I have had lots of friends and family ask how I am doing with my cancer journey lately, so here is a little update.
I wish I had better news to share at this time, but unfortunately the cancer tumors are not responding to the estrogen blocking medication as we had hoped. Last week I had a CT scan that showed 3 tumors that have all doubled in size in the past 3 months.
I was given a few options to choose from: 1: surgery to remove the tumors 2: targeted medication that could help stop the mutation in new cancer cells (that is basically a chemo pill with all the chemo side effects) or 3: participate in a trial that is in it's first phase and is too new to know if it will do anything.
Today I met with my oncology surgeon to discuss the option of surgery. I thought that having surgery would be a good option to quickly remove the tumors before they grew more, but after having 7 surgeries in the past year and a half, I learned why this is not a good choice. Due to the location of one of my tumors near my colon and already having to have 12 inches of colon removed a few months ago, if we had surgery I would have a permanent colostomy bag (poop bag) and would still have microscopic cancer cells left in my body.
After meeting with my doctors and lots of prayers to decide the best option, I have decided to pursue option #2 and try a new medication that will hopefully block the cancer cells from reproducing. This medication is not approved for Ovarian cancer since it is such a new drug and getting it approved is very challenging. Oh, and it only costs around $11,000/month! If approved, my doctor will try to help me get assistance for the medication.
Another downside to this medication is that is a chemo pill, so I would experience hair loss, low white blood cell count (so I couldn't be around people due to low immunity), neuropathy- loss of sensation in hands and feet, nausea and fatigue. I figure it can't be as bad as the aggressive chemo that was pumped directly in my abdomen before, so BRING IT ON! I am not giving up and will not let cancer take over my life!
My Oncologists have been wonderful in giving me the few options left to try. They have encouraged me to spend as much time with my family due to not knowing how much time I have left and poor response to previous treatments.
As difficult as this information has been for both me and my family, I continue to seek out the positive in life. I am working as a physical therapist and focusing on getting a certification for hand therapy (which is a lot of work, studying, and hours required) and helping my patients heal from their pain.
Yes, I am exhausted both physically and mentally every day from working, being a mom to 2 busy little girls, and trying to kick Cancer out of my way by eating clean and staying active.
I appreciate all the prayers and fasts that have been done on my behalf. I know that I would not have the comfort from the spirit that I feel now without them!
As medical bills continue to pile up, we are grateful for everyone who has donated money to help assist in my medical debt and cancer treatments. Thank you all for your love and support as well as encouraging words! I will not give up on fighting this terrible disease
Jan hair
