My numbers are going up...again
By daeckardt
@daeckardt (6237)
United States
September 21, 2011 5:46pm CST
I have been doing really well lately so this is kind of depressing. I stopped by the doctor's office today because I hadn't heard what the results of the ca-125 (cancer tumor marker) test was. I didn't really expect to see the doctor, but she came out with the graph showing where all the tests done since I came here in January. I was really disappointed to see that the number was almost double what it had been six weeks ago. While I might have to go into treatment, she said that it wouldn't have to be regular chemotherapy as I have been feeling pretty good. She did mention that it was possible to just be put on a pill that is normally used for treatment of breast cancer but until they do another CT scan she didn't want to make any definite decision. It is almost depressing to get that news, but I don't plan to let it stop me in my tracks. I will overcome this obstacle and I know that I can go on living the good life and be productive at least on the local level. There is a lot I can do with my local Red Cross chapter so even if they tell me that I can't go out on another national disaster response, I can do something. I know that doing that will keep me from becoming depressed and that will ultimately help my recovery.
2 people like this
10 responses
@margeryann (1845)
• United States
22 Sep 11
I'm sorry to hear your bad news. Hopefully your next test turns out okay. My sister-inlaw gets ovarian cancer every now and then her self. The last time she had it they had a hard time getting rid of it to where her and the doctors didn't know if it was going to go away that time. They told her that if she had a hysterectomy she wouldn't get it again and she might be able to get rid of it. She did end up getting rid of it but she didn't have the surgery while she had the cancer because she was afraid the surgery would cause it to spread.After she got rid of it I reminder her of what they sad and told her since she didn't have cancer right now it might be a good idea to have a hysterectomy to keep it from coming back but she was afraid that if she had the surgery that she would have the cancer and they wouldn't know it and it would spread. Has your doctors mentioned that to you and if they did would you do it? Everytime after I talk to you I forget to mention that to you then when I'm busy I think about it.
2 people like this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
22 Sep 11
Actually, back in 2003, I had extremely large tumors on both ovaries as well as in the uterus so they did that surgery at that time.Was it ovarian cysts or fibroid tumors that she had? These conditions cause similar problems and lots of pain but are not cancers. Thanks for mentioning it! Have a great week!!!
1 person likes this
@margeryann (1845)
• United States
24 Sep 11
I don't know All I know is that she has had ovarian cancer off and on since she was 18 years old.That is strange that you had the surgery already and still get ovarian cancer. I just wanted to mention what she said her doctors said before for incase in could help you. I will continue to pray for you. Hopefully the results of your next text aren't bad. I hope you have a good weekend considering everything that you are dealing with.Are you staying at the motel that you were staying at again now that you are done with that job for now?
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
22 Sep 11
I think it is probably the latter. On the first time around (2003) my numbers were single digit when I finished with treatment. This time the lowest they went was 30 and it has more than doubled since then.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157665)
• United States
22 Sep 11
I think you are right, being active and doing positive things will help you heal. I am sorry about this kind of depressing news.
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
22 Sep 11
I am of the opinion that "this too shall pass" and "when life gives you lemons make lemonade". I know I can make a difference in this world and that keeps me going. Thanks for the response and have a great week!!!
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
22 Sep 11
Although this is a little scary for me, I'm really not all that worried about it. I will do everything I can to beat this and while I'm fighting, I will stay active with the Red Cross and any other activity that I can get involved in. By taking care of others, I tend to worry less about the negative aspects of what is happening to me and it helps me feel better about life in general. Thanks for the response!
1 person likes this
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
22 Sep 11
This is great news and I so love your positivity. That alongside with the treatments is what is getting you to better health. Sounds like the pill treatment will be better then what you had recently.
I am glad you have been really active as yes it will keep you from being depressed. My prayers are strong my dear Deb as I want you to be healthy, fully recovered and happy as can be. 
2 people like this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
22 Sep 11
It isn't hard to stay positive when I know that many others have been in the same spot that I am in right now. I figure since I was given some lemons (this news) I would make some lemonade. It is better than wallowing in my sorrow. By working with others, even if it is only doing some of the background footwork, I can make things better for everyone. Have a great week!!!
1 person likes this
@Oldsix691418 (3872)
• China
21 Sep 11
Hi,Daeckardt!I hope you can live your good life without caring whatever will happen since we cannot control everything of ourselves.Sometimes we have to receive the arrangements from God.Good luck!
2 people like this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
21 Sep 11
I totally agree that we can't control everything. I am quite philosophical about this really. I know that I can overcome this obstacle in my life and while it might slow me down a little bit, I know that I can still make a difference in the world and that is what I plan to do. I know that I can be other people's strength and even if that is all I do, it has made a difference. Thanks for the response!
1 person likes this
@Oldsix691418 (3872)
• China
21 Sep 11
I believe you can make it and I'm expecting your better developing.Have a nice day!
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
21 Sep 11
sometimes you just wonder when it will ever stop. so sorry to hear that. the thing is like you said we cant let it get to us. we have to just keep on keeping on hoping for the best
i was informed yesterday that i have to keep seeing the oncologist for a while, even though they said they got it all
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
21 Sep 11
I would keep seeing the oncologist even if they said they got it all. I remember last time around, they saw me every three months for the first two years, then every six months for two years then once a year after that. Unfortunately, I was not able to keep up on that schedule when I moved to China so I missed one or two exams. I did get some parts of the check up done, but no CT scan for two years. But the tumors that were found didn't show up on the CT scan because they were too small so they could have been there for a while before symptoms showed up from the other problem. It is pretty normal to keep seeing the oncologist on a regular basis after a diagnosis even if they did get it all to make sure it doesn't come back right away like mine did.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215808)
• Chile
22 Sep 11
You know you can do it, Deb! You are an inspiration for many of us, so even if you can´t go to do field work, this is another type of field work you are doing.
My doctor´s appointment didn´t go good today either. The doctor confessed to my daughter (who went with me) that the bone marrow test at the beginning had two parts. The easy to do had been fine, but the other showed some stupid bad cells where they should not be. That changed my tumor form 1-2 to 4. She hopes that this cchemo will make the tumor smaller and cleans the bone marrow. If it does, there is another treatment with my own marrow if chemo does not work. SH*T!!! Sorry.
A BIG HUG!!! Let´s try to cope!
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
22 Sep 11
It sounds like we both need to keep each other in good spirits. I have my work to do with the Red Cross to help me keep my mind of the negative aspects of what this might mean. I have known for years that many women who have recurrences tend to have them chronically so I can treat this like any other chronic illness like diabetes or something. It is just a little harder to keep under control. I hope it starts going better for you. Take care of yourself and have a great week!!!
1 person likes this
@marie2052 (3691)
• United States
22 Sep 11
Don't you feel like you are on a merry go round only not the fun kind?
They have done all kinds of tests on me for my Urinary Tract infections and even looked at my kidneys all come back stating normal.
So they have no idea why I get them frequently but all usual stuff cranberry juice, yogurt etc does not help either.
he did say the CT scan showed my uterus a bit larger than normal and suggested a trip to the gyn for another pelvic, but I was just there 2 months ago and did all that and he said everything was normal.
So Dr gave me a a regime of antibiotics to take when I get a flare so I don't have to come back every visit for something they can't seem to cure.
I keep busy cross stitching and reading and yelling at the Prez to keep my activity up LOL
I do take walks and enjoy getting out in the air.
But its just another illness for me to deal with like you only yours is 10 times harsher than mine.
I sure hope that everything gets better and they let you have the pill.
Huggs to you!
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
23 Sep 11
Definitely on a merry-go-round. I know why I keep getting the UTIs and until they either fix the fistula or remove the cause those will continue. As far as the numbers go, that doesn't surprise me either because I had heard from other women on the ovca support group that this can be a chronic condition with recurrences. I will take life one day at a time and make lemonade when life gives me lemons. Have a great weekend!!!
@abatencila (970)
• Philippines
23 Sep 11
Just keep holding on and fighting. I know God has purpose that's why He gave this trial to you. Maybe, you are special on your own. Just keep helping others and enjoy your day!
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
23 Sep 11
I think the purpose I was given was to help others, whether it be others with cancer or similar challenges or disaster victims. I will do whatever my health allows me to. Thanks for the response!
