Unfortunately, Updates

Things have been quiet for a few years, but now I'm dealing once again with this ovarian cancer.  I don't see it as a life sentence, rather a chronic disease which I'll probably have to deal with the rest of my life.  Going many years in between episodes has been great, and it's what I'm hoping for in my future. 




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The latest started back in July.  I was feeling something not quite right in my lower abdomen so got a ca125 blood test which came back 10.  Under 35 is "normal", but my usual is 5,6,7.  We redid it in August and again it was 10.  I was still feeling some pressure and cramping, so a CT scan was ordered and a very small mass was found in my Morison's Pouch, the space between my liver and right kidney.  Next, a biopsy which confirmed ovarian cancer, and a recommendation by my oncologist to have this thing removed.

This Monday I met with a surgeon.  The plan is to start with a diagnostic laparoscopy using a video camera to see if there are other bits of cancer that didn't show up in the scan.  If there is, they stop the procedure and I'll talk to my oncologist about treatment options.  If there isn't, he will remove the mass.  75% chance this can be done laparoscopically, otherwise it might end up being an open surgery.  Date is set for Thursday Nov. 2nd.