Coping with the worry

On 5/31/2009 Dr. Positive wrote:

I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc fallopian tube cancer in January 2008. Having had surgery and been through chemo, I worry each time that I have a check up. On my recent visit, the physician told me that my ca125 marker is up but didn't share the #. He's ordered a cat scan, and I'm concerned. Has anyone experienced this?

I was diagnosed with ftc December 2008.My oncologist told me that the CA125 number can go up  or down, and that they don't tend to worry until they get 2 or 3 results that have gone up. Ask for copies of your blood work so you know your numbers.

 In terms of managaing your fears -  I use creative visualization. Imagine yourself cancer free. I do a meditation where I visualize white, healing, divine energy kicking butt on those cancer cells. I do affirmations daily - I am healthy and cancer free. Get proactive about your diet - organic veggies, juicing, etc. Stay away from meat unless it is grass fed from the health food store. Go to an acupuncturist. Go to yoga. Do everything you can to live a healthy life style and have faith!! Worrying gets you nowhere and causes stress. I have found 5 women with FTC, and they are all survivors. One of them is in her 60s now and had it in her 40s. My main suggestion is meditation and yoga - getting in touch with your spiritual side should calm your fears. If your oncologist isn't good about giving you information, get your gynecologist on board. Mine just called me personally with the results of my blood work - she is a gem. You have a right to know - be proactive! I am sure you will be fine - there are 6 of us out there who are survivors that I know about, and they were easy to find.

Best if health! Namaste, Jill 

 I am so sorry. Go back into your warrior goddess mode and kick its ass again! Jill

On 6/20/2009 Dr. Positive wrote:

Thank you, Jill. I had a CT scan and have two inflammed lymph nodes and a small tumor. I am beginning chemo again.

So glad to hear that there are more like me out there!   I was diagnosed with  Stage III FTC on November 25, 2008.  Complete hysterectomy on that day and followed up with 6 sessions of Taxol and Paraplatin.  My latest CT Scan indicates no metastasis and CA125 was 2  Pre surgery the 125 was 44).  I was fortunate enough to have the surgery done by an excellent Gyn Onc Surg (a rare breed)     She removed everything, and although there was cancer in 5 lymph nodes she is confident she got it all.  I will continue to have blood work every 3 months, but no CT for 6 months instead of the 3 months I have been going. 

I am anxious to hear of others who have survived this cancer.  I am a 69 yr old in comparataively good health (except for cancer)   Would love to hear more stories of survival.  

We will beat this!

 Dolores L