Me and Avastin

I saw my doctor Thursday and again I am considered "stable"....no major changes in tumors...everytime I go in after a CT I pray that I am one of those miracle people when they say...we can't find any tumors!  But, that hasn't happened...YET!
We talked to my doctor about the Avastin and he is keeping me on it and hasn't had any notification that he has to quit...so, he told me to let him worry about it.  I guess that is what I will do!
Been busy the last few days packing away Christmas.  It takes me longer now, but I did it!  House always feels so nice after everything is put away.  We took a car full of "stuff" to Goodwill.....and I have more to go.  I keep telling everyone that stuff is like rabbits...it multiplies in the closets!!
Happy New Year everyone!  Thanks for supporting me with your thoughts and prayers this year!

Avastin and ovarian cancer.

I was very disappointed to hear the FDAs finding on the use of Avastin for OC.  I have been on AVASTIN for 4 months and had a 5000 drop in my CA125.  Obviously it is doing somethng?!?!
They say that it shrinks tumors but does not increase time of life.  I don't get that.  The tumors affecting organs is what most OC patients die of.  Stop the tumor growth...it will not affect the organs.
They also say it only added about 14 months of life.  I will take it!

It is going to be interesting tomorrow when I see my oncologist to see if this means I cannot get a drug that is helping me.  Now that would stink!!

I want to

wish all my Journey With Teal friends a very blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
I will be spending the day with my family and forgetting that C word for a day!

CT and chemo next week....

Merry Christmas!!

I haven't Fallen off the Planet!

I just have been like most of you, busy getting ready for Christmas.  This is the first year since my diagnosis 5 years ago that I was able to do all my own decorating and shopping.  It took me a little longer than years past....but I did it!
The Avastin is really giving me the most normal of life I have had....and I am enjoying every moment of it!
Tuesday I will be in the chemo chair again....and then I will be wrapping those gifts.  Looking forward to another Christmas with my family and another year of LIFE!!

Merry Christmas!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

We are definately thankful for the blessings the Lord has given our family this year...with my generally good health being one of the biggest!

It has not been an easy year....many changes....but we have each other and the Lord.

I want to say Thank you to you, my blogging friends and prayer partners.  I hope you have a wonderful week getting ready for and enjoying Thanksgiving.  We will be celebrating with our family also!

Till next time.....Ceekay

Wow, Wow, WOW!

Do you have your cup of tea?  Sit down...this could take a minute.

I flew into Greenville on Wednesday.  I have been having some drippy nose issues, but thought it was just the cold, because, it is COLD here!  On Sunday I went to church and out to dinner.  On the way back to Ro's, I noticed a lump on the left side of my face by my ear.  I panicked.  Oh no, I cannot have a tumor there, I am on vacay, and I don't want to get stuck in a hospital.

I should mention before I go any further that my oncologist had told me that my scan shown stable. 

I immediately called my oncologist at HOME no less!  He said, there is no way he could imagine that it was a tumor because of my CA 125 count.  I said, I don't understand.  He told me that my last CA count was down 5000, points!  5000!  I absolutely could NOT believe it!  This is a miracle to me.  Obviously, the avastin is helping me.

Ok, so back to this lump.  He asked me where it was, what it felt like and he believed it was a plugged salivary gland.  He put me on an antibiotic, and it is all cleared up.  Whew!!  That took a few hairs off my hair I tell ya!

Anyways, we are praising the Lord for His goodness to me.  Rejoice in the Good Days!!

CT number - who knows??

I had my ct scan yesterday.  No  problems.  Will get the results next Tuesday.  Hopefully all will be stable.  I am getting ready for a trip...leaving the day after chemo.  Once again my husband will hold the fort down!!  I am feeling a bit stressed trying to get everything ready....my hubs always teases me...saying I act like I am going to the moon and can't get anything I might need!! 
I will try to post what the doctor said.....before I am gone for a while.

Enjoy your days!!

Tears for a Friend

A childhood friend is ending her battle with cancer.  It hurts my heart.  We wrote each other in the past year since her diagnosis...laughed, cried, encouraged each other.  She is the younger sister of a friend of mine from church growing up.  She has a lovely family, grown, grandchildren, a beloved teacher....and a zeal for life and Jesus. 
So many are praying for her and her family....telling of her testimony in their lives...

how I hope to be just a fraction of that in my battle.

Rest in the arms of Jesus my friend.

Dr. Visit Today

and chemo.  All went very well.  The meds for the pain are working wonderfully.  My doctor said I looked really good...not so dehydrated....and he is very hopeful that my next CT will be good.  My hubby and I left very encouraged.  Thank you for your prayers.  Believe me when I say that I KNOW they make a difference.

So the premeds worked!

I didn't want to say anything before I knew for sure...but the premeds definately took care of the pain issue!  Yeah!  The only real side effect is a little trouble sleeping...or falling asleep.  Even with my Advil PM I am tossing and turning....but I will take that over pain any day!!
Also, it is cooling down a bit...just a bit, but enough to feel better and get in the yard a little!

Life is Good!!

2nd treatment of Avastin

...it went well.  I took the premeds and I have meds to take until Sunday.  Hopefully that will help with the pain.  Otherwise, I feel good so far.  A little hard to get going this morning.  Then I dropped a jar of jelly on the floor in the kitchen....boo....always fun to have to clean up something like that, when you really still want to be in bed!
I am going to try and put the seashells away today and get ready for some Autumn touches.  It may take me a while, but hey, no rush!
Thanks for your words of encouragement.  I check everyday...really! 

Update

I got through the weekend....felt better by Monday, but decided I was going to have to call for some help before the next treatment.  Talked to the oncologist office today and apparently my doctor has seen this pain in Ovarian cancer patients before.  He is giving me Voltarin to help with the pain.  I will start the morning of chemo and then for a few days.  I am hoping that this will relieve the pain and then I can tolerate things much better.
Chemo is next Tuesday...so I will let you know how it goes!!

Have a great weekend!!

Saturday

I looked up Avastin and saw that less than 30 percent of the people have body aches...well I guess this is one of those times..where I was lucky?  I am definately suffering from body aches - all over my body!
Otherwise I feel fine....but I tell you....I am not moving real fast!

Talk to you in a couple of days!

Where did the truck come from?

That must have run over me?  Oh, everything hurts.  I barely slept last night.  Even my toes hurt.  I am hoping it will just be a quick thing and be gone soon!  Sorry, but just keeping it real here!!

Infusion

The infusion went well...about 2 hours.  Everyone asks this question...so I will just answer here.  Getting chemo does not hurt.  Unless you react to the meds immediately, it is a long time hooked up and really not much to do.  I always take magazines to read.

I felt fine yesterday.  My hubs took me out to a gorgeous fabulous lunch afterwards. 

This morning I feel like I was run over by a truck.  No pain...just achey.  Took a hot bath and some advil.  That should help, I hope.  Otherwise, doing ok!

Heading Out the Door

to my first round of Avastin.  I am happy the wait is over.  Will let you know how I do!!

The Latest...as far as I KNOW!

I will be starting AVASTIN, I think next week.  I am still waiting to hear the details.  I will take Avastin as a single agent chemo for 2 cycles and see if it is helping me.  If not, at that time, either a new trial will open up OR I will be put on Taxil....

Sorry, that is really all I know for now.

Hello, update

Oh I don't even know where to start.  The short of it is I can't participate in the clinical trial that was offered me.  My doctor had already left for the day when the clinical nurse stumbled upon this bit of  information.  She cancelled my appointment and said, we will be calling you next week.

I am concerned.  I guess I don't understand why there is so few options open to me when I am going to a research clinic. 

I am not ready to give up this fight.  Please pray that we will get some definate answers and soon.

Do you still...

get surprised at the amazing-ness of God?

I do!  Saw my oncologist today.  I prayed that the Lord would give me peace, clear direction, and if possible, another idea for a clinical trial.  My doctor walks in the room and says that one slot of a new trial opened up yesterday and it is mine if I want it!

I was thrilled and amazed.  I still have to pass all the pre-testing but he doesn't feel there will be a problem.

I won't lose my hair, the side effects are seemingly mild....but there are steroids.  That is the only negative, but I am ok with it.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and thoughts.  My husband and I both appreciate it.  I will keep you posted. 

What a wonderful anniversary present.  God is so Good.

Oh Boy, Here we go!

I knew this day was coming.  I just hoped it wouldn't be now.  I just got a call from my oncologist's office and they have decided that I need to go back on traditional chemo.  I am NOT happy.  My oncologist does not feel comfortable waiting for a clinical trial to open up and me not having any treatment.
Unfortunately, this means good bye hair and hello steroids. 

I really wish I could post something fun and uplifting for the weekend...but as my friend Ro says, it is what it is.

I will post after I see the oncologist next week and tell you what the plan is.  Please pray for me.  I know it is vain, but I really cannot stand losing my hair again. 

Dr's visit number...oh I don't know....

too many to count!

Well, decision made.  I will be on a new clinical trial.  Some increase in cancer growth...nothing terrible, but time to change treatment.

I already have shed the tears.  Got encouragement from my wonderful oncologist.  I tell you, he is sent from God for me.

So, 28 days without meds.  Pray that nothing goes crazy in this next month and I will let you know when all the new starts.  They will be using my port again, that much I do know.  No more pills.

Enjoy the day ladies...Enjoy the day!!

Hard to Believe..

but this week is CT scan again.  I can really attest for how quickly time flies.  This time I am already prepared with my premeds.  Please remember me on Thursday that all goes smoothly and that the results read on the following Tuesday will be encouraging.  I must admit that I haven't been feeling as well as I would like, but I attribute a lot of it to the heat.  My husband reminds me that it bothered me more last year as well.  I think it may be the combination of the heat and the medications I am on. 
Hope you all are staying cool and enjoying this hot summer.  Trust me, Fall will be here before you know it!!

Saw the Doctor again..

And we are all puzzled.  We pretty much thought that the current chemo had quit working fully for me and I was going to get off of it.  Then Tuesday I went in, and my CA125 was down.  So we decided to decide how long to be on the chemo on a month to month basis.  Next month I have another CT scan.  It would be fabulous if my CA125 was down some more and the tumors shrink.  I pray that the Lord will give me, my husband and my doctor wisdom on what to do for further treatment. 
We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend....even though it is very hot in AZ! 
So, I continue on...thankfully, and enjoy this wonderful, but difficult at times life the Lord has given me.

Latest Doctor's Report

Well, it wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great.  I am still "stable" but on the low side of that.  I have a bit of tumor growth, but still much shrinkage in others.  So the decision was made to stay on current chemo one more month...then take a month off to detoxify and start a new round of chemo with new meds.  I am ok with this decision.  I have no room to complain as I have been on this current drug for 18 months which is basically unheard of!  So the Lord has been good to me. 
My doctor already has 2 new drugs that he is considering for me. 

It was a longggg and tiring day.  We have some other issues in our life that have nothing really to do with cancer, but are weighing heavy on my heart.  I know the Lord will give direction and peace....but, I am in that "limbo" land where I really don't know what is happening.

Other than this, life is good. 

Good Doctor's Report

Apparently a month vacation does the body good!  My cancer markers were down, my blood results are normal, and I am feeling good.  My doctor was very pleased and my husband and I were very happy!  Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts.  I am still fighting this ole ovarian cancer with all I got!!

Pat's Journey is Finished

My cousin passed away Saturday morning.  Her journey here on earth is over but her eternity with her Jesus has just begun.  We will miss her.

Please pray for my cousin Pat

I just received news that my cousin Pat is probably on the final leg of her journey with pancreatic cancer.  They have taken her by ambulance to a hospice facility.  She is a wonderful born-again Christian and we know she will be with her Saviour, but we will miss her here.  Her husband of more than 50 years is there with her as is her children...both doctors.  Please say a prayer that Pat will know the Lord's presence with her and for comfort to her family.

God is control and He knows.

In Beautiful South Carolina!

Just popping in to say Hi and that I am having a wonderful time with my friend Rose in South Carolina.  We visited the Biltmore on Thursday.  It was spectacular but exhausting.  Thank you for all the prayers from you about my health during this trip.n  I think I am doing pretty well.

What the Doctor said...

Saw my oncologist today and I am again "stable".  No new tumors and some minimal shrinkage on some.  This was wonderful news!  However, there was a bit of negative.  I absolutely have to stop losing weight.  The problem is not what I am eating....it is that it doesn't stay with me.  So we are going to try a new medicine for the bowels and hope that the weight loss stops. 
I laugh at this a bit as anyone who knows me knows that I have struggled with weight all my life..  Doctors always said LOSE WEIGHT.  So now I am losing it, and they say STOP! 
I am thankful that I now can focus in on my vacay.  I will be MIA from the blog for a while, but I will be back.  My hubs is going to hold down the fort at home....that should be interesting!!

Talk to you sometime in May....be safe and enjoy LIFE!

Another CT Scan....

I really do try not to complain.  I tell the Lord that I am so thankful to be alive and I really am.  But sometimes I get soooooo tired of tests.  It seems like so quickly the time goes by and it is time for another CT scan.
So I ask for your prayers..I really want the scan to be stable.  My big girlfriend's vacay is coming and I want to be well enough to enjoy it.

The only problem I really suffer from is fatigue.  And I really never know when it is going to hit.  My hubs will say "are you done?"  and I say, "so done, stick a fork in me".

I am so surprised at how much I have grown to dislike clothes shopping.  I used to love it.  But since losing so much weight I needed everything.  And that takes time.  I am so done with that too!

Well, keep me in your thoughts Thursday and then again on Tuesday for the results.  I will let you know I promise.

I Have Had a Secret!

I have had the most wonderful thing happen to me!  I was published in a new Online Magazine called Living Better at 50+.  My first article was My Journey with Teal.  If you would like to read it here is the link:  http://livingbetterat50.com/?p=1814

Oh for Goodness Sake!

Today was doctor day.  So here is the condensed version.  Saw my monthly visit at the eye doctor.  Needed to order more contacts.  But I mentioned that I felt I wasn't seeing as clearly as last year.  Yeah duh, my prescription has changed.  So ordered new contacts.  Oh, ok....now to see my oncologist.  So he comes in and says...How you been feeling?  Me:  Oh, ok I guess.  Dr.  No, you haven't.  You have an UTI.  Me:  Really?  Well, I haven't felt the best, ( insert that really I haven't felt particularly well, but I hate to complain.)  But, no, I am officially sick.  On antibiotics.  Then, Dr....do you know how much weight you lost this month?  Me:  No, a few pounds....Dr....9 more pounds.! So, now I am on another anti diarreah medicine.  Oh man, I was exhausted by the time we got out of there.  Came home and took a nap.  I have to call them next week and HONESTLY tell them how I am doing.

So much for thinking things were ok!

Hi All!

This coming week is one of doctor visits again.  It seems like the months roll by so quickly.  But I had the best day today....why?  well, I tried fake toenails.  I don't know what took me so long....my poor toes suffered from one of the types of chemo and I was just bemoaning not being able to wear flip flops!  I found these at Walmart!  I am thrilled.  They look so good.....supposed to last a week, but we will see with baths and showers...but even if they only work a couple of days....I am still happy with it!  Ordered another eyebrow pencil product.  This will be my fifth.  Hopefully I will be happy with it.  My eyebrow on the left never came back in very good....and you know we need eyebrows!

Been trying to shop and find some clothes for my trip....had some success...but still a ways to go.  Losing weight is wonderful, but quite a major thing when you need everything new.  I have never worn the size I am in now!!  And I need a swin suit.  Oh mercy!!  I may need a Xanax for that trip!!  That will be the last thing I buy!

Talk to you all again soon!  Have a good week!

Just checking in!

Hard to believe how quickly the days pass.  I try so hard to squeeze everything I possibly can out of a day!  Looking forward to an important event is fun, but I try not to focus too much on that and lose TODAY!

I am feeling pretty good.  I do believe that the current treatment is building up in my body and tends to give me a bit more fatigue than I would like.  But, what can you do huh?

I have been trying to do some clothes shopping.  What a challenge.  I have lost a lot of weight due to the meds and I really have very little that fits me properly.  But I don't want to spend too much as I could gain some back when they change my meds.  Plus, all sizes are so different. 

Since my surgery I struggle with waists in pants and dresses.  I could wear almost 2 sizes smaller, but I cannot stand anything binding around the middle.  Which I have to guess where that is cuz I no longer have a real waist.  Not a real belly button either.  Said good bye to that with my ovaries and etc!!!

Then IF I find something that fits, like capris (I love them) they only have one pair....hello, like what about different colors?  I just don't think the stores are putting in the same amount of articles due to the economy.  Oh well, I am finding things bits and pieces.

Today hubby is back to work from his days off and I am going to fluff around the house.  You know...get it back to the way I like it...not just man clean!!

I will talk to you all again soon.  Enjoy the day!!

Good Report from the Oncologist!

I got my CT scan results and they were again "stable".  Current round of chemo will continue.  I am so happy.  It is always like a weight off my shoulders when I hear those words.
Doctor just wants me to get over this crud I am fighting...well, fighting, but I lost the war!  I am feeling better...just got to get my strength back.

Thank you for all your concern and prayers.  They mean the world to me!

My day with the CT scan

In wanting to keep it real, I have to share my experience yesterday while getting my CT scan.

I have been sick all week with some kind of crud.  I even called my chemo nurse to make sure she knew I was ill and should I still have the scan.  She said yes unless I got sicker.  So the night before the scan and the morning of I took the following meds:  my high blood pressure pill, my 2 chemo pills, 2 advil cold pills, and 32 mg of predisone for premeds for scan.  I was feeling a bit fuzzy.

I go in, drink my mega water and get called back.  There was a different nurse than I normally have and she takes me to the dressing closet and tells me everything off but my panties and shoes and gives me 2 gowns to wear.  I am thinking in my head.  I KNOW, I have done this a hundred times.  Thank you Jesus for giving me the wisdom this once to keep my mouth shut!

So I get the gowns on and I go out and they are ready for me.  The nurse looks at me and says "oh hon, could you put the gowns on the other way so we can access your port. (Meaning back gown on first then the top gown.)  I said oh yes, I am sorry, I know better.

I go into the closet again and I take off the gowns and stand there and cannot for the life of me figure out what I am supposed to do.  I kept putting them on and off, no, that isn't right...I am needing now to go to the restroom from all the water and the giggling.  Finally, I get it right.  Whew....

I go with the nurse to the CT room and get on the little "bed".  They position me and get my port all set up.  Then they do the trial run.  Take a deep breath, bed goes in, hold it....bed comes out, breathe.

Nurse comes in to check on port, or so I thought.  She says to me "hon, do you think we could take your bra off?"  I am thinking my bra? is it on?  what?  then she says, but you can't sit up...we don't want to lose your position.

Huh?  Now, ladies....I am just going to say here that God blessed me, if you know what I mean.  How am I getting this bra off without moving?  Ok, left arm out, right arm, don't mess the port, out.....arch back...she slips her hand to unhook my bra.."ok, I got it, oh, no, there are 3  hooks!!  No, seriously...just keeping it real! 

As my bra slips off the side of me I am thinking thank you Jesus...I wore a pretty bra today...and not the orthopedic one!!

I am sure they are all still talking about it!

hello everyone

Just wanted to touch base.  I am doing well.  Next CT is on the 10th....hope all will still be stable.  I still battle the fatique some, but as we all know, no chemo is without it's side effects.  I am blest that over all, I am able to function quite well.
I haven't heard anymore on my cousin.  I hope no news is good news.

Hope you all are having a great January.  They go so fast.  I can't believe Valentine's day is right around the corner!

I so HATE Cancer!

Please join with my family with prayers for my cousin Pat.  She is 63 years old, the sweetest southern belle just a precious lady....she has just been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and does not have much time left.  Our whole extended family is just sick over this news. 

Tomorrow is my oncologist appointment.  I do not expect any changes this month...CT will be in February.

I know we don't have to understand....God's ways are not my ways.....but sometimes, it just makes me mad.