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

As one year ends and another begins, I want to reflect on 2016.  The year brought us shocking news on April 6 as I was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer.  Thomas, Candice, Abby and Austin were right there beside me as Dr. Joan Walker explained what the CT scan showed: large tumor on my ovary (size of a grapefruit), two other tumors close to the skin, several other tumors deeper in my abdomen and fluid (cancerous cells) in the omentum (layer of fat cells in abdomen).  On April 11, 2016, I had laparoscopic surgery to see if the tumors could be removed.  Dr. Walker decided that surgery to remove the tumors at this point was not a good idea.  I did nine chemotherapy treatments and then had surgery to remove the tumors on June 23 and started chemotherapy again 2 weeks later. Even though I felt pretty good most of the time and responded very well to the chemo treatments, when I look back on the six months from April to October, I realize that I was pretty sick.  My weight dropped almost 20 pounds.  I am now back up to my pre-diagnosis weight and feel like my old self again.  The only thing that is different is my hair!

I am still on the research medication and will continue that for two years.  Every six weeks I go in for blood work, see the doctor and get my next round of pills.  I also go in for a CT scan every 3 months for the next two years, then every 6 months for a year and then once a year from then on.  The CT scans that I had in August and November were both clear - no cancer.  My next scan is in February.

I thank God every day that I am currently cancer-free.  With that said, I also realize that I will be dealing with this from now on - lab work, scans, dr. appointments, etc.  But that is ok because for now I am healthy, happy and loving life.

I went back to work on October 4 which was a very good thing.  Up until that point I was still low on energy and moving pretty slowly.  Once I was back at work - getting up early every day and getting lots more exercise during the day, I started to feel even better.

Between October and December, we took several trips and had some great family time together.  We flew to LA and then drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco.  In November, we went to New York City and stayed in an apartment on the Upper West Side.  In early December, Thomas and I took a trip to Chicago and the week before Christmas, we met Abby, Kelly, Kylie and Austin in California and spent two days (rainy days) at Disneyland.

I am looking very forward to 2017.  My New Year's resolutions are to enjoy every day and to start a walking routine (per Dr. Walker!!!).

And again, thank you to every single one of you who took time to call, text or send me a card.  The way our friends and family reached out to us, during the most difficult year, was unbelievable.  From meals brought to us, to gifts and gift cards, to visits to the hospital or our home, to helping out with Emma, to praying for all of us, we could not be more thankful.  I pray that all of you have a wonderful 2017 and make the most of every day!

Love, Cathy

She makes me smile!

My awesome family

My very first chemo treatment

Kylie gets her face painted at Thunder Game

Me and my friend, Tessa, hosting Project Hope talent show.

Mom and dad take me to chemo appt.

Longtime friends, Mark and Teresa Landrith

Saying goodbye to my hair

 Emma had a blast cutting all my hair off!

No hair and very thin

Me and my sweet daddy

10 year anniversary dinner

Lunch with Candice and Abby in hospital

Jim and Angie O'Daniel come to visit me in hospital

Abby and me

Driving the PCH!

My two best nurses! 

Carrie takes me to chemo!

NYC subway.

Central Park

Strolling through New York City

Upper west side apartment

On our 7-mile walking tour of NYC.

Chicago trip

Disneyland

Disneyland

Emma loves Disneyland

Two happy little Mouseketeers!!

Christmas Day with mom and dad

I saw Dr. Walker for a check-up last Wednesday.  She said I was "the picture of health"!!!  That was very good to hear.  I have felt really good this past week.  I even got ready for a garage sale (with the awesome help of Candice and Abby).  I did the garage sale on Friday (with the help of mom, dad and Thomas) and it was pretty successful so I decided not to do it again on Saturday.  Instead, Emma and I slept in and stayed in our pajamas all day.  It was great!  I think I've decided that number one, I will not be having any more garage sales and number two, I'm going to quit buying stuff.  It just amazes me how much stuff we accumulate that we really don't need.  So, if I quit buying unnecessary stuff, it will quit accumulating and I will not have to have a garage sale twice a year.  That is the plan anyway.

While at the doctor on Wednesday, I found out what the plan will be as far as my care for the next few years.  Since I am on the research drug, I will still have to go for lab work every 3 weeks on Wednesdays and then go to pick up my research pills on the following Friday.   I will continue the drug for two years.  I will have a CT scan every 3 months for the first two years, every 6 months for the next three years and then once a year after that.  That's a lot of driving to SCC.  I'm just very thankful that I live right here in OKC and don't have to drive for hours like some patients.  I still have the incision wound but it is considerably smaller.  Dr. W said I had been doing a good job of caring for it myself.  I think it will completely heal within a few weeks.  I'm losing my eyelashes again....bummer.  Hopefully, though, once they grow back they will stay since I'm done with chemo.  My hair is still growing but not quite as fast as I want it to.  It does save a lot of time though as far as getting ready to go somewhere.

Speaking of going somewhere, I'm starting back to work tomorrow.  I'm excited to see my friends/co-workers/students and get back into a routine.  I just hope I have the stamina to make it all day!  I'm so used to doing very little during the day for the past 6 months and I have to say, it's been nice!  I've kind of gotten used to it!

This is Win Win week for cancer awareness at Putnam City North High School.  I have been asked to say a few words about my experience with cancer before North's football game on Thursday night.  Every year, PCN and other schools in the district raise thousands of dollars for cancer research so I am glad to do this small favor for that cause.

I'm not sure how often I'll update the blog from here on out....maybe once a month or so!  I'll post on FB when I update.

Later, Cathy

Tuesday - went in for blood work.  My levels were good for chemo on Friday.  My magnesium was low again so they decided to give me some in my IV when I get my chemo treatment.

Wednesday - went in to get my wound checked.  It's getting smaller and I'm hoping it will heal completely since I'll be done with chemo this week.  I am tired of having to deal with it every day.  I also got a pneumonia shot while I was there and they gave me a bag of fluids since I've still been experiencing light-headedness every time I stand up from a sitting position.

Friday - This is the day I've been looking forward to since my diagnosis in April.....my last day of chemotherapy!!  My weight was up several pounds today-that always makes me happy.  Thomas took me and Candice was going to meet us there.  They got me all hooked up and I was just sitting there when Candice AND Abby walked in.  Yes, Abby.  She flew in from Idaho to surprise me and I must say I was really surprised.  I got a free cupcake since it was my last treatment.  Bill, the volunteer, brought it to me.  He is the sweetest man and he is always at SCC.

Thomas, Abby and I went to the state fair this evening.  We had calzone, poncho dog, cinnamon roll and strawberry crepe.  There were a lot of people there and the weather was perfect.

I have an appointment with Dr. Walker next week so I will find out then how often I'll have to come in for blood work, port flushing, getting my trial drugs, etc.  I do know that I will continue to take the trial drugs for 2 more years.  I am very glad my chemo treatments are over with.  I'm looking forward to feeling normal again, regaining my strength and going back to work.

And once again, thanks to all of you who have been praying for me since my cancer diagnosis.  Getting the all clear CT scan on August 31 was the definitely the most exciting day of my journey so far.  Not only do I see this as a victory for me, I see this as a victory for all of those who have sent up prayers on my behalf.  God answered YOUR prayers and mine.  I know the journey will continue but for now we are celebrating our good news and praising God for his healing.

Last Friday's treatment was the double dose (Carbo/Taxol) and once again it took its toll on me.  I always feel pretty good on Saturday and then start going downhill on Sunday.  Candice fixed lunch for us Sunday (Garlic Chicken Pasta, roasted broccoli and crescent rolls - YUM!) and it was ready for us when we got home from church.  Then Candice and I did our usual Sunday thing - laid on the couch and watched COPS, Fixer Upper, Bronx 9-1-1 or whatever catches our attention.  We always manage to get a short nap in there at some point too.  All I did on Monday - Wednesday was rest.  I had no energy and was still experiencing the light-headedness, probably because of my low blood pressure.  A while back, after getting some low levels on some of my blood work, one of the nurses told me to walk a few flights of stairs before I go in to have my blood drawn, so I started doing that.  It gets your blood circulating and and helps you get better results.  Well, this past Tuesday it was all I could do to do a few flights of stairs.  I just did not have the energy but somehow I managed to do it.  Blood work came back good so they cleared me for treatment on Friday.

Tuesday evening, I was honored to be asked to throw out the first pitch of the Putnam City North vs. Putnam City High softball game in honor of Cancer Awareness.  September is the official cancer awareness month for several types of cancer, including Ovarian Cancer.   Coach Tony Douglas escorted me out to the pitcher's mound where I pitched the pink softball that had been signed by the team/coaches and given to me to keep.  The ball almost made it to the catcher! LOL  I also saw quite a few PCN teachers at the game that I hadn't seen in a long time which was nice.

Wednesday I did not leave my house.  In fact I slept very late and then transferred to my chair in the living room where I spent the rest of the day.......in my PAJAMAS!!  It was awesome.  I think that was the day it rained a lot too, so that made it even better.

Thursday was a day for good food.  I went and had an awesome lunch with my mom and dad....chicken spaghetti, fried okra, corn on the cob, homemade rolls and homemade chocolate cream pie (which was still warm from the oven when we ate it).  My mom is a fantastic cook so needless to say, it was delicious.  That evening we attended the Great State Fair of Oklahoma (opening day).  The threat of rain probably kept some from going because it was not crowded at all like it usually is on the first day.  We had our usual:  roasted corn on the cob, Calzone, chocolate dipped cheesecake and a cinnamon roll on the way out.

I had chemo this morning (just Taxol).  My boss from Project HOPE, Kimberly Montrose, accompanied me.  We caught up on school stuff!  They were so busy today that all of the chairs in all of the areas were occupied so for the first time, I got a private infusion room.  It was different, I kind of missed being out there with all of the other patients.

ONE MORE TREATMENT TO GO!!  Thomas and Candice are going to go with me for the last one. I think it might be a bittersweet moment for me.  While I'm glad it's the last treatment, I will miss seeing some of my favorite nurses, receptionists, lab nurses, Bill the volunteer who is there every day and some of the patients I've met along the way.  Like I've said from day one, if you have to do chemotherapy, Stephenson Cancer Center is the perfect place to do it.  It is such a beautiful, peaceful facility and everyone there is so nice, helpful, empathetic-just good people.  Just the entire atmosphere at SCC makes why you are there easier to deal with.

We are headed to the OSU-Pittsburg game tomorrow.  If we lose tomorrow, hopefully it won't be AFTER the game is over, like it was last week.  What a bummer that was.  Oh well, it's just a game.

I went in Wednesday for my lab work.  My levels were ok for treatment but I had to go in early Friday morning and have blood re-tested to see if they needed to make some adjustments in my chemo drugs.  The levels they were testing had come up so they didn't have to make any changes.  So I had the Carbo and Taxol treatment on Friday.  My good friend from work, Carrie, took me to my appointment.  So far I have felt fine, maybe just slightly more tired than usual.

On Tuesday I got a call from Dr. Walker's office.  They wanted to know if I would be interested in being in some pictures that they were taking for the Stephenson Cancer Center website and also for some pamphlets for Dr. Walker.  So on Wednesday after my lab work a photographer took photos of me and Dr. Walker in one of the examination rooms.  I felt very honored that she picked me out of all of her patients to be in the pictures with her.

Thomas and I went to the OSU game today.  It was chilly and luckily I took a blanket into the stadium or I would have been miserable.  The game was good until the refs gave Central Michigan an extra play after the game was over, which resulted in OSU losing the game.  Oh well, I guess it's just a game.