Journal Entry for October 10, 2009
October 10, 2009 6:57am
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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5 journal comments, 2 hugs given, 1 hug received
Today
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IUPUI commented on vchen’s journal entry Journal Entry for November 6, 2009 12:17pm
Hi, I hope you are getting the same wonderful weather that we have in Indiana. I also hope you soon get…
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IUPUI commented on MargyMc’s photo 12:13pm
Hi Margy, It's good to see what you look like. I hope all is going well. Much love, Janet…
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IUPUI commented on JulierRae’s journal entry TGIF!! Blood Test and Parent/Teacher Conf 11:43am
Hi Julie, I hope you are feeling better today. I'm sure that doing a lot does take a toll. I know it…
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IUPUI gave anitaama a good luck wish 11:37am
Hi Anita, Your grandchildren's halloween pictures are adorable. What great costumes they had! I also…
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IUPUI commented on rharris’s journal entry Still Alive... 11:29am
Hi Becky, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond but I want you to know that I truly appreciate…
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Journal
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Hugbook
Hug
Dear Janet
Thanks of thinking of me before my Monday trek to MSKCC. My oncologist considers my CA levels to be stable at 20. The lowest they`ve ever been was 18 but have been in the 20s since 3/09, definitely a far cry from the 7500 when i was diagnosed. I`ll probably never go into single digits but am happy to have levels they consider stable. Unfortunately the only way they can maintain this is by constant chemo. I guess we do whatever it takes... I hope you have a wonderful fall weekend, resting, while your husband and son go to the game! Lots of love, as always.
xxLinda-
Hug
Dear Janet
I`m happy to hear that you`re feeling better, but sorry that you have some hearing loss due to this chemo. I have had the seasonal flu shot at MSKCC but not the H1N1. Unfortunately, my pregnant daughter has been trying to get the seasonal shot but only the H1N1 is available. She`s a bit concerned since she teaches 6th/7th grade math and has a few cases of swine flu in her school. I love this season and am thrilled that DST is over, hopefully it won`t be too dark when I travel for chemo this Monday. Have a great week!
xxLinda -
Hug
Dear Janet
I`m surprised that your oncologist didn`t warn you about the effects the platinum drugs can have on your hearing. Most of my friends, who`ve been on them any length of time, have experienced what you and I are sharing. However, it`s supposed to eventually stop. Unfortunately, I still have these issues and have been off the platunum drugs for a year. Have a restful weekend so you can regroup and feel stronger for next week. At least your CA levels are at 5, mine are 4 times higher at 20 and I still haven`t had a break from chemo in 16 months :( Lots of love, as always!
xxLinda -
Chocolate
Dear Janet
The day after chemo is always rough for me, due to sleep deprivation :( I`ve also noticed that my newly grown hair is beginning to thin out. I can`t believe that I have to go through this all over again.I`m sending some chocolate, for energy, to get you through your busy evening. Lots of love,
xxLinda -
Hug
There is a social worker at my dialysis clinic but she is not helpful. Thanks for your suggestions.
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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
