Well, it has been almost a year since I was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer.  This time last year when we were in Hawaii for spring break, I kept feeling of the knot in my abdomen thinking something just wasn't right.  Even though in January I had been told by my primary care physician that it was a rib deformity, I didn't agree.  I felt that it was something else but the thought of it being a tumor never entered my mind.  As soon as we got back home, I saw my gastroenterologist and he ordered a CT scan.  He called me the day after I had it done and told me it was ovarian cancer.  A week later I saw Dr. Joan Walker at Stephenson Cancer Center and she confirmed it.  A week later I had my first surgery (exploratory), then began chemotherapy, then in June had surgery to remove all of the tumors and then did three more rounds of chemo.  My last chemo treatment was September 9, 2016.  I had two clear CT scans after that, one in November and one in February.  My CA125 level had been running between 8 and 11, which is very normal.  In February, the CA125 had risen to 35.  I was told that sometimes that happens (could be due to some kind of infection) and to try not to worry about it.  Right!!!!!  I had blood work repeated on March 8 and the CA125 level had jumped up to 76, so it had more than doubled.  Not good.  Dr. Walker was very concerned and said more than likely the disease (cancer) had recurred.  She encouraged me to go to Hawaii and just enjoy life and when we returned we would come up with a treatment plan.  I also had another CT scan before we left for spring break.  It showed no progression since the last one in February, which to me was somewhat encouraging.  However, what it did show was "thickening" of cells between my liver and diaphragm. (i.e. cancer)  We had a great time in Maui.  We did nothing but hang out at the pool and beach, eat good food and just take it easy.  It was so relaxing and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.  We all three celebrated our birthdays there and even saw Beauty and the Beast on its opening night.  (I highly recommend it.)  We are very blessed to be able to enjoy our special days in such a beautiful, serene place.  It is paradise on earth!

I met with Dr. Walker today and was presented with several different options as far as treatment.  There's just so much to take in and it's all very overwhelming.  Luckily, Thomas and Abby were with me to hear the different options also.  Next Wednesday I will meet with Dr. Kathleen Moore who is the Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Program at SCC as well as the Director of the only Phase I Clinical Trial Studies programs in Oklahoma.  Hopefully after visiting with her, I will be more equipped to make a decision as to which treatment plan I will choose.

I knew when this journey began that there would be ups and downs and I would have to fight this disease the rest of my life.  So, that is what I plan on doing and I will give it everything I've got.

On a more positive note, I have decided to retire at the end of this year and I'm excited about that.  While I still love teaching and love the kids, it's time for me to enjoy doing things I like to do and take it easy.  One of the things I plan on doing is volunteering at Children's Hospital as a Baby Buddy.  I've already began the hiring process for that....done the interview and drug screening.  I will still have to attend an orientation and a few other things.  I just hope my doing treatment again doesn't put a damper on me being able to volunteer.  I've wanted to do this for a long time.

I'll update again when I know what my treatment plan is going to look like.

Cathy

Aloha