Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Mid Week update

Met with my gynological/oncological surgeon today. Haven't had a recheck with her in a year now! She's outside the Kaiser system and I was referred to her because of my unique situation and she's the top in her field. She knows my history from the beginning, and since my Kaiser oncologist retired in March and my OHSU oncologist moved to Canada, it's important for me to be able to check in with someone that has been there from the onset. She's a great patient advocate and very proactive and is known by other patients and medical staff as "The Bulldog". But I love that about her. She pulls no punches and says it like it is and is very up front and frank with you. She always makes me feel grounded. I really value her opinion.

Anyways, my followup went well. She did a pap and internal and she said everything felt smooth and normal. She said I look great and that she's not worried about the slight increase in my CA125. I mentioned my concern about weight gain and she said it was important. That it's a protective barrier. That I need those reserves to draw from if I get sick. So that made me feel a little better about myself. She also agreed with everything my new oncologist has done and her approach. She also set my mind at ease about my Cobra insurance running out and staying with Kaiser afterwards. That I'm getting really expensive treatment for not a lot. It could be so much worse. And that I'm still here, which says alot. That they must be doing something right. She also agrees with staying on a chemo regimine if it means keeping the cancer at bay and buying more time. It's just so old and I'm so tired of it, but I can't agrue with that ya know? I've tried so many different things and I've gotta go with what works.

Since I was at the hospital anyways, I went to my Making Today Count Women With Metastatic Cancer Support Group for the firs time in a long time. After several beloved women died, I couldn't bring myself to go. It was good to see some familiar faces and to check in with everyone. It's a hard thing to do. To go to those meetings. To see some of the women deteriorating before your eyes. To hear some of them have 6-12 months to live. It sure puts a lot of things in perspective and it makes me feel very grateful for my situation. It could always be so much worse. I'm thankful I can do all that I do and feel pretty good doing it, considering. I really am fortunate. Considering. Ya know? I don't look like a cancer patient. I have my hair. I'm nice and round. :) I can walk unassisted. Gotta admit, I've got it good compared to a lot of them. Gotta remember that!

Ok, to move on to soccer update....

Spencer's 8th grade Catlin Gabel team beat Trinity Lutheran on Tuesday 6-0 and so they advance in the playoffs and play Thurs. @ Riverdale Elem/Middle School at 415pm. If they win then (tough matchup!) they will play in the championship game on Monday. Go Blue!!!!

Spencer has a league game tonight with his U14 Modoc's soccer team. And then he has 2 games on Saturday and Kaelin has a game too.

I'm excited about plans in the works for a high school and college friends reunion in the works! Probably a Kentwood group in mid December in Washington and then a UCLA group in San Francisco in late January! :) Email me if you're interested in joining in! I joked to a friend that I felt like it was my "Farewell Tour." He set me straight. I should know better than to say those things out loud! ;)

Glorious day here in the Pacific NW! 70 degrees. Clear. Sunny. Beautiful fall colors. Perfect!!!!

Hope you all have a glorious week! Enjoy the beauty of fall!!!!

xoxox
Shauna

6 comments:

Paris said...

So glad that the appt. w/your surgeon went well. I know things are hard but you are doing so GREAT!! You look awesome and you are so strong. I'm just so dang proud of you for fighting the fight and being so on top of things. Good for you! Congrats to S and his soccer team. Wasn't today just the BEST weather... love it!! Very cool about your possible reunions! I know you would have a fabulous time doing that. Thanks again for spending time with me yesterday... I just had a blast :) Love you, p

JO said...

Hi Shauna:

I am so glad that you went to the support group meeting today. I am sure everyone was surprised and excited to see you.

Glad your appointment went well today with your surgeon. I am sure you now feel more comfortable about what Dr. Lycette has prescribed for your treatments.

I will send you an email tomorrow.

Enjoy this wonderful weather. Hey, I miss seeing you!

Love you, JO

Anonymous said...

Shauna:

You never cease to amaze me - I feel it is such a blessing to know someone with such determination. You do what you have to do when you have to do it - who would have thought what would have become of things in the beginning? You continue to beat the odds but it is your perseverence that is allowing you to do so. Keep up the fight and we are all right there with you, dear friend.

Marlene

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great visit with the dr. So hard for you to know what to do but listen to the ones you trust 100% and trust your heart and you'll do the right things for YOU.

Yeah on the soccer win! Thanks to your Mom for bringing the girls home tonight. I beat her by about 5 min.

Hugs and more hugs for you dear one!
Jaci

Loni said...

I'm so glad to hear that your doctor had some comforting words for you.

When I look at you I see an incredibly strong, talented and loving friend who has beautifully curly hair, bright eyes and a genuine smile.

Berit just signed up for the local basketball league. I think all that sports talk during our visit got her thinking!

Love you, Loni

Hilary said...

Shauna,

Wonderful to hear your good news! I'm glad you're working with a such a strong and supportive doctor. And I've love to be part of the Kentwood reunion (best email address is: hooverhe@yahoo.com).

Thinking of you!

Regards,

Hilary