Join Now
Yung 
I am not a very good writer, but since I was told that writing a journal will help me cope with my illness, I decided to give it my best shot.
This is how it all began … A Big Surprise
On Wednesday, September 10, 2008, I came to see my general doctor, Dr. Lee, after having had a lot of coughing and sinus infection for about a week or so. He examined me, gave me some antibiotic, and ordered some blood test and a chest X-ray.
On Friday, September 12, 2008, Dr. Lee called me in to discuss the test results. Dr. Lee had written up a referral note to the ER doctor. He told me to take it to the emergency room immediately for the thoracetesis procedure, and he also advised me to see an oncologist ASAP.
“I am to see an oncologist”? Did I hear it right? I couldn’t believe my ears. I tried my best not to get hysterical in front of my doctor. I calmly called my husband at home to let him know that I will need him to get ready to take me to the emergency room when I get home.
When I showed my husband Dr. Lee’s referral letter, the word “carcinomatosis” caught his eyes, and with further reading, he realized that I was being diagnosed with some kind of cancer!
We both kept quiet and stayed composed while we were on our way to Shady Grove ER.
There, I had some ultrasound and X-ray taken. I then got about over 1 litter of the fluid (pleural infusion) in my right lung removed. This fluid was tested and later the result came up with it being positive for cancer cells!
The following Monday, September 15, 2008 we went to the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorder to see the oncologist, Dr. Priego. He was pretty sure that I have ovarian cancer stage IV, and proceeded with a bunch of testing orders and a chemotherapy treatment plan for me.
I had a hard time believing that this is what actually happened - I have cancer for real!
Outwardly, I had tried to remain calm for the benefit of my husband, but inside I was really scared. My head was filled with worries and questions. This "surprise" definitely changed my life and my family in a big way. My future suddenly lost its luster. I have cancer to deal with!
After an extremely busy week of making many doctors’ visits and numerous lab tests, I received my first chemo infusion on Thursday September 25, 2008. I had joined the cancer patients “club”!
Comments
Well now you have found us here and yu are not alone in this.. Your results after treatment are really something to feel very good about and encouraging for me too. I have stage 3 OC and my last treatment, which ended last July, didn't get my CA125 to normal levels and now I am about to resume chemo. I have been living with this for nine years now and was in remission for over seven... none of it has been as bad as I imagined it would be when first diagnosed. My life is different now, but in many ways it is beter than before.. I don't waste my time and energy on the silly things that used to get to me and am more aware of what is and isn't important in life.
I agreee that it helps to keep a journal and to get the support and understanding of others that are going through this.. WE have so much to share here to help us all.
The flowers are so beautiful.. I can almost smell them.. what a wonderful skill to make such luxurious presents. I love them.
Hope you stay well and get to love the women here as I do.. Big hugs to you.. Inka xxx
Halli
Wow! That was a big surprise for you. I am so glad you came through it okay. You are not alone. Those of us in remission live with the fear of recurrance. But here of DS we help each other through these fears. You will find the most supportive and loving women here. We are all here for you. Your soaps are gorgeous! Keep in touch. Love and hugs to you. Anita
anitaama
I can't even image how much of a surprise that was for you and your husband. As Anita said you are not alone. We all live now in fear but together it is much easier to deal with. Your soaps are so beautiful.. What a talent you have in creating them. So many hugs to you and it is so nice to meet you....Beth
buttany1
A cancer diagnosis is the type of surprises we hope never to get . . . and membership in a club we'd rather not have joined. You sound like a strong woman and I'm so glad you found us on DS - this site has been a godsend for me in coping with cancer and treatment, and I hope it will be for you, too. Many wonderful women here and lots of love and support to be had. Love and hugs xxx LuEllen
milehighgirl
I just looked at your soap carvings - they are beautiful! LuEllen
milehighgirl