Tomorrow is my birthday and three years ago I gave myself a birthday present and decided to make all
my yearly appointments that I'd neglected the previous year while
dealing with my in-laws. I was dealing with a new city, new insurance
region, new doctors. As with any insurance these days, I needed
referrals to specialists.
When I received the first referral in the mail, I called to make my
appointment. The receptionist was quite pleasant, but I was quite taken
aback when she asked what my cancer diagnosis was. I said I didn't
have one and she said I'm sorry we can't see you then, but that's good
news. I called my doctor back and asked for a new referral. In all, I
was seeking 3 referrals for 3 separate problems. The next week I
received the referral for problem number two and was met with a similar
conversation with another receptionist. Once again I called my
doctor's office back and started over on the referral process. Next
came the third referral for another doctor at the same facility. I was
met once again with the same conclusions, "sorry we can't accept you
because you have no cancer diagnosis". All of these referrals were to MD Anderson.
My doctor's office never did get any of the referrals handled with the
insurance company. I called the insurance company myself and found that
I didn't even need a referral for my well woman exam in this region
and they gave me the information for the UTMB women's clinic.
It was here that I was finally seen and originally diagnosed. It was
here that a humble doctor said he wasn't comfortable dealing with this
and asked where I'd like to be referred. I know and believe that all of these "misdirected" referrals were so that MD Anderson
would be on the tip of my tongue. When the doctor said the tumor was
the size of large grapefruit I was distressed. When he told me he
was uncomfortable removing a tumor that size and wanted to refer me
somewhere else, I said MD Anderson.
Spillage (yep, that's a technical term) of tumor cells
influences the incidence of local recurrence. Spillage of tumor
cells, has a negative effect on survival rates. When the diagnosing
doctor used the term "spillage" I thought he was making it up. Then
I looked it up. Spillage is basically what happens when a tumor
tears, rips or ruptures.
980 days ago, I was diagnosed with the "silent killer", Ovarian
Cancer. Ovarian cancer, if detected early is 90 percent curable. But
very few cases are discovered in the earliest stage. Then, there are
miracles, while not many, and I am blessed to be one. Keep in mind I also believe one of the things that saved my life was a very progressive rhuematologist that helped learn to live without chemical drugs 28 years ago by convincing me to eat a healthy diet free of preservatives, altered sugars, etc... As she said if it's blue and not a blueberry, don't eat it and the same goes for orange. Damn, there went the cheetos. The oncologist is convinced that the cancer had nothing in my body to thrive on because I eat healthy, fresh home prepared foods without hormones and preservatives.
When my surgeon, Dr. Diane Bodurka
(a wonderful lady, doctor, surgeon, oncologist - there's a good reason
she's head of the department) said that she believed she got the
tumor out intact without spillage, I felt relieved. When she told me
it was actually the size of a volleyball, had torsioned itself around
everything, but not adhered to any major organs, I felt blessed. 947
days later - in the throes of REMISSION and alive to live another
birthday I feel twice blessed.
When I was first diagnosed, they limited ALL my activity
including driving in an effort to prevent rupturing the tumor.
Ironically the year prior had been full of strenuous activity, moving
boxes and furniture - once again proving that my guardian angel was
looking out for me. The only symptom I ever had, I didn't even know I
was having because it mimicked a chronic appendix of some 35+ years.
Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent" killer because many times
there are no symptoms until the disease has progressed and it's too
late. Most die within five years of their diagnosis — because by the
time doctors find the disease, it has already spread. Early symptoms of
ovarian cancer are often mild, making this disease difficult to
detect. Sadly, a lack of symptoms from this disease means that about
75% of ovarian cancer cases will have spread to the abdomen by the time
they are detected and, unfortunately, most patients die within five
years.
New methods for early screening of ovarian cancer are being
investigated including ultrasound in conjunction with a blood test. The
blood test may detect a cancer protein called CA 125, which is
sometimes detected in the blood of women with ovarian cancer. This is
the test that would have probably saved Gilda Radner's life.
These tests are useful in evaluating tumor growth, however neither of
them has been proven as a reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer.
In my own case, the blood work was within normal range while there was a
volleyball sized tumor inside me. Quite possibly they were within
range because the tumor was still intact, having NOT spread, but no one
knows for sure so be vigilant!!!
Ultrasound can detect changes, but it does not give enough information alone to diagnose ovarian cancer. The CA 125 blood test can return positive results when no cancer is present due to other conditions a woman may experience including fibroid tumors, endometriosis, pelvic infection, pregnancy, or other non-gynecological problems.
Ultrasound can detect changes, but it does not give enough information alone to diagnose ovarian cancer. The CA 125 blood test can return positive results when no cancer is present due to other conditions a woman may experience including fibroid tumors, endometriosis, pelvic infection, pregnancy, or other non-gynecological problems.
The treatment for ovarian cancer varies according to a number of
factors. For most women, the first treatment is also a diagnostic
procedure which involves surgery to determine the extent to which the
disease has spread. As a result of surgery, the cancer will be staged.
Stages range from I to IV, with I being the earliest and IV being the
most advanced stage. Treatment of ovarian cancer is based on the stage
and grade of the disease. A pathologist will determine the grade (how
likely it is to spread) of the malignancy.
Many times ovarian cancer and breast cancer are linked. Because of my family
history with breast cancer (which is what I was always afraid of
getting) I also had the genetic BRCA 1&2 tests done this year. I
would have cut off my breasts had they been positive. Once again
fortune smiled down on me. The results were negative. I guess one
cancer was enough!
Are You at Risk?
- An immediate (mother, sister, or daughter) family member who has had ovarian cancer increases your risk of developing this disease about three times, giving you a 5% to 7% risk of future ovarian cancer.
- When the cause is genetic, ovarian cancer usually shows up a decade earlier in each successive generation. (If your mother had ovarian cancer in her 60s, you stand a good chance that this disease will develop in you in your 50s.)
- Genetic counseling is a good idea for women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers. Women with a family history may opt for oophorectomy, although this procedure does not offer absolute protection it does reduce risk by 75% to 90%
- Research has determined that women who use powders to dust their genital areas have a 60% higher risk of ovarian cancer. Feminine deodorant sprays can almost double your risk.
- Women who use oral contraceptives for at least five years reduce their chance of developing ovarian cancer by half for the short-term following use and possibly for lifetime. The longer you use the pill, the lower your risk.
- Having two or three children can cut your risk by as much as 30% over women who never conceive or give birth. Having five or more children reduces the risk up to 50%, and breastfeeding your children can further reduce your risk.
- Tubal ligation reduces a woman's risk up to 70%.
Remember, the best way to detect ovarian cancer is by regular examinations.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
If symptoms are present, they may include:- unusual abdominal feeling of fullness
- pelvic discomfort
- unexplained indigestion, gas, or bloating
- pain during sexual intercourse
- abnormal bleeding
- swelling and/or pain in the abdomen
Ovarian Cancer Fact 1. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths among American women.
Ovarian Cancer Fact 2. Only 24 percent of ovarian cancers
are diagnosed at an early stage, when the cancer is confined to the
ovary. Most cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other
parts of the body, making it difficult to treat successfully.
Ovarian Cancer Fact 3. One woman out of every 55 (approximately 1.8 percent) will develop ovarian cancer at some point in her lifetime.
Ovarian Cancer Fact 4. Ovarian cancer is most common in women
who have already gone through menopause. The average age for
developing ovarian cancer is 61 years old.
Ovarian Cancer Fact 5. For the small number of women who are
fortunate enough to have their cancer diagnosed before it has spread
beyond the ovary, the chance for recovery is 85 to 90 percent. (A fact
not lost on me)
Ovarian Cancer Fact 6. For the majority of women in whom the
disease has spread beyond the ovary, the chance of living for five
years after the diagnosis is 20 to 25 percent.
Ovarian Cancer Fact 7. A major risk factor for getting ovarian cancer is a personal history of breast, endometrial or colon cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Fact 8. The only sure way to diagnose ovarian
cancer is through microscopic examination of abnormal fluid or tissue,
obtained by needle aspiration (withdrawal of fluid or tissue from a
suspicious area though a special, wide needle) or surgery.
Ovarian Cancer Fact 9. Hycamtin is one of the first of a new
kind of anti-cancer drugs that kills cancer cells by inhibiting an
enzyme essential to the replication of human DNA.
Give yourself a birthday present too!
Make your annual well woman appointment today.
Make your annual well woman appointment today.
4 comments:
Happy Birthday! So glad you gave yourself a present and that you can enjoy your birthday!
Thank you for all this information... and a Very, Very Special Happy Birthday to you... :)
I wanted to be the first to wish you happy birthday, but someone beat me to it! Come by my blog if you have time. As you may know, my mom has had and survived both lung and breast cancer, but what scares me most is the subarachnid hematoma that killed my dad so suddenly. It's hereditary as well. Anyway - this was a great post, and I'm so glad you're okay! Love you, girl!
Thank you!!
2 birthdays later I'm feeling stronger and stronger and seeing that light at the end of the tunnel.
Diana I'll be right there LOL I have faith that you did not inherit that trait and will live a long and healthy life.
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