Each cycle of radiation or chemo is followed by the inevitable blood draw. It takes about a week for the CA 125 Ovarian Cancer marker to come back. Other blood markers are available in just a few days. Every time they take blood, I wait anxiously for the results. The last CA level blood marker was the harbinger of recurrence. Even “normal” values can cause fear if they double or triple for the previous draw. This go round, the hospital is using a new lab, so the numbers can’t be compared to previous values. There is no joy or heartbreak associated with this number; it’s simply a number. The plan, unless there is some anomaly is that I’ll start chemo next week. Happy to be down with radiation, but remembering the trek that was the last chemo journey. This time will be new drugs, which inevitably means new side effects. In the meantime…trying to get healthy and recommending these documentaries on #Netflix: Mortified Nation, Queen of Versailles, Girl Model, Russia’s Toughest Prisons, Fat Sick & Nearly Dead.
Anxious on your behalf… All one can do, as you are so good at, is remain positive. You are amazingly resilient.
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And to think that we thought leeches were out dated. You are educating all of us on the struggles you are undergoing and how this ‘nasty cancer thing’ works. Mostly, we read these and marvel at your outlook and determination. But it also inspires me to lift up another prayer. Your motto must be “keep on keepin’ on”. Love you lots.
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Chemo is officially slated for next Thursday. One of my blood markers went up…but doc says the chemo should take care of it.
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