I had an appointment on Monday for my Herceptin infusion, and Dr. A came to talk to me. We had a lot to discuss since she had the results from my PET scan the prior Monday.
I’ve explained what a PET scan is and how it works here. A quick summary, the PET scan is an x-ray-type test that shows glowing areas if you have active cell clusters. Cancer is pretty metabolically active, meaning it works faster and harder than most other cells in the body. During a PET scan, the patient is injected with a special sugar water that congregates in the metabolically active cells and shows up on a CT scan like bright lights on a foggy night.
This is the same test that showed that funky spot on my sternum back in January which indicated a possible bone metastasis.
The amazing, great, fantastic news is that all the spots that we’ve been watching are gone. Even the one on the sternum is nowhere to be found. I am so relieved.
But, it wouldn’t be my crazy-ass journey if we stopped there. So, there’s more.
Dr. A explained that for some reason, my ovaries are lighting up like they’re trying to signal ET home. These things are glowing bright and hot and we don’t really know why. I also have a 6cm mass on my left ovary or on the left part of my uterus. Reading the PET report, it looks like the mass is fluid-filled, which would indicate a cyst and not something more sinister.
Dr. A asks if I’m attached to having my ovaries, and I laugh, since when I told her 3 months ago that I was going to have a hysterectomy, she told me I didn’t need to take such radical measures. She asks who my GYN is, and tells me that she’ll fax the PET report over to Dr. W immediately.
Tuesday (yesterday), I went for a consult with Dr. W who says “Name your Wednesday, because that’s when I do surgery.” We discussed the laparoscopic procedure and the fact that it may be a little complicated because of the TRAM reconstruction. Dr. W said that it shouldn’t be any more difficult, however she did want me to have the CA-125 test. Dr. W does hysterectomies, but she would defer to a GYN oncological surgeon if necessary. We tentatively scheduled surgery for Wednesday, 28 July, and then off I went to the lab to have my blood drawn for the CA-125.
As a parting question, I asked what number I want to be below, and Dr. W says, anything lower than 35 is good.
The CA-125 is a blood test which measures the CA-125 protein in the blood. Please go here for more information about this test. Ovarian cancer is outside of my area of “expertise” and I don’t want to say anything that is inaccurate.
Today, the doc’s office called and said that my levels were 10.4. I am very, very relieved. I am going into surgery with the knowledge that it does not look like ovarian cancer. Of course, there will be a complete biopsy on my ovaries and uterus to make sure that no other creepy, sneaky cancer cells are hiding.
I asked also about the joys of menopause since I’m going to be thrown rather unceremoniously into a dearth of estrogen. Dr. W explained that if I haven’t experienced hot flashes from Tamoxifen, then I probably wont from removing the ovaries. So, it looks like I’ll be among the first of my friends to hit my “changes.”
Surgery is 10:30 on Wednesday 7/28 with a 9:00 arrival @ North Fulton. I should be under for about 30 minutes, and it’s outpatient, so I’ll be home that night. I’ll take it easy for a few days, but all the boys will be home from camp and I’ll be on full-time Mom duty again. I can’t wait.
DeeDee said,
July 21, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Thanks for sharing, Beenie. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you. :*
alyson pollack said,
July 21, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Can I make dinner agin for you during the week you have yor surgery?? Stuffed Shells, salad???
Stephanie Luzny said,
July 21, 2010 at 10:06 pm
DAMN, Beenie. WTF? Is there some place where it was written that YOU will have to go through everyone else’s trials for them? I am so happy to hear that this will be a simple and shortish procedure and that the prognosis is good so far, but I want you to know that when I meet my maker I’m going to have A WORD with him/her about your unfair treatment. DAMN. I am thinking so much of you and I wish you all the very best.
Love,
Steph
Amy said,
July 22, 2010 at 12:14 am
Beenie, I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Zenny said,
July 22, 2010 at 12:21 am
My friend, your attitude is amazing. If I were in your shoes, I’d be smashing things up, punching walls and kicking stuff, but you just take it in stride. I’m sorry you’re going to be going through “the change” early in life, but I know you’ll handle it with amazing grace and good humor. Love to you!
Natasha said,
July 22, 2010 at 7:07 am
You are the epitome of strength and optimism. Sending you warm wishes and love for next week. And a quick recovery. xx
The Carcinista said,
July 22, 2010 at 8:20 am
Menopause. All the cool kids are doin’ it.
I’m so glad your CA-125 was low. You’ve done more than your share. Good luck with your laparotomy and milk the off-duty time for all it’s worth! I’ll be thinking of you.
Sarah
Dana Jolivet said,
July 22, 2010 at 8:58 am
I’m with Steph, I’ve got questions and I want answers! Enough is enough already! I admire your strength, courage and most of all your ability to be a great mom through all of this. I am always thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way.
Dana
Patty said,
July 22, 2010 at 9:21 am
Eileen- thank you for sharing with us all. You will be in our prayers. Three teachers at my school who are young like you, had the operation and are happy with “mother nature” not bothering them every month. I think they would tell you to not push it and stay off your feet as much as humanly possible with 3 boys! Love to you!
Patty
debbi chartash said,
July 22, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I love that spirit. Please keep it up and good luck with the surgery.
Mental Disorders 101 said,
July 23, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Ch-ch-ch-changes…
I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog
…
Chocs said,
July 26, 2010 at 5:45 am
Oh Beens, so glad all the glowy bits have gone but bad overies! I shall be looking for your update wednesday as I wait for news of my RL friend that was diagnosed with breast cancer last week and is having a mastectomy on Wednesday too, thinking good thoughts for you xxx
Kathy said,
July 27, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Eileen- we’ll be thinking of you tomorrow. So glad the scans are looking good. Now you’ll have 1 less concern. Please send the boys up to swim sometime soon.
Sian said,
July 28, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Hang in there girlfriend. Early menopause will be nothing compared to what you have already survived! Much love to you.
Alysa Rosen said,
July 28, 2010 at 7:55 pm
From what I see you are strong and resilient, don’t let a hot flash get you down:)
I hope today went smoothly for you.
In my thoughts!
Sue Rothstein said,
July 29, 2010 at 10:20 pm
I’ve been away and without email for 12 days, so just got your posting. Hope all went well with your surgery if it took place yesterday. Wishing you a fast recovery and continued good spirits. If hot flashes become a new part of your life, let’s talk! I’ve got a bunch of helpful hints.