Things have been rather chaotic lately. My dad passed away almost two weeks ago, I had my fifth chemo treatment and have been to Houston for a second opinion.

My Dad died on September 12.

My fifth chemo treatment went as well as can be expected. My visit with Dr. Mutch revealed that my CA125 has dropped a bit from 942 to 837. He also feels the tumor has diminished in size. This is all very good. I am working continually to get better.

Richie and I went to MDAnderson in Houston for a second opinion appointment Tuesday. It was reassuring to hear from the doctor there that he would be following the same therapy prescription for me if I were his patient. I did not expect any different response from him and so it is good for me to know that I am at the right cancer center with the right doctor. I really like my doc, his staff and if I have to be away from my family in Lawrence, at least I am with my family in St. Louis.

So today I am feeling the beginnings of the chemo effects. I am a little tired from travel and chemo and life in general. I am not achy today (which I was last time) and I am looking forward to the weekend at home.

We are all doing well. The kids are busy with school, dance, Taw Kwon Do, drums, piano. Richie is busy at work and we have tons of projects around the house. So life is as normal as it can get with a twist or two. Thanks to everyone for the cards and good wishes.
Love,
Maggie

The dreaded chemo...

I did not sleep well last night and I am feeling a little blue. The dreaded part of my chemo cycle has arrived.

This morning's forecast called for a warm day, but rain showers and cool weather this evening. I decided to open the windows. I would have been more comfortable with them closed. It was a long, hot day. I seem to be experiencing aching joints. I also am starting in on the diarrhea so I did not try to walk this morning. The combination of diarrhea and achy joints makes me feel a bit under the weather, a little fluish.

The lack of exercise makes me antsy. I just don't feel like I have done much of anything. And the reality is I did not really do anything today. I just have to remember that that is okay.

I saw the oncologist last week. My CA125 was back up to 942. The good news is that it hasn't gone over 1000 and that was the expectation in the beginning of this chemo regimen. I believe that the 642 from last time was probably a mistake. I was reminded that this is another reason that the CA125 test is not necessarily a good single marker for ovarian cancer. The best news from the visit was that my doc believes my tumors have diminished in size.

We discussed future treatment and it is clear that I will go back on the carbo/taxol regimen at some point in the future. He will probably add avastin or another drug to the mix (ugh!), but still believes I can beat this cancer. It feels good to have him in my corner.

So even though I don't feel good today, I hope to feel better in a few days and someday I will be cancer free again. And that makes me feel better.