11/3/2010

10/27/2010
Many Thanks to DragonLeaf Photography
http://www.dragonleafphotography.com/

It's been a month and a half since my last update.  I had intended to update at least a couple times a week.  My bad.  So, to catch you all up here's a list if what's happened in that time:

• I do, in fact, have Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC).  An MSH2 deletion defect, to be exact.  
• We are still sorting through pros and cons and feelings about having the boys tested.
• The Lynch diagnosis lead to a whole new set of tests and screenings for the cancers I'm at highest risk for.  So far:
• Complex Cystic Mass on (R) ovary.
• Thickened endometrium
• PET scan was negative for rapidly growing cells.
• Complete Hysterectomy will be performed early 2011.
• Abdomen/Stomach etc all look good.
• Tests/Screening still to complete:
• Upper GI with Small Intestine follow through.
• Ophthalmologist to address possible pressure(?) issues. (Eye pain and wandering eye)
• Dermatology-I'll get into that in my next post.  (*SIGH*)
• So far my blood counts haven't dropped too low or been unable to recover back to normal within a two week period.
• November 17th will be my 6th treatment.  That will put me halfway through my regimen.

So, today is day one of cycle five.  The neuropathy sets in immediately and gets a little worse with each treatment.  It's not pleasant but, it's still bearable.  I'm very hopeful that this will go away after treatment as it fades almost entirely by the end of a two week cycle.  I'm tired and have a pretty wicked headache and a small cold (no fever).  Other than that I'm feeling good.  

Next Wednesday morning I have the upper GI.  Hizzah.  I think I'm most nervous about the small intestine.  Hopefully it'll all look good.  It's already been decided that when I relapse or have to go back in for another resection they'll be performing a full collectomy and I'll have a colostomy for the rest of my life.  I'm trying to keep that in perspective and not dwell on it too much.  Most of the time I feel so old...like I've been through too much to be only 32.  I MUST be older than that.  When I think about having a colostomy for the rest of my life, though, I feel very young.  Too young for this.  *sigh*  Brandon is too young...but, I can't go there right now...cause then I cry and that actually causes physical pain right now...so...

Overall the cycles have followed the same pattern.   The side effects are a little more pronounced and last a bit longer with each cycle but, the pattern is the same.  

Thank you for continuing to pray for, think about and love on my family.  If you're one of the lovely folk who have brought us a dinner (or three)...Thank you.  There really aren't any words that truly convey what a blessing it is to have that extra time with my family...and to not have to worry about the planning and prep etc when I'm not feeling well.  You have blessed our family in a very tangible way and we are thankful.  <3  Mrs Breanna N gets an especially huge thanks for organizing all of that.  Friend, I'm so glad you are a part of my life.  I admire your heart so much.  Thank you. <3

 If you're here for info and support, I'm sorry I haven't offered much.  I have found a couple of links I've found helpful.  I'll post a little later today with those.  You can also feel free to email me at:  CoastieFoxes at yahoo dot com.