Well, so far my treatment is going very well.  I have felt as good the past few weeks as I have in a long time.  I did blood work on Monday and my platelets were down, which is normal for the type of drugs I am getting this time.  They were 40,000 and should be 100,000 or higher.  I repeated blood work yesterday and they were up to 42,000.  Dr. Walker said that was great as she had expected them to drop even lower.  My CA 125 this week was 84, compared to 222 when I started chemo this time.  That is great news!  I also found out yesterday when I saw Dr. Walker that I will NOT lose my hair with the chemo regimen that I'm on this time.  I am thrilled about that!!!

Emma and Kylie are having a fun summer so far.  They have been swimming a lot, went to the zoo one day, played in a box and have had lots of snow cones!  Wednesday evening we did "Movie in the Park" downtown.  It was fun and there were way more people there than I thought would be there.  Next time we will get there earlier to get a better seat and take our bug spray!  We are going to the drive-in movie this Friday night in Guthrie.  Emma has also been doing tennis every morning.  She loves cooking with Granny. And she spent the last three days at Vietnam Camp here in OKC.  We also spent several evenings with the Bond's from Dallas who come up for this camp every year.  They have Danette who is Emma's age and adopted from Vietnam and also Austin, who is 6, adopted from Korea.  We always look forward to seeing them every summer.

I've been staying busy too.  I had lunch last week with some of my former co-teachers...Lorie Kennedy, Betty Mise and Tricia D'Amico.  Fun time!! My volunteer job at Children's Hospital is going well.  I always look forward to getting there and cheering up some sick children.  This past week I got to be "crafty" and make some name signs for several of the kids' rooms.  The hospital has a room with every kind of craft supply imaginable!  I've also been in a "sewing" mood lately at home.  I've made a litter bag for my car, laundry bags for Emma and her friend, Kallie.  They will be going to camp Kanakuk in a few weeks.  My next project is curtains for our bedroom.

Next month Thomas and I are taking a little getaway trip to Cripple Creek, Colorado and staying in a cabin.  I've checked the weather a few times and it's been in the 50's.  I cannot wait!

This is all for now.  See you later,
Cathy

 

 

 

 

 

Last Thursday was the last day of my 30-year teaching career (as a full-time teacher).  I plan on subbing some in the future.  I don't think it has hit me yet that I'm retired.  I imagine when August rolls around and everyone starts getting in their back-to-school mode, I will realize it then.  And, I will probably be a little bummed.  But, getting to sub will help me not be too sad.  My co-workers at Project HOPE gave me and Bob Patton an awesome retirement party.  It was way more than we ever expected and they definitely went above and beyond.  Bob and I taught together at Putnam City North back in the day and then both ended up at Project HOPE to end our careers.  We both graduated HS in 1973 - me, a Marlow Outlaw, and Bob, a Chickasha "Fighting" Chick.  I will miss working with Bob and the other teachers/staff/subs at HOPE.  They have truly been like my extended family this past year during my cancer battle from taking on extra duties, covering my classes during doctor appointments, taking me to my chemo appointments, and so much more.  I can't thank them enough.  Oh, and a special shout-out to Betty Mise for stepping up "out of retirement" last April to take over for me until I returned to school in October.  We also taught together at PC North and she is a dear friend.

Well, it's summer and that means Kylie and Abby are here with us again.  Every year, we look forward to this time when they come back to stay with us while Abby helps us with the pool business.  Kylie got to help Emma light the candles at church a few weeks ago.  I can't believe she will be starting kindergarten this fall.  Even though there's a 5-year age difference between her and Emma, they LOVE playing with each other.  They get along so well and are never at a loss to figure out something to do or pretend.

Last week I got to go to Chickasha America to see my awesome friend, Tessa, get married.  It was the sweetest wedding and reception.  Tessa was a stunning bride and Daniel looked very handsome!  Tessa's daughter, Korbyn (her mom's mini-me)looked beautiful as well.  Congrats Tessa and Daniel and wishes for many years of happiness!

Yesterday was my first day of volunteering at Children's Hospital as a "baby buddy".  I thoroughly enjoyed it and will look forward to doing it every Monday!

And, today was my first chemo treatment.....AGAIN.  I will be doing 18 weeks this time.  Good news is that I will do two weeks and then be off a week.  I'm getting three meds this time, one of which I had last year and two new ones.  Today's treatment took about 4 hours (long one) and Candice was my chemo buddy!  About 30 minutes into my treatment, I got a text from my Marlow bestie, Becky Lightner.  It started out like this, "Had you on my mind today."  She had no idea I was even starting treatment today.  I don't think that it was a coincidence-I think it was a God thing!

Candice and I met a young girl today who was doing her very first treatment for cervical cancer.  She is from out of town and has 3 young children.  She will be doing treatment 5 days a week for 8 hours a day which includes chemotherapy and radiation.  Her husband had to give up his job to be here with her for the two months of treatment.  They will be staying in a hotel with their youngest and luckily will be able to go home on the weekends and spend time with their other two children.  I cannot imagine how hard this is going to be for all of them.  I'm sure they would be grateful for any prayers on their behalf.  Just when you think you have it really bad, you meet someone with many more challenges of their own.  I'm counting my blessings tonight.

This is all for now.  Cathy

                                                       

Here's a brief update on my health status.  The last time I posted in March, my CA125 was 75.8.  When I had it checked in April it had gone up to 111.1.  So, the fact that it is increasing means that more than likely disease is present again.  But I do have good news.  Originally I was scheduled to have my next CT scan in June, when school was out.  However, I have been experiencing off and on pain in my upper right abdomen (where the tumor is located).  So, Dr. Walker decided to go ahead and have me do a CT scan last week instead of waiting until June.  The conclusion was that there is "no new measurable disease", which means it hasn't changed since the last scan. Yay!!!  Also, my chest scan was clear.  So, for now, since I'm feeling relatively good, I'm going to hold off on chemotherapy. 

We had a wonderful Easter. this year.  Emma won the prize basket during the Easter egg hunt at church.  But Easter Sunday was especially special for us this year as Emma accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Her Nana, Granny and Papa Ed were there to see her get baptized.  It was a glorious day!

I have 14 days of school left with students.  Then June 1 will be my last day of school.  I'm excited about my retirement and I look forward to doing things at home that I've been putting off.  I have plenty of stuff to do around my house to keep me busy for a while.  I plan on going through our two attics and our entire house and getting rid of stuff we don't need/use anymore.  I know I said my last garage sale would be the last one I ever do, but I think I will have one more big one once I clean house!

I'm also going to volunteer at Children's Hospital to be a "baby buddy".  I will get to hold/play with babies that are 1 year old and younger.  I've already completed the training for it and done my two rounds of TB tests.  I plan to start volunteering this summer.

My hair is finally long enough that I have somewhat of a normal hairstyle.  It's nice to not be bald and not have to wear a wig!  When I was bald, my head was always cold.  When wearing a wig, my head was hot!  I like having my own hair!

A few weeks ago, I participated in Carepacks and Cocktails.  It was a fundraiser for the Tenaciously Teal organization that gives care packs to people undergoing chemotherapy.  We did a fashion show and got to model two outfits each.  My two outfits came from Milo and Lily, a cute little boutique in the Collonade Shopping Center on May Avenue.  It was so much fun.  As we walked down the runway, there were lots of people on both sides cheering for us, taking pictures and giving us high fives.  Many of the models were survivors and some of us are still fighters.  It just gave me a very warm feeling inside to know that the people there, total strangers, were proud of us for fighting this horrible disease and wanted to show their support for us.  It was an amazing evening!  Thank you Tarah Warren for all that you do for cancer fighters/survivors!

We celebrated my mom's 81st birthday last week.  We played the clothespin game (Russ's favorite!!) and mom won the sudden death match!  We had a great time together.  I'm so thankful that my mom is still healthy and young at heart.  Many of my high school friends have already lost one or both of their parents.  I just feel so lucky to still have both of mine.

So, for now, that is where I'm at.  I will update when I have news to share.  Keep the prayers coming.  They are working!

Love, Cathy

Yesterday I met with Dr. Kathryn Moore at SCC and I really like her.  She spent almost an hour with us explaining, in great detail, all of the different treatment options I have at this point.  She sat beside me and wrote down everything she said so that I would have it for future reference.  Almost all of the questions that Candice, Abby and I had going in to the appointment with were answered during her explanation.  What makes my case really tricky is the fact that I am right at the 6-month mark as far as when the cancer returned.  There are options for recurrence less than 6 months and options for recurrence more than 6 months and I am right on the borderline.  I also found out this week exactly what kind of ovarian cancer I have.  It's (get ready...it's a long name): High grade ovarian serous papillary adenosarcoma!

Since my cancer is not "measurable" at this point and since I am not having clinical symptoms, other than occasional slight pain, I am going to hold off on treatment for now. I will go back in June for another CT scan to see if the disease has progressed. If I start experiencing more symptoms from the cancer, I will decide on a treatment and go forward with it.

So, health wise, that's where I am as of now.  I really appreciate everyone who is praying for me to beat this disease.  Prayer works!

Emma had her cheer banquet Sunday and was awarded "Best Flyer" on her squad. She is moving up to a Level 4 squad for the upcoming year.  Her cousin, Olivia, got "Most Improved" from her squad!

And, Kylie has been here all week to keep me entertained and make me laugh!  She is a bundle of FUN!

Later,
Cathy

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