tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39763414343942861162023-11-16T09:44:56.534-08:00Journey Into TealGabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-31073375801229898062023-08-03T06:08:00.001-07:002023-08-03T06:08:17.944-07:00<p> 3 AUGUST 2023 - 10 YEARS FIGHTING AND CONTINUING TO KICK CANCERS ASS</p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p>10 years ago this month I was on vacation in Tennessee and had incredible back pain. I have a VERY high tolerance for pain and when this kept me from going hiking with my family up to see an awesome view of the mountains....that's when I knew I had to be seen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnTsTrm7NqsxO-j-skahfrE4WgxQxbYKQmNAcYzAY-n-XT2L_MfyihB2pe_Qxre8r0SyZCYI7NwoTud5xG2xlmgpbfInlpTUeZ6ApYZzq4hvTDaldCihKzC9QO80qcxmM6a6JKZz2O0SdlsGpAjLI79rBSrlX9ewdPW33Dlq-unkSc4sjNDmE38uMwqXRf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="620" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnTsTrm7NqsxO-j-skahfrE4WgxQxbYKQmNAcYzAY-n-XT2L_MfyihB2pe_Qxre8r0SyZCYI7NwoTud5xG2xlmgpbfInlpTUeZ6ApYZzq4hvTDaldCihKzC9QO80qcxmM6a6JKZz2O0SdlsGpAjLI79rBSrlX9ewdPW33Dlq-unkSc4sjNDmE38uMwqXRf" width="135" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area and went to Dolly Parton's brand new, state of the art hospital and I was the only person on the Emergency department! I was seen immediately and they did a scan of my lower back and abdomen and they immediately saw my ovaries were completely MASSIVE. They recommended that I cut my vacation short (BOO!) which I did, to go home and have this looked at more in depth, which I did,</p><p>Lo and behold after returning home, I saw an OB/GYN and she recommended seeing an oncologist right away. My father in law knows a lot of medical professionals due to his own involvement with medical stuff so he found one immediately and we called and got an appointment.</p><p>Lemme tell ya, the waiting for appointments (even if its not a long time) is incredibly STRESSFUL and WORRISOME!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTm70gFf9eZKxx2IKSOPOfqrNWToJGZGLm32wbhfe6nEVad2z2UPvi_kewyvtGvbT-Hh2hAy6R65fn76lNF4Lo9ETSx6U16T79H0NXnAxbYbtjzwDI2tVMNRvH1AWtGqAztuh6JpFJEZf-_VUltrtmTNvRnn2VeQKRJUL_FMG0TKr-dvhb4NKl3ZI8MLsD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="620" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTm70gFf9eZKxx2IKSOPOfqrNWToJGZGLm32wbhfe6nEVad2z2UPvi_kewyvtGvbT-Hh2hAy6R65fn76lNF4Lo9ETSx6U16T79H0NXnAxbYbtjzwDI2tVMNRvH1AWtGqAztuh6JpFJEZf-_VUltrtmTNvRnn2VeQKRJUL_FMG0TKr-dvhb4NKl3ZI8MLsD" width="135" /></a></div><p></p><p>I got in, got seen, got scanned, got nervous, got diagnosed, got referred for surgery, got surgery, got recommended for chemo, got chemo and got on this JOURNEY INTO TEAL!!</p><p> Currently on my 4th bout with this b/s but still going strong!<br />I am on Doxil which I am highly allergic to so I have to be pre-medicated before each dosage. I take a high dose of steroids the day before, morning of and just before each chemo infusion. With the pre-medicated dose I get Pepsid, Benadryl, and more Dex. It's an energy cocktail to say the least and I am the energizer bunny to begin with! My energy is off the charts for several days post-chemo. *WHEW*</p><p>With 10 years of this 'stuff' I have learned a LOT about how my system works! Yes, we all have a system that reacts differently to EVERYTHING so what works for me may not work for you but then again, it just might...so if you have any symptoms you need help with, hit me up. I'm your girl. I got the knowledge and heck, maybe I can help!!!</p><p>More to come!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj037laVstUPxmR1gGa6cbVtW7FIMpAqU8RIIxqS_hmZWVFT3-wxpbF2LvHZuDssumoTr6GQB6qi_fYJrufXDnk40OJ6XRsSbg8-rKLH9I3ybuz7_cjjX0_lnfgnkcOoDY02tugHNDJak1Q6iQoSm-M8Nng7bBM7joEZkifJNXWMhnabQzi-AYOD8SHL-JC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="620" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj037laVstUPxmR1gGa6cbVtW7FIMpAqU8RIIxqS_hmZWVFT3-wxpbF2LvHZuDssumoTr6GQB6qi_fYJrufXDnk40OJ6XRsSbg8-rKLH9I3ybuz7_cjjX0_lnfgnkcOoDY02tugHNDJak1Q6iQoSm-M8Nng7bBM7joEZkifJNXWMhnabQzi-AYOD8SHL-JC" width="135" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-48905012427534893902022-02-03T07:06:00.004-08:002022-02-03T07:06:39.313-08:00<p> And Just like that its February 2022!</p><p>6 More weeks of WINTER!! The Groundhog saw his shadow!.. dang.. how? It was so incredibly overcast and foggy! He probably saw his shadow from the lights of all the press cameras flashing in his face!! I call a re-do!</p><p><br /></p><p>It's been 8.5 years since my initial diagnosis with Stage 3B Ovarian Cancer.... Time flies and I'm kickin' ass like a pro!</p><p>Since October, 2021 I have been on a Trial called VB111 with Weekly Taxol</p><p>You can read about that trial <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03398655" target="_blank">HERE</a>- Maybe you are a candidate! </p><p>So far it's been great for me. It's a Blind study so at first you do not know if you are receiving the trial drug but you 100% ARE receiving the Taxol. Either way, it's good trial and I am not experiencing many side effects which leads me to believe I am getting the placebo and not the VB111-- which is fine. It's been very promising in the study (It's in phase 3!) and I am looking forward to seeing the results once it's finished! If it is successful, I will definitely look into getting the VB111 drug after the trial (and if I am not already!)</p><p>Side effects of Taxol:</p><p> Neuropathy in my fingers and toes - Mild!</p><p>Bone Pain - I take a 24 hour Claritin EVERY DAY and have ZERO bone pain!</p><p>Hair Loss - 100% HA! bald is beautiful!!</p><p>Dry skin - I use lots of lotion!</p><p>Taxol Halo Vision - Only for a day after infusion</p><p>Nausea - NONE! WOO!</p><p>Heartburn - Very mild</p><p>Low Energy - Nope, not this <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/enfp-an-overview-of-the-champion-personality-type-2795980" target="_blank">ENFP</a> Energizer bunny! </p><p><br /></p><p>VB111 Side Effects:</p><p>Fatigue- NOPE</p><p>Diarrhea - NOPE</p><p>Headaches - NOPE</p><p>Anemia - NOPE</p><p>Fever- NOPE</p><p>Headaches- NOPE</p><p><br /></p><p>Overall - Great results (low <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/expert-answers/ca-125/faq-20058528" target="_blank">CA125 test</a>! it's 15!) </p><p>So I am plugging along, doing great in 2022~ WOOT WOOT!</p>Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-25713279442964901082020-09-01T09:49:00.001-07:002020-09-01T09:49:06.469-07:00September IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!<p> <img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXmVysXgYDWWN0rbC8LBYIctOstKqWh9RMahqO6jTDa_lzZ85pyiTBpUNGqtthF1_kMfzeNHZ2CSLUMFI8pdIkBdc2r1c6TQbwZ4qRyzI5fb-BZyA5WgwpsAixGMPHTyss0ObXGXuFOH-/s0/www.biospace.jpg" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! I have battled with this THREE TIMES, and NO that does not mean it's more important than any other cancer awareness, it simply means that it's the month that we make it as visible as possible to spread awareness and by doing so, hopefully we can save a life!</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was actually diagnosed IN September (how weird!) of 2013 with Stage 3B Ovarian Cancer. That's a LOT to take in when prior to that, I had never even heard of Ovarian Cancer nor had I ever known anyone who had it. (Turns out my grandmother had it, but when I was diagnosed, I was not aware of that!)</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So.. This month (and every month, really!) I will blab about Ovarian Cancer, the symptoms, the signals, ways to talk about it, spread awareness and all that kinda stuff!!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't post here a lot, I check in now and then and I connect with people. I will post a little more often this month. Hopefully someone who needs to see this, will. If by speaking up, I can make ONE person aware... that's my goal! </div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't ignore the warning signs. PAP TESTS DO NOT DETECT OVARIAN CANCER- CA125 BLOOD TESTS do. NOT PAP TESTS!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Warning Signs:</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bloating.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feeling Full even when you aren't eating.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Increased Heartburn</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">More frequent urination</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back pain</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">and some--- have NO SYMPTOMS AT ALL!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teal is the color of the Awareness Ribbon and TEAL TUESDAY is a way to promote awareness! HOW COOL IS IT that September 1st starts on TEAL TUESDAY THIS WEEK!!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My manicure and pedicure this month are TEAL! My color of choice this month, is teal... I write in a teal ink fountain pen and if I could make this font teal, I would!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spread awareness! Save a life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax6yk4Yq4AJoWHfTjYdu4nL_k1vBYcq5cAFr_kFsUw0CTQMUwcDlk49-64NBUulMKPmf4Yo-ffvw0IMof-6BtSeo41TR33TCOcsOf065xTqRmUmaSNnAe6qYCaSRirIK29Ak3yT9etgez/s460/images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiax6yk4Yq4AJoWHfTjYdu4nL_k1vBYcq5cAFr_kFsUw0CTQMUwcDlk49-64NBUulMKPmf4Yo-ffvw0IMof-6BtSeo41TR33TCOcsOf065xTqRmUmaSNnAe6qYCaSRirIK29Ak3yT9etgez/s0/images-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-82653965100280120632020-01-25T07:56:00.003-08:002020-01-25T07:56:59.938-08:00And just like that... it's 2020 !My initial diagnosis was in Sept of 2013... and here I am in 2020 updating! That's some crazy amazing shizz right there!<br />
<br />
I have been doing great! I've had some little bumps in the road along the way but so far so good so keep those fingers crossed for me!<br />
<br />
Today I'm going to talk about SCANXIETY (it's a slang term commonly used by cancer patients )<br />
<br />
SCANXIETY IS REAL.<br />
<br />
As a cancer patient, I am in and out of appointments a few times a month. I have wrapped my head around that, for the most part, and can face it, take charge and get 'er done with little to no upset. I do, however, get really antsy when it comes to SCANS and I guess that is actually anxiety. I can wrap my head around that as well if I am given my appointment date and all of my ducks are in a row relatively quickly. Waiting for the insurance company to approve the appointment to be scheduled gives me an intense amount of uneasiness. I hate that wait. We all hate that wait. Being a patient of a persistent illness, that is a huge part of my every day life. Wait, wait and wait some more. I love my care team. They get my appointments made and scheduled while I am at the appointment. There is no waiting. I leave the exam room, go to the check out and the receptionist hands me my slip of paper with my next appointments on it. This is great!!<br /><br />BUT....<br />
<br />
It's not their fault when the insurance company messes it all up. This has happened the last three times I was all scheduled for my scans.<br />
<br />
They call me the day BEFORE the CT scan and cancel my appointment. Needless to say, I have psyched myself up, pep-talked myself along the way and gotten myself through the antsy feelings of all of it. I was ready for my CT scan on January 27th. Of course, Friday morning I got the call from the radiology department saying that the insurance company wont approve the scan.<br /><br />Do you know what that call does? It sparks anxiety, antsiness, nervousness and PTSD like a mo-fo.<br />
It makes me wonder why they waited until the LAST MINUTE to cancel. If they weren't able to see reason for the scan, they've had well over a month to say so! But nooooooooo... they wait until the last minute. I have nothing to do with how this is all processed. I can't even call them and fix it. The Oncologist has to do that. The insurance company waits until the day prior to the scan because they know, full well, that it will have to be cancelled because they will have to play telephone tag with the provider for several days until things are sorted out. They think they're clever but in all truth, they're twits.<br />
<br />
I am not on anxiety medication. I self-medicate with my own energy (we all know I have a LOT of that) and I keep busy to keep my head in the game, so to speak. I think the insurance companies make a lot of issues themselves. For one.... a lot of people may not NEED these anxiety medications that the insurance companies PAY for if they DID NOT CAUSE PEOPLE ALL OF THIS ANXIETY!<br />
They need to get their crap straight, It's not that hard. A physician isn't going to put in for a patient to have a CT scan without a good reason. It's not like I sit here all giddy and excited like a freakin' CT scan is an amusement park ride! YAY let's get a CT! Ooo! ooo! Can I get one of those Contrast MILKSHAKES TOO! YAY! I get a special BRACELET and I get a special NEEDLE IN MY ARM TOO!! OOO can I ?? Oh CAN I ?!?! It is a medical necessity to monitor a freakin' cancer tumor.<br />
<br />
I rarely get annoyed with this sort of thing but it's the last three in a row that this has happened with.<br />
<br />I am angry this time and I have to say, if I am NOT approved for the scan in a reasonable amount of time and if the tumor HAS grown... someone is going to get a nice wake-up call from a LAWYER.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh... with all that said... I'm going to spend some of my excess creative energy on a nice scrapbooking project... WOOOO!!!! My day WILL BE FABULOUS! I CHOOSE AWESOME AND THAT'S HOW I'M GONNA RUN! HECK YEAH!!!!<br />
<br />
PERIODT.Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-10509310278724755792019-08-16T13:05:00.002-07:002019-08-16T13:05:03.702-07:00It's been a while since I posted!Update.<br />
Nothin' to update HAHAHH!!<br />Will do so after my next CT -<br />
The most recent didn't really show much change in either direction but to be fair I DID only have 4 rounds of Chemo so far so we'll see what things look like after 6 !!<br />
See ya in September.. which IS NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE08QF6TXpw4MODYt0qzRSiO-ysSPpK1y55HaX8waxu4UUMu5W6jrOGACcX9wQP-7xgy_sAfQ4OCPW1eevmN-3uoSgHGgRfRR2P9rhxdbnfgWW3MCLDhlf-0LXSV80-ssldy_bPdeEJ9q1/s1600/ovarian-cancer-ribbon-hi.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE08QF6TXpw4MODYt0qzRSiO-ysSPpK1y55HaX8waxu4UUMu5W6jrOGACcX9wQP-7xgy_sAfQ4OCPW1eevmN-3uoSgHGgRfRR2P9rhxdbnfgWW3MCLDhlf-0LXSV80-ssldy_bPdeEJ9q1/s320/ovarian-cancer-ribbon-hi.png" width="199" /></a>Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-14775250798078399862019-05-15T13:56:00.003-07:002019-05-15T13:56:31.660-07:0024 Hours Post FIRST Carboplatin/Gemzar infusion....<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2sgs" data-offset-key="76gs5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="4four-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Slept well... 8:30PM - 5:45AM - Nice</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1e0ib-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Woke feeling the numbness in my hands and feet already</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1r4hj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This did NOT happen immediately last time. I wonder if they have upped the dose.. will ask.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dun95-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">NO NAUSEA! THIS IS A GIFT!!! </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8b9ii-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Woke feeling weak... not too bad but noticeable. Not my favorite way to feel - gonna ask about this too and see if it's already depleted my electrolytes when I get blood work done on Friday.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1gbar-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Tongue already white.. (really?? ALREADY! Come ON-- this didn't happen until my 3rd infusion last time.. no likey.. Everything tastes like it's metallic and leaves a nasty un-natural sweet taste in the back of my throat. No THANKS!</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8dkmb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Not hungry but eating , none the less. Had small bowl of cereal with milk (tasted like dredge... also had a cup of Tomato Basil soup for lunch...again dredge... yuck. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="892m8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Dinner -- Spaghetti (see the tomato theme?) More dredge... but tomatoes seem to taste OK with chemo but when I'm NOT on chemo I hate them. So weird!</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="csemn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I have had 50 ounces of water so far and will try to get to 64 oz before bed...</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dsntb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I got things done! Dogs sorted, kids to school and back, dishes and laundry done. Shuttled kids around to activities so everything seems to be going status quo! </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6c2te-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;">Next infusion is TUESDAY but it will only be GEMZAR and the electrolytes..... (sounds like a bad rock band name!) and that will be the same for week three as well! I have week 4 OFF!</span></span></div>
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-1683348100684327772019-05-15T08:10:00.001-07:002019-05-15T08:10:58.483-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC_nw1qVM-CsGxjBlbfk_y8jLIQ9ff4RlLpQVGcW4Az0HzW6T6eM9CRFiv3KxrMJRuwUs6KDWbvcBHDTRndYJgrdycevWT-z6NYD9REwsqk1yb4AXpmNBPKQY5Ys-XT5V7e0F1p0kbmur/s1600/IMG_7316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoC_nw1qVM-CsGxjBlbfk_y8jLIQ9ff4RlLpQVGcW4Az0HzW6T6eM9CRFiv3KxrMJRuwUs6KDWbvcBHDTRndYJgrdycevWT-z6NYD9REwsqk1yb4AXpmNBPKQY5Ys-XT5V7e0F1p0kbmur/s320/IMG_7316.JPG" width="162" /></a></div>
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<br />
1st Chemo Infusion - LONG DAY! I had to get there around 8:30 (remember I have an almost 2 hour drive!!)<br />
<br />
Arrived on time *YAY!* Got in there and they were perplexed as the orders for chemo were not signed by the physician. That sent me into a little bit of panic mode. I did not want to be sent home this time! That happened in 2013 AND in 2015 at the beginning of things as well and I was just not in the mood for that to happen. Luckily they got it all sorted out within 30 minutes and I was sent back to my room #12 and got sorted.<br /><br />
David was my nurse - great guy, spectacular personality with a stellar bedside manner. He is a keeper for sure!! We had some laughs, he explained everything in depth, showed me everything he was doing, went over possible side effects, what I would possibly be feeling and told me to buzz that button any time I needed. (I never buzz the call button--so I just smiled and thanked him!)<br />
<br />
Here was the rundown of the day:<br />
<br />
***Thank you MOM for waking up the crack of dawn, arriving at my house by 6:30AM to go WITH ME and spend the ENTIRE DAY with me even when I nodded off due to Benadryl drowsiness!!!***<br />
<br />
Up at 4:30 and out of the house by 6:40 - still was running late with the early start!)<br />
<br />
Got to UPenn at 8:40 - arrived early enough to get sorted ON TIME. This is a feat all in itself since it takes about 2 hours from door to door after getting sorted with parking and getting up to the proper floor.<br />
<br />
Got situated.. Nurse came in and started Desensitization meds. I am highly allergic to Carboplatin so I have to have Pepsid, high dose of Benadryl, Dexamethasone (steroids) Claritin & Zofran prior to the initial chemo infusion) All of that (except for the Claritin which I take at home) Were done through my IV Port !)<br />
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Started off with my Magnesium supplement because I have chronic low mag. The infusion is the only way that it actually boosts the mag. I've taken supplements and have been eating foods rich with mag and none of it seems to help. The IV does. So we go with that. I still take the supplements and eat high mag foods as well.<br />
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After all the pre-meds were done - I started the Magnesium and Gemzar at 10:44 AM<br />
Mag ran until 12:44<br />
Gem ran until 11:13<br />
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<br />
LUNCH! - Jimmy John's delivers right to the room!! It took only 10 minutes!!<br />
I called and placed the order at 11:28 and he arrived WITH the proper order with a smile on his face at 11:38 !!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8IUSwOCMSD_idfnfzOITfUEU1LnHYlOSX8eMLqmBUTCFUhV-O-L9ie9l2EBqGMdHm0qoQv5who3wWoH82Oy0A-RDJ0sR64E9WyMz9hqjxyCqE1Dyft1zJNi0S5RXG3EK4nsHsyXESgWR/s1600/IMG_7355.mov" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8IUSwOCMSD_idfnfzOITfUEU1LnHYlOSX8eMLqmBUTCFUhV-O-L9ie9l2EBqGMdHm0qoQv5who3wWoH82Oy0A-RDJ0sR64E9WyMz9hqjxyCqE1Dyft1zJNi0S5RXG3EK4nsHsyXESgWR/s320/IMG_7355.mov" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little vid of my notes<br /></td></tr>
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Bag 1 of Carboplatin started at 11:18 and finished at 1:30<br />
Bag 2 of Carboplatin started at 1:30 and finished at 2:30<br />
Bag 2 of BENADRYL started at 2:46 and finished at 4:48<br />
Bag 3 of Carboplatin started at 2:50 and finished at 4:48<br />
<br />
I have a 30 minute observation time post chemo infusion to make sure I am not having an averse reaction so I took my time getting my stuff together and tidying up. I went and washed my hands, combed my hair and got more ice (best ice machine ever!)<br />
<br />
The day went smoothly though it was very LONG.<br />
<br />
Patients being treated with chemotheraphy have free Valet parking though it's a LONG wait. We waited a little over an hour to get my car. That really is the only complaint I had for the day other than the little stress at the beginning!<br />
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Arrived home at 8PM ---- Over all- I'd say Smooth Sailing for Day ONE!<br />
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<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-5080296784850697432019-05-07T20:07:00.002-07:002019-05-07T20:07:32.762-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-k9r3HPkejbgoP8vLiYoU2ZC7c34vrp9UuwUOOWDMPCERqEipNJkk7FQu397r31YlPHEb3wne7R_nZQ7Lw2f9rDv193Gv3AUmR0JZsMM5w3Wfz8DuemSUaggVrrnLSwiWwuV2xh4lP83/s1600/ABFAE92A-61DA-4473-9A07-B09A4C911D78.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-k9r3HPkejbgoP8vLiYoU2ZC7c34vrp9UuwUOOWDMPCERqEipNJkk7FQu397r31YlPHEb3wne7R_nZQ7Lw2f9rDv193Gv3AUmR0JZsMM5w3Wfz8DuemSUaggVrrnLSwiWwuV2xh4lP83/s1600/ABFAE92A-61DA-4473-9A07-B09A4C911D78.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">How ironic I have my first appointment to get started with treatment for my second recurrence with #ovariancancer - On May 8th.. ON WORLD OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS DAY- #wishmeluck #thirdtimesthecharm #worldovariancancerday #cancercansuckit #thinkpositive #liveinthemoment #ovariancancerawareness #tealisabigdeal #tealsisters #cancerrecurrence </span></div>
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-88525949524080892202019-04-29T06:53:00.000-07:002019-04-29T06:53:03.389-07:00It's just something I have to do...<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I was talking with someone about this journey that I am on. It is a journey... and I have the mindset that I AM HEALTHY and I push forward every day ..waking up with a smile, a song and a dance (mostly to annoy my girls who are NOT morning people like I am! HA!) </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The best way to for me to do this is to keep in mind that this is just something I have to do. Like washing the dishes, vacuuming, taking the kids to the dentist, paying taxes, mowing the lawn or grocery shopping. I</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> just have to look at it in that perspective. With each day we have 'stuff' that we don't want to do but we have to. It's part of the normal life.<br />This is just my normal. I have stuff I have to do that I don't want to.<br />We can meet and greet each day as we wish. That is a powerful statement and something to think deeply about.<br />Do you greet the day with resentment and a loud, "UGH!" or do you wake up, throw your covers off and jump out of bed (like I do) and greet the morning with a smile?<br />Every day we have here is a GIFT. We need to really start treating it that way.<br />Go OUTSIDE... find something pretty or interesting or fascinating and TAKE A PICTURE OF IT. FIND a reason to smile and hell... if you can't FIND one.. MAKE A REASON TO SMILE!<br />And never forget to be SILLY!</span><br />
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-7574606888883406992019-04-16T06:12:00.001-07:002019-04-16T09:09:29.184-07:00Third time's the charm!<style type="text/css">
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re·cur·rence</div>
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/rəˈkərəns/</div>
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noun</div>
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the fact of occurring again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Here we go again.... my 2nd recurrence of this ruthless disease we call Cancer. I expected it could happen. I’m lucky I am monitored relatively closely. No lymph involvement, not touching anything— just floating, mocking me. </div>
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Am I devastated? No.</div>
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I am disappointed and I feel like I have failed. </div>
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That feeling will soon pass and be replaced with some sadness and then I will get angry and then, in my true fashion, I will stand up straight, face it head on and, once more, kick its ass! Cancer will NOT define me, rule my life or intimidate me. </div>
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I expect a call today (April, 16, 2019) from my Oncology care team to discuss what's up and the choices I will be faced with and ultimately how to proceed!! </div>
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I’m stronger than cancer, I’ve proven that twice... third time’s the charm, right?! Let’s get ready to RUMBLE!! </div>
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I started a youtube channel to document each step along the way. If documenting it helps just one person, then all that I will go through will be WORTH IT! <3<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcFiX-MTsm0alzeQm8xFdA/">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcFiX-MTsm0alzeQm8xFdA/</a><br />
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#ovariancancer #thirdtimesacharm #ovariancancerawareness #cancerpatient #recurrence #cancerrecurrence #cancerrelapse #relapse #herewegoagain #liveinthemoment #staycentered #becentered #kickingandscreaming<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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COMPARISON: CT abdomen pelvis dated 4/17/2018</div>
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FINDINGS:</div>
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LOWER THORAX: The lung bases are clear. Fluid attenuating structure surrounding the inferior right pulmonary vein unchanged from prior chest CT compatible with a pericardial sleeve recess. The heart is normal in size.</div>
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LIVER: Normal in size and configuration. Hepatic steatosis. No suspicious mass.</div>
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BILE DUCTS: No intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile duct dilation.</div>
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GALLBLADDER: Cholecystectomy</div>
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PANCREAS: Unremarkable. No main pancreatic duct dilation.</div>
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SPLEEN: Unremarkable.</div>
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ADRENAL GLANDS: Unremarkable.</div>
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KIDNEYS/URETERS: No hydroureteronephrosis. Subcentimeter left upper pole hypodensity too small to characterize.</div>
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BLADDER: Unremarkable.</div>
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REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS: Status post hysterectomy. Interval development of a 3.8 x 3.7 x 3.4 cm rounded mass in the deep right pelvis (series 5 image 176) abutting the sigmoid colon.</div>
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BOWEL: No disproportionate dilation of the small or large bowel. The appendix is unremarkable. Diverticulosis coli without diverticulitis.</div>
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PERITONEUM/RETROPERITONEUM: No fluid collection, ascites, or pneumoperitoneum.</div>
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LYMPH NODES: No abdominal or pelvic lymphadenopathy.</div>
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VESSELS: No abdominal aortic aneurysm [ABAN00].</div>
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ABDOMINAL/PELVIC WALL: Postsurgical changes in the anterior abdominal wall.</div>
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BONES: No suspicious osseous lesions. There are degenerative changes of the spine. </div>
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START INTERVAL ONCOLOGIC RESPONSE ASSESSMENT (ABDOMEN-PELVIS)</div>
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Pre-existing lesions: No previously documented malignant lesions [ORAP0]</div>
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New lesions: New malignant lesions identified since prior study. [ORAN3]</div>
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END INTERVAL ONCOLOGIC RESPONSE ASSESSMENT</div>
<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-84832322794903280212017-08-17T11:17:00.001-07:002017-08-17T11:17:40.765-07:00Scanxiety rears it's ugly head!I was just scheduled for my routing 3 month CT scan which will happen on Aug 23rd - Abdomen and Chest ---<br />
UGH<br />
<br />
I already have had recurrence in 2015 and have been clear each time ever since - I get really angsty before my appointments. I know everyone does. It's normal. I just embrace the anxiety and try to keep myself busy with lots of little things every day to keep my mind from going 'there' !<br />
<br />
It works for the most part. I am really into organizing and writing in my planners and traveler's notebooks and junk journals and updating them with all of the fun things we do. This is a sort of therapy for me so I am always happy to see journaling supplies, pens, pretty papers, stickers and 'stuff'' that I can cram in my junk journals and planners! I highly recommend it to those who like focus-type crafts!<br />
<br />
Right now I am focusing on filling up a journal I created for the trip we just returned from! ALASKA!<br />
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<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-43984568326112942432017-04-06T06:14:00.001-07:002017-04-06T06:14:46.649-07:00Spiteful people suck!There will always be someone out there who tries to rain on your parade. What I say is to simply open up your umbrella and keep marching on!!<br />
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<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-174999115723060282017-01-14T11:14:00.003-08:002017-01-14T11:14:47.600-08:00Hello 2017<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="8njq2" data-offset-key="6831g-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="6831g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Today (Jan 14, 2017) is Day 1243 of my Ovarian Cancer Journey. One Thousand and Fourty Three. That seems crazy, impossible but it's true.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="59eaj-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This past week has me thinking deeply about my treatment, chemo, surgeries and the things I've been doing to keep the beastie at bay. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1941e-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ovarian Cancer is aggressive and persistent. It loves to return and ruin the party. I am lucky to be cancer free for the past year and a half. ( June 17th, 2015) 577 Days so far! That is VERY rare for my diagnosis! I do not take even one single day for granted!</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1ad25-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This past week was a little tough as my kidneys are not loving the Avastin that I was taking since August of 2015. I was on it for quite a good long time and for that I am absolutely grateful. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ckte0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">At this point though, the infusions of Avastin are going to start to to more harm than good. I have been removed from that protocol and I have to admit, I do have mixed feelings about this. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fkp1m-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Kidney issues are nothing to mess with. I need to be off of Avastin in order for my kidneys to heal. I get that. I'm cool with that and I understand. What I don't like is that being off Avastin gives my system more opportunity to make blood vessels. I don't want bad things to make blood vessels and start problems. I have that weighing on my mind a bit... a lot. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4mlt0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am a lot different now than I was before I started on this 'Journey'. I never had a care in the world before -- (aside from the same normal cares everyone else has! LOL ) And now this heavy cloud is always right above my head and sometimes I can block it out and sometimes I can't. More often than not, I cannot. I work on that every day. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="e5tjk-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am not loving that I am no longer on the Avastin protocol - I had been being monitored every three weeks.. labs, vitals and electrolytes. Now I am just going to be seen every 6 months and I'm honestly VERY uncomfortable with that, knowing what I know about ovarian cancer and it's recurrence rate. I have already had one recurrence and I gotta be honest, I most certainly do not want to have another!!</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8fu9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"I am and always will be the optimist, the hoper of far-flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams.” (11th Doctor) </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8p63h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">That quite sums me up quite nicely. I continue to move forward with a positive attitude! I will work my ass off to help those who are going through chemo and also who have completed it. This journey DOES NOT END when CHEMO DOES.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2sua6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Hugs and a whole lotta love! x </span></div>
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-8957198922363943732016-06-13T07:23:00.002-07:002016-06-13T07:23:31.865-07:00June 13th 2016Just had my CT scan on Friday - it is clear. No evidence of metastatic disease<br />
<br />
Even though the scan is clear and all is well - I still don't feel settled.<br />
I don't expect that I ever will. There's always the, "what if" factor brewing in my mind and it's not even a subconscious thing. It's right there with it's big flag billowing right in the middle of my every single thought.<br />I'm not complaining. I don't complain. I am just stating facts.<br />
<br />
How I feel 9 months into Avastin treatment - 7 months post Carboplatin/Gemzar<br />
FACTS<br />
*Achey as all get out.<br />
*Some weird pain on the top of my left foot when I walk, move it, touch it etc.<br />
*Shoulders hurt - starts about a week after Avastin infusion and lasts about 10 days.<br />
*Neck pain that hurts so much sometimes it makes my eyes sting. My head feels like it jerks and a pain goes thru my head like lightning. Like whiplash.<br />
*I think I feel tired or worn out sometimes and don't feel like doing stuff.<br />
*Energy levels are definitely not as they were in the "before time" (pre-chemo)<br />
*Appetite - eh<br />
*Neuropathy in fingers and toes is still here but I've learned to ignore it 90% of the time<br />
*Post Infusion Headaches start about 3 days after infusion.<br />
*Unable to lose weight no matter what I do -- Eating well, minimal sugar and junk - activity is same... just cannot lose any weight which is VERY frustrating.<br />
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Other than those things, which I feel are relatively mild comparing to other people's issues, I am doing well and going forward one breath at a time!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-49524521156872805912015-11-05T07:29:00.002-08:002015-11-05T07:29:25.612-08:00Recurrence and chemo... So since June/July 2015 I've had surgery for a recurrence as well as 5 big chemo infusions, the most recent one being this past monday. I should have one more 'big' chemo on 24th November and then if scans are as they've been (fingers crossed!) I will be done with Carbo and Gemzar and just be on a maintenance dose every three weeks of the Avastin.<br />I look forward to a more free weekly schedule as going into Philly twice a week (due to my intolerance of the Carboplatin) has started to get a little much what with the kids schedules, Ellie's cheer and all that stuff.<br /><br />This time around the effects from chemo are much different. The Gemzar is suppressing my white blood count and a pattern has emerged. After 2 Gem/Carbo infusions it's so low that I have needed to back off and take a week off as well as being transfused with 2 units of blood. Ewww.<br />No seriously, that's so ewww!!! Don't get me wrong, I am in awe and humbled that someone donated their life force to save another's life but when I am sitting there being transfused and am thinking about it.. it's like a bad vampire movie plays in my head.. in reverse. It actually turns my stomach to think about it all so I'm going to stop. HA!<br />
<br />
I have not lost my hair with these two chemos but I have noticed that it's thinning considerably and those around me have noticed as well. I'm still on the fence whether or not to shave it off and let it start anew or to see what happens once the chemo is done after the 24th and go from there. It's quite disturbing to run my fingers through my hair and have a handful of hair ... ewww.<br />
<br />
This chemo doesn't make me as tired as the Carbo/Taxol did but it does slow me down... a LOT. I am not sleeping a lot during the days so that makes me happy and I'm able to go about my normal routine with relative ease for the most part. I look forward to the end of November when I HOPEFULLY will finish up and be able to just move forward into December with a deep breath and my health!<br />
<br />
<br /><br />My theme for this post is simply, Ewww...<br />
<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-40656368327114512832015-06-04T06:58:00.003-07:002015-06-04T06:58:49.470-07:00And here I go again<br />
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<span style="line-height: 15.4559993743896px; text-align: left;">My CT results are in and I won't be all long winded or anything. There's recurrence - It's not touching anything and hasn't invaded my lymphs or organs but it's there and it's a problem and it needs to go. So -- here goes again - Looks like surgery for me in the next few weeks followed by my old friend, chemotherapy. </span><br style="line-height: 15.4559993743896px; text-align: left;" /><span style="line-height: 15.4559993743896px; text-align: left;">It's not the news I wanted but it's a LOT better than news it COULD have been. Just remember, life is about the journey and all the little (and big) moments al</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 15.4559993743896px; text-align: left;">ong the way. Each of these moments help shape us into who we are and who we are also helps shape each of these moments.<br />Sometimes the journey isn't an easy one so it's crucial that we face it head on, chin up and with bravery but...we can't be brave always and we don't always want to keep that chin up and that's ok. As long as we remember to keep moving forward with a positive mindset, that's all that matters.<br />My Mindset is permanently set on positive. <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ovariancancerwarrior?source=feed_text&story_id=10205444896174127" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #6d84b4;">#</span><span class="_58cm">ovarianCancerWARRIOR</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 12.8800001144409px;">Today I received my surgery date. It's June 17th - I don't know what time but I am going to assume it's relatively early because I have to have two procedures done. One is the obvious and the other is a huge hernia that I have which resulted in my 2nd C-Section not healing properly and I coughed and ripped my internal sutures. Its really big (think Nerf football) so I am so lucky that they will be repairing this simultaneously! </span><br style="line-height: 12.8800001144409px;" /><span style="line-height: 12.8800001144409px;"></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 12.8800001144409px;">To my fellow chemo warriors past and present- If you've had experience with Avastin or Gemcitabine (Gemzar) I'd love to know what your personal experience with it is/was. I can research myself so if you haven't actually been infused with it, please don't go run and research it and tell me because I can do that on my own. Hhahah!! I just want to know what people's personal experiences have been with these particular infusions. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 12.8800001144409px;">Thanks so much!!! your love, support and comments mean more than you know!</span></div>
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-64206453028023124782015-03-25T05:46:00.000-07:002015-03-25T05:46:06.433-07:00Success is earnedStop.<div>
Bitching.</div>
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About.<br />Everything.</div>
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Get.</div>
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Up.<br />And.<br />Begin.</div>
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-25651354753045768582015-03-13T05:47:00.003-07:002015-03-13T05:47:14.702-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">Someone asked me this morning how I'm always smiling & happy, even though I'm fighting stage 3b ovarian cancer. I asked her if she remembered my personality before diagnosis and she said, "Yup, happy, smiling, energetic. Same as now." </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">I explained that just because I'm traveling a journey to wellness doesn't change my mindset. I've always been bubbly, energetic and genuinely happy. My outer appearance reflects my inner self perfectly. I am this person. I refuse to let a temporary nuisance steal my happiness. I've never once approached anything in my life with a doom & gloom or negative attitude and I'm sure not gonna start now!</span><span style="line-height: 1.38;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">This is me. Happy, bubbly ball of energy. Take it or leave it.. I'm never gonna change for anyone or anything.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.38;">Happy Friday the 13th!!</span></div>
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-86864847315693475582015-03-09T08:05:00.000-07:002015-03-09T08:05:21.489-07:00PET Scan Results! - One year, 2 weeks and 3 days post final Carboplatin/Taxol Chemotherapy Infusion.....<br />
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PET Scan results are in!<br />Scan from Scull to mid-thigh.<br />Little speck in abdominal area - unidentified - will monitor closely for any change.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />Isn't touching anything - kinda free floating boring little thing. No danger to lymphnodes or any organs.<br />Standard follow up CT scan in 3 months.<br />Everything else is lovely! So we monitor that lil beast, if it changes, we go in like gangbusters and destroy it. If no change, no surgery is needed and we continue to monitor. Nice and easy! Looks like I will have a CHEMO-FREE SUMMER AFTER ALL!!<br />YAYYY!!</span></div>
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You may now resume your daily activities!</div>
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#OvarianCancer #CancerSucks #ChemoSucks #IwillBeatOvarianCancer #Survivor #LIVELIFETOTHEFULLEST</div>
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Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-29253954946936451792015-01-24T11:47:00.001-08:002015-01-24T11:47:45.249-08:00Write it out!!For me, part of the healing process is writing. I write, write and write some more! Sometimes it's a post on facebook or it's a tweet or series of tweets on twitter. Sometimes it's in my hand-written journal and sometimes here. As with anyone, writer's block creeps in on occasion and I find it difficult to find something to write ABOUT. (crazy because there is ALWAYS something to write about! So here's what I've decided to do. This post is about single-word writing prompts. I can be as easy as a ONE word prompt to get our creative juices flowing so here goes...<br />
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GOAL*WILL*PURPOSE*FEELING*POWER*FAILURE*MOVEMENT*SEARCH*NEED*<br />
DESIRE*PURPOSE*FIGHT*WIN*STRIVE*IMAGINE*TRUST*THRIVE*JOURNEY*SEEK*<br />FUTURE*CHOICE*PROVE*SURVIVE*LISTEN*SPEAK*BE*HOPE*CHANGE*CONFIDENT*<br />
HEART*SOUL*ROAD*TRAVEL*SMILE*LOVE*FRIENDSHIP*LIFE*SUNSET*BEGIN*<br />
PATH*POSSIBLE*CREATE*ENJOY*REJOICE*BLUE*FEELING*REACH*JOY*TEARS*<br />FRUSTRATION*BRAVE*SWEET*KIND*GIVE*BREATHE*KNOWLEDGE*SPARKLE*<br />DESTINY*GREEN*JEALOUS*AIM*INTENSE*INTEGRITY*PROACTIVE*OPTIMISM*<br />PLEASE*ORANGE*PARTY*SEASON*OPTION*CHOICE*BELIVE*SEEK*FIND*DO*<br />
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There we have just a few words which will help to spark some creativity. Writer's block is a pain in the backside but it can be overcome. You simply have to just sit down and start. You might look behind you and find 100 crumpled pieces of paper next to your waste-bin but just keep at it. The fog will clear and your eureka will appear!<br /><br />GOOD LUCK!<br />
<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-20113010654264337912015-01-19T13:11:00.001-08:002015-01-19T13:11:37.476-08:00We all make a differenceOne of the teens I coach mentioned to me that he doesn't feel like he makes a difference.<br />
I wasn't sure what he meant and asked him to elaborate.<br />
He stated, "People who make lots of money make a huge difference in the world by donating to charitable causes. I can't do that and I feel like I'm failing in life."<br />
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I told him that he is by no means failing in life and that donating money is a nice gesture but it is simply ONE of the ways we can contribute and give back in life. There are so many other ways that we can make a difference! Here are a few things we came up with during our conversation.<br />
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* Help someone. See someone struggling with a door? Go ahead and hold it for them. There. You've made a difference in someone's life and it didn't cost you your life's savings.<br />
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He smiled and nodded. See? It's not a big thing for us to hold a door but to someone who has their hands full or who is in a wheel chair or on crutches, it makes a big difference.<br />
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He said that's a great start but he wants to do even more than that.<br />
We talked about his interests and hobbies a bit and came up with quite a few ways people could make a difference.<br />
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*Volunteer at the local food bank<br />*Volunteer at the local Veteran's or Senior Center - they are ALWAYS looking for volunteers.<br />
*Volunteer at the hospital - There are several volunteer positions and they are in dire need of volunteers!<br />*Become an EMT and volunteer to be on the local rescue squad (this costs some money but it's within reason)<br />*Volunteer at the local animal shelter. They are desperate for people to help !!<br />*Get involved with coaching kids in after school programs (this often requires a background check and some credentials but it's quite rewarding)<br />
*Offer to drive a senior to the store.<br />*Offer to cut the lawn or walk their dog for your neighbor who broke his arm.<br />*Call your parent(s) LOL!<br /><br />
Those are just a few ways to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. So you see, these little gestures require very little money (if any!) and they make a world of difference.<br />Making a difference doesn't just mean dropping a wad of cash in the plate at church or in your favorite charity's bank account. It means a LOT more than that. There are lots of other ways you can make a difference.<br /><br />
We had a very good discussion about it. I asked his permission to use our conversation here even though I'm not going to mention his name. He was all for it. And by doing that, he might not even realize that this little post might make a difference and help someone out!<br /><br />Think about it. YOU can make a difference in SO many different ways. Give it a try. I challenge you to make a difference this week. I'd love to hear about it! You can comment below or email me privately - chemocoach@outlook.com<br />
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<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-56018236519707959802015-01-04T08:44:00.002-08:002015-01-04T08:44:55.220-08:00An exercise to help direct unwanted emotion/energy out of your body.Gabi's Emotional Energy Expulsion Exercise<br /><br />If you subdue your emotions, that's a bad thing. We have 'em for a reason so we should use 'em when they make themselves heard.<br />
Am I saying to go crazy and be a berserker and lay into someone if you're pissed off? NO. I am not.<br />I am saying that it's OK to feel emotions (all of them) and to let the feeling run it's course (within reason, of course- don't be a dick)<br /><br />I struggle with this. I feel very awkward if I get upset or angry and I notice that I try to avoid the feelings. I am trying real hard to be better about just letting it flood through. This is an exercise I've come up with to sort of deal with it. Imagine your arms out (like airplane wings) and that the emotions start at the fingertips on your left hand and run through your arms, across your chest and travel to the fingers on your right hand and then out the end of your fingertips. I do this while breathing slowly and deeply about 10 to 12 times. This takes about a minute. By the end of that minute I have noticed that I feel significantly calmer and less 'emotional'. It has worked with anger, sadness and also when I am hyper and don't want that excess energy.<br /><br />By doing this you aren't suppressing those emotions but rather letting them flow through and out the other side. It's a detoxifying experience if you can manage to keep your patience during it (that is sometimes real difficult especially when the emotion is that of anger)<br />
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It's time to take care of ourselves. It's ok to say "I" "ME" & "MYSELF"- Without self care how do we expect to care for others and how do we expect others to care for US if we don't care for ourselves?<br /><br />Happy New Year! Give that emotional energy expulsion exercise a tryGabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-17859521678612147642014-12-21T19:07:00.000-08:002014-12-21T19:07:24.493-08:00And there shall be NO BARRIERS...I was recently <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/2014/12/19/the-mindset-it-takes-to-beat-ovarian-cancer/" target="_blank">interviewed</a> by <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/people/brian-smith-2/" target="_blank">Brian Smith</a>, a journalist who currently works for <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/" target="_blank">No Barriers</a> as their Storytelling Coordinator. He is a charismatic, well spoken, energetic man who is perfect for the job he has. He has the job I would want, which is talking to people who have made a <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/take-the-pledge/" target="_blank">pledge for 2015 </a> to take charge of their lives in a positive way. It's hard to put into words so just check out the link and it's all there. I encourage EVERYONE to go to the No Barriers <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/" target="_blank">website </a>, surf around, read about the <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/about-us/staff/" target="_blank">staff</a>, the partners, the impact and see how YOU can <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/get-involved/" target="_blank">get involved</a>! Take a peek at the <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/stories/" target="_blank">stories</a> of those who have taken the No Barriers Pledge and see what they have to say.<br />
The first step for me was admitting to myself that I wasn't doing my best to be the best me I could be. It's hard to see that when we're all caught up in our everyday lives. We honestly DO need to step aside and take a look at our lives from another angle. What am I doing? What am I NOT doing? WHY? What is restricting me? What am I afraid of? etc... It's a lot to think about.<br /><br />No Barriers is amazing. It's everything I am, everything I want to be and everything I WILL be .. all wrapped up into one. It's not just programs and support, it's even more....NO BARRIERS is a way of life.<br />
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It's time to make a commitment to yourself. It's time to take that first step and you will soon make giant leaps and you will see... clear as day and there shall be NO BARRIERS!!<br />
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My Interview by Brian Smith can be found <a href="http://www.nobarriersusa.org/2014/12/19/the-mindset-it-takes-to-beat-ovarian-cancer/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-4339613887495940352014-12-06T18:18:00.001-08:002014-12-06T18:18:22.232-08:00Goals, willpower and being honest to one's selfSetting goals is easy! KEEPING them active and not procrastinating is not.<br />
Willpower...unfortunately is something I have very little of. I don't know why but I need extra help when it comes to motivation.<br />I am motivated with certain things but when it comes to my own personal goals I tend to push them aside and focus on others and their needs first. In some ways it's a good thing to be selfless but in other ways it's really not.<br />For example - Health.<br />
If I'm not healthy, what good am I to anyone else? How can I help, encourage and mentor someone else to be their best if I, myself, am not at mine?<br />
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I'm struggling. I do NOT like to ask for help nor do I like to be fussed over. I am the one who dotes on others and I have always been the care giver, NOT the receiver. I'm having a really hard time with this illness and recovering from it fully because, simply, I am extremely stubborn and don't like to admit that, yes I really do need help.<br />
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Admitting it is a good thing. It's a step in the right direction but oh my freakin' goodness I can't stand it!!<br />
<br />Now I'm going to back pedal because I just admitted that and I hate that I did. It's taking every inch of my self-discipline to not go back and delete it. I do NOT like to feel vulnerable nor do I want to come off weak or needy. I am not. But I was honest when I said I do need help. I make goals with the purest intention to follow through on them but often, I fail. I was suppose to start physical therapy --- I have not yet made my 1st appointment. The trial drug that I am on causes edema and has made me gain 50 pounds. I am UNHAPPY because as you all know, I am the "energizer bunny" and the one with never-ending energy. Even with my energy levels being back up, the weigh is water retention and will be increasing and sticking to me like feathers on tar until the end of this trial (August 2015).<br />
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The weight gain is causing me to be tired and also I believe it's making me feel a bit blue. I am not depressed but I do admit that I always have the 'what if' blues dangling over my head.<br /> What helps me most is knowing that I am helping others. THAT is the most important thing in my existence.<br />
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I have an overwhelming need to help others and that in itself will keep me moving forward to Keep on Keepin' On!<br />
<br />Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976341434394286116.post-48014074449227643932014-11-03T09:02:00.001-08:002014-11-03T09:02:56.103-08:00November Already?So it is! November has arrived. In just 5 days I will have gone a full year since the day I started chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer.<br />
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Keeping a positive attitude and moving forward is a powerful force that all those on the cancer journey.. no.. let me add.. EVERYONE should try to strive for. It has kept me moving forward. I don't tend to look back all that often and I keep my focus on the here and now. I do, however, suggest that you put on your calendar, little things to look forward to. I love to glance at my planner and see lunch dates, girls night out, little shopping trips with my mom, park play dates with my hubby and girls, the zoo etc... little things to keep me focused and see that there IS a future and it's dotted with pleasantries!!<br />
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TRY IT!Gabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05954937429945145074noreply@blogger.com0