year. He has been very open about his journey, and don't think he would have any problem with making the connection. We are off to China next, but don't hesitate calling me when you get back. If we are still out of town, leave a message, or text and I will respond as soon as possible. Wishing you the best in fighting this, and wishing you strength in the battle. Clarice
We too have had great pre Spring weather. Spring equinox was a few days ago and its become colder but the birds are busy, flowers blooming and the garden beckons. We just have Brexit looming in front of us. Politics has become crazy, but impossible to ignore. Have a great time in Hawaii- maybe some new birds... ? Our love j&c xxx
I am very encouraged by this news! The recommendations of the tumor board on Tuesday will be most helpful in deciding the best step forward. As always, your attitude and perseverance inspires me and makes me admire and love you even more. We look forward to the HI break. Thank you for including us in your next adventure. Biggest hug ever! Jim
Hi Michelle, Thank you for posting this relatively good news. Hope you have a lovely trip to Hawaii. Peter and I are currently sitting on a plane in Dublin Airport waiting to fly out to Rome on our way to Tuscany for spring break. Hugs and all our love and good wishes, Rosa
Wooo hooo!! Good news - you kick Porlocks arse Michelle with whatever the next treatment might end up being. And have a fantastic break in Hawai you two. Love and hugs as always, from down under xxx
Dearest Michelle, It has been a a privilege to be part of your fierce, adventurous, and courageous journey. I have enjoyed our walks and I when I read your words, I can hear your distinctive spoken voice, all special, all you. Enjoy Hawaii week, Cherie
Hope you are all enjoying Hawaii. So wonderful that you have such special friends, and . . . an avocado tress to boot! Thanks, as always for your special updates Michelle. Hi to all! Patty T.
You are completely amazing! I love that you choose surgery. Have a wonderful time in Hawaii and I look forward to painting and doing errands with you when you get back. Bring some little shells back with you. They’re really fun to draw. Sending you love, Helena
Michelle- you don't know me, but perhaps it will help to know that you have friends of your mother's in Colorado who are quietly rooting for you in prayer and love. We think of you often and are amazed by your strength and positive attitude which will beat this enemy. -Barbara Moss
Hi Michelle, I am Bruce's student and love following your adventures. You are an inspiration! Enjoy the sunshine and sand! Sending love always, Molly