Progress
20 %
IUPUI 
12:09pm, October 5, 2009
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About Me
IUPUI
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About Me
I have nine children and was feeling quite well until about Halloween 2007. I started noticing that my abdomen was rapidly distending to the point that by mid November I almost looked pregnant. I did get medical attention fairly quickly after the onset of symptoms; however, at the end of November was diagnosed with ovarian cancer - stage IIIc. I had horrific complications after my debulking surgery and ended up in a coma in intensive care. My recovery has been long and difficult but I'm doing well now.
I have nine children and was feeling quite well until about Halloween 2007. I started noticing that my abdomen was rapidly distending to the point that by mid November I almost looked pregnant. I did get medical attention fairly quickly after the onset of symptoms; however, at the end of November was diagnosed with ovarian cancer - stage IIIc. I had horrific complications after my debulking surgery and ended up in a coma in intensive care. My recovery has been long and difficult but I'm doing well
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Interests
I have a great family scattered around the country. I love to travel and visit all my children and grandchildren. Additionally, I work in higher education and I enjoy taking classes. It looks as though I will finish a Masters in Higher Education in May 2009. I am also trying to change my diet to a healthier one and I have become someone who exercises regularly (especially swimming).
I have a great family scattered around the country. I love to travel and visit all my children and grandchildren.
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Recent Activity
Recently:
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6 journal comments, 3 hugs received, 3 hugs given, 1 journal post
Today
Wednesday
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IUPUI gave Lindaheff a hug 10:15am
Hi Linda, Thank you for the leg advice. I had another night with the legs aching but did manage to sleep…
Tuesday
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IUPUI gave Lindaheff a congrats 8:30am
Hi Linda, I had a bit of a "sick" day yesterday - very tired with achy, restless legs. Today…
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IUPUI commented on rharris’s journal entry Another day... 8:18am
Happy birthday to your mom from me, too. Oh these days are always very rough. The pain of loss is still…
Saturday
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Journal
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Hugbook
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Little Love
Dear Janet
I`m sending lots of love for your grandbaby, Nadia Rose :)
I read that you can relieve Restless Legs Syndrome by putting a bar of soap under your sheet. It worked for my niece, while she was pregnant, and may be worth a try! Good luck with your restless legs and kisses for your new grandbaby!
xxLinda -
Celebration
Dear Janet
This is the first time I`ve been online due to numerous errands, a trip to my mother`s and Atlantic City. However, you were on my mind today...I was mentioning to my husband how I`ve met this incredible survivor who got her Master`s at IU, teaches engineering and is finishing up her 2nd regime of my much hated carboplatin/taxol. You truly are an inspiration to all of us, and deserve all the good things that are beginning to happen for you, again. It`s amazing how different oncologists have different "schools of thought"(mine won`t allow me to ingest any vitamins, herbs, etc.)You`re approximately 6 months ahead of me in your ovca diagnosis, mine was 5/08 :( Have a wonderful weekend and try to celebrate that you`re here 2 years later and have tackled the BEAST, again!. Lots of love, as always,
xxLinda -
Good Luck
Dear Janet
I think that it`s terrific that your oncologist isn`t giving you the carboplatin because of your hearing problems... I was annoyed that they made me have 9 treatments of if, when they knew I`d become resistant and was losing hearing. Possibly your doctors are a bit more compassionate :) We`ve had 3 days of rain and are due for a few more, so thanks for your much needed sunshine. I`m sending lots of good luck your way for today`s treatment and a terrific weekend. Lots of love,
xxLinda -
Hug
Dear Janet
Thanks for you words of encouragement, as always. Initially I had all my blood tests and scans within 2 miles of my house, however MSKCC questions everything and felt that they`d prefer to do their own testing. Today it is cloudy and warm in NJ and I`m hoping to crash soon, but have been watching the passing boats from my deck. I know that sleep is such an important part of the healing process and need it desperately! Try to conserve you energy for Friday`s treament, just think...you`re almost done :)
Lots of love,
xxLinda 
Hug
Thank you so much for the hug and sweet message!!! They will get better sooner or later I hope!!
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Photos
IUPUI hasn’t uploaded any photos yet
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Goals
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Support Groups
Close Ovarian Cancer
I was diagnosed with IIIC ovarian cancer November 2007. I had debulking surgery after which I developed a life-threatening blood disorder called disseminating intravascular coagulation. I was in a coma for about 10 days and in ICU for 19 days. All my blood volume was replaced. I emerged from ICU unable to move due to something called critical illness myopathy. I spent 8 weeks in a rehab facility and another 9 weeks with home nursing care. I had various other serious infections.
Treatments
- Carboplatin Working / Worked
- I was too sick to have anything but carboplatin. I needed blood transfusions after my fourth treatment. My surgical incision was infected and didn't completely close until after all chemo was completed. I also had an intestinal infection called C-Diff (pretty bad stuff); this, too, was worsened by the chemo. Things are fine now. Update: August 2009 CT found two small lesions so more chemo. Currently taking Carbo/Taxol
- Chemotherapy Working / Worked
