My fight against the big C

It's been a year since I've posted anything here.  I guess I didn't have anything to say.  Well all that has changed for me.  I'm fighting for a longer life right now.  Yes, the big C, Cancer has caught up with me.   

My story starts back in 2021 during our year of lock down due to Covid.  I went to my primary Doctor for a normal check up as I do every 3 months.  I'm type two diabetic, therefore my blood work gets checked on that schedule.  While there I told my Physician's Assistant I was concerned by some vaginal bleeding,  a concern when you're post-menopausal.  She suggested I make an appointment with a genecologist.  From this point I'm going to outline the time frame for you:

February 2021 - Saw a genecologist.

March 2021 -  had an ultrasound

April 2021 - I went back to genecologist for results and consultation.  Her recommendation was to have a biopsy.  I was told I would get a call to set up an appointment at the hospital.    

This is where things went wrong, I never got a call from anyone.  Also at this time (May 2021) I found out that my son Bob was diagnosed with cancer.  The next months were some of the worst of my life.  He passed away in September and I was devastated.   As you might imagine, I wasn't thinking about me and my health.  In other words, I blew it off.  I had plenty of excuses, must be covid related reason for hospital not calling was the one I used the most.

Jump forward to 2022 -  Another appointment with my primary.  He asked me about my original concerns regarding my  gynecological problems.  I told him I never got a call from anyone and I wasn't too thrilled with the Doctor I saw anyway.  He recommended another Doctor and urged me to make an appointment.  I did because now my discomfort has increased to add pain to the mix.

April 2023 -  First appointment with Dr. Sutherland.  His recommendation was a biopsy.  I agreed to have it done at Community.

June 28, 2023 -  Checked into Same day surgery and had the biopsy done.   

July 5, 2023 -  appointment with Dr. Sutherland for results.  Biopsy is positive for Cancer.  Referred me to Dr. Hackett for further treatment.

July 13, 2023 -  First appointment with Surgeon, Dr. Hackett.  He recommended complete hysterectomy.  

July 26, 2023-  Went to Community for pre op testing. 

August 8, 2023 - Checked into Hospital for surgery.  Things didn't go as planned.  My surgery was more complicated,  Dr. Hackett couldn't do the laparoscopic/robotic procedure.  My hystorectomy was done the old fashioded way.  My stay in the hospital was 4 days.  

August 16, 2023 -  Follow up appointment with Dr. Hackett.  My prognosis was not good.  My cancer has spread outside the uterus.  Dr. Hackett referred me to and Oncologist, Dr. Tang.  

 August 24, 2023 - First appointment with Dr. Tang.  I liked him right away because he didn't hold back on the reality of what I'm up against.  There's no cure but my condition is treatable to extend what time I have left.

  Sept. 8, 2023 -  Appt. at Community Outpatient dept. to have port implanted.  This is for easier administration of Chemo drugs.  The actual procedure took about an hour.  It was uncomfortable but I was mildly sedated and alert.

Sept. 11, 2023 -  Back to Community Outpatient dept. for a CT Scan.  This was to establish a base line for future scans.  Hopefully future scans will show improvement after receiving chemo.

Sept. 18, 2023 - First day of Chemo treatment.  Reported to Infusion Center at 8:00.  The center is very well run and everything was going smoothly.  Around 1:00 pm I had an allergic reaction to one of the drugs.  The staff were incredible and reacted immediately.  Treatment was cancelled and I was transported to the ER.  I was checked out there and it was determined it was indeed a reaction to the drug.

Sept. 25, 2023 -  Reported to Infusion Center to start again.  Everything went well this time.  A replacement was ordered  and I received my full chemo treatment.  I will be going every Monday for how ever long it takes to receive treatment.

This brings me up to date on my timeline.  So far I haven't had any side effects from my first chemo treatment.  Keeping my figures crossed to keep it that way.

I know this has been long, but hopefully even if it helps only one person going through something like me, it will be worth it.  

If I can give one good piece of advice it's this, Don't be afraid to seek treatment for anything abnormal with your health.  Your life could depend on it.

I will try my best to update my blog at least once a week.