New Year Catch-Up Update

Hello my dear friends and family,

I am overdue for an update, and since I just got the latest news yesterday I thought I should post now before any more time slips by.

Those of you on Facebook know that I had a CT-scan on Monday (Jan 7) and got the results yesterday (Jan 10).  The CT-scan was ordered due to a rise in my CA-125 level back in December.  The level had risen from the low of 6 to a questionable 21.  As the doctor put it, this was just outside the normal range.  They like to see the numbers below 21.

To back track just a little bit, I had a mammogram done on Dec 6, because I detected a lump on my left side.  It reminded me of a lump I had 3 years ago, which turned out to be (after mammo, ultrasound, and biopsy) a benign, but complicated cyst with thick walls.  Having tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which gives me a very high probablity of developing breast cancer (as if I didn't have enough to worry about), I immediately asked for a mammogram.  The results came back negative, and I am going to trust that this is the case.

My more immediate area of concern, after all, is this other cancer, the UPSC, the rare and aggressive and highly recurrable cancer I learned I had almost one year ago.  Can you believe that much time has passed?

Anyways, to get back to my doctor appointment yesterday....  The CT scan results from Monday started out positive, stating that areas which had been trouble spots before have disappeared or shrunken.  Well, that's good.  I do, however, have 3 suspicious new spots, in new places.  This, together, with the fact that my CA-125 level rose AGAIN, from 21 to 28, indicates that the cancer is "doing its usual thing" and is metastasizing in new places.  That's what UPSC is known for...

My doctor has no wish to make me miserable, and she didn't think another round of chemo was a great idea, given how I reacted to the last treatment, and how thin I still am.  I have not been able to gain any weight back, and tend to hover around 100 lbs.

She did mention the possibility of a clinical trial, which is now under an amendment process and will start up again in a few months.  Don't know much about it, but I think she said something about it being biological in nature, instead of chemical.  Still would have side effects, and I may not even qualify for the trial.  Will have to cross that bridge when we get there.

Right now I am symptom-free and both she and I are glad for that.  I feel pretty well, actually, except for being tired still (same reason, hot flashes/night sweats keep me from sleeping enough - ugh!).  I have an appointment to get my CA-125 level checked again in 4 weeks (in early Feb) and then discuss the results with her on Feb 7.

How do I feel about all this?  A bit mixed up.  I am upset, confused, hopeful, thankful, and sad all at the same time.  I know many people are praying for me and I know God is listening to and answering those prayers, but maybe in ways we can't see or understand.

There's so much I want to try between now and the next blood draw.  Have to EXERCISE!  Need to JUICE more GREENS!  Must be more consistent with taking my VITAMINS and SUPPLEMENTS.  I need to get more serious here, and do what I can.  Do my part, and let God do His part, so to speak.  It is a bit overwhelming when you are tired, but I want to do better.  Wouldn't it be so great if the numbers came back down?!!!

I need to stop typing now, and return a phone call from a concerned friend.  I love and appreciate all of you, and I pray for you too!  Thank you for listening, and praying, and just being there for me.

Love,  Hugs, and Prayers --  Caroline  --  p.s.  My hair is crazy thick and curly now, especially on top!  Here is a quick picture (haven't combed it yet this morning, just with my fingers anyway).