Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Medical Update

Got Great News Today...My Brac 1 and 2 were Negative. I am very happy about this. while it does not mean anything in the big picture of breast cancer or Ovarian cancer..it does mean the DNA gene is not there ..and that is a blessing and means some other issues such as preventive surgery do not have to be addressed. So what a blessing..
I know some of you had asked me about my treatments and my testing...so I thought I would post a little about what was going on..
A little about my medical issues....I am also careful with what and how I say things because I never want to say something in a way that if one of the children were to read it or hear about it..it could scare them...

As most of you know I found out I had cancer after having surgery on Dec 10th to remove three lymph nodes that had grown very large.
When they did the pre mapping MRI the scan found that I had some nodules in my chest wall that would also need to be followed. The radiologist said that these were found as a fluke because I was shorter and the scan piked them up. Due to having these nodules to has me as stage two. Plus since there was disease in more then one lymph node..it is classified as stage two . Once again very blessed.

I have had PET scans and Cat scans, MRI scans...One things that I did not understand was why I would need to do anything other then the PET scan. But it was explained to me that while the PET scan was a wonderful tool...for some places in the body a MRI or Cat scan was better. So I am feeling like we are covering everything. I am due for my next PET scan the sec week of March.


My Diagnosis is
Non Hodgkin's lymphoma
Stage II: Either of the following means that the disease is stage II:
  • Lymphoma cells are found in two or more lymph node areas on the same side of the sheet of muscle (diaphragm) that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.
  • Lymphoma cells are found in only one area or organ outside the lymph nodes and in the lymph nodes around it. Other lymph node areas on the same side of the diaphragm may also contain lymphoma cells.
I will be going to a different specialist to help with the autoimmune disease. This has made treatment a little harder but we are working with a RA specialist and a Infectious Disease Dr and a awesome oncologist. They all seem to work well together and that makes things go easier.

Another issue is my Epstein Barr Virus levels are very high and have been for a while. So we are watching that. They are watching my spleen ..so far it has looked fine.

Each week I am doing my treatments. This consist of Chemo and steroids. After my PET scan if everything is stable I will continue my chemo but it will be be on a different schedule. We also may have to consider doing a open biopsy of the nodules on the chest...I sure hope not. I am not complaining but 3 major operations from Oct 31st is enough...I am ready to get this done and move on...But of course I will do whatever needs to be done to make sure we are on the right treatment path.

I am working on healing from my last operation. I had a little set back the last two days but am laying low and working on getting back on track. I know that this weekend I will have some down time with my treatment so that will help with my recovery....

As a family we are working on finding a balance of normal...we are making a new normal...



8 comments:

April said...

Good Morning, Amy!
I just read your post about Phillip...hope he feels better today. It's been such a rollercoaster ride, hasn't it? Thank you for the update about what all is going on with you. Sure sounds like you've been blessed with a great medical team who's staying on top of things.

That IS great news about your BRAC 1 and 2 coming back negative! Celebrate every victory!

I'm thinking of you all, Amy...and praying for you just the same! Try to rest as best you can.

Unknown said...

im so glad to hear you got some good news. im so glad to hear you sound stronger. im posting a short story i wrote as a gift for my friends one christmas over on my blog in segments cause it's so long... hope you'll stop over when you are feeling better and give it a peek :)... xoxox..... annie

Dawn said...

Amy, I've tagged you at my blog for the name meme!

bluesuede said...

Amy, I'm glad you shared this information. I have wanted to know what was going on, but didn't want to pry. I wanted to let you tell us when you felt ready.

Gellyfish said...

Hi Amy, You probably don't remember me but I originally met you on KK and then we were in the same challenge group over on Jimmy's site, I was Angela1416. Last week I stumbled upon your new blog and was shocked at what I was reading. I just want to let you know that you now have one more person that is praying for you and your family. My husband had cancer 7 years ago and it was a struggle but everything is great now and you will get through this. You are a very strong woman and admire you a lot. Thanks for updating your diagnosis. I have read almost every post trying to figure out what is going on. I love reading your blog. Thanks for being REAL!

Angela

Hope said...

I wanted to let you know that you and your Phillip are in my thoughts today.

You've had a lot put on your shoulders lately, so thank you for giving us this small glimpse into your life. You are an amazing person!

Shannon said...

Thanks for the update. Any good news these days can give a drop of hope. Praying for you so much!

misty said...

Thanks for the update, and I'm so glad you had some good news, you so deserve that.Will keep praying for continued healing, God bless!