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Health failing and possible new cancer question ??????????

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Posted 12/14/2005 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hello girls,

So much has been going on. This year Steve lost his mom and I almost lost my sister in law and  my cat. I did lose my other sister in law to divorce. Steve has been helping me fix up the house.

Now for me. Well, my heart is worse. The chemo induced heart failure is getting worse, not better as I had hoped. The doctor doubled my morning medicine. The other doctor says I am on the fast track for diabetes. I am starting to go to classes. I almost never have sugar and eat low carb already so I have an idea it is because I am all a mess. My choleseral was 336 without the medicne but all of it makes me sick and has for the past year and a half. The heart doctor says I don't need it because I have no blockage and if I eat his way, no meat and only fat free cheece, I won't .I'm also supposed to exercise 90 minutes a day. I've been trying! I have a stress test on Monday.

Yesterday the doctor called with the news that I have abnormal cells on my pap test. Actually, her nurse called. The gyn can't get me in until Jan. 29th. That's not OK with me so I am getting my path tomorrow and will call both of my Oncologists for advice and get in to see another gyn. I have a mammogram Jan. 9th at Barnes in STL so I will ask her. Big, question?? Last time they found abnormal cells it was the beginning of cervical cancer and I had a hysterectomy. What kind of cancer would this be??? The nurse said she had no idea. I know I've had a really good run. I was diagnosed at 49 and will be 58 in January. I'm just not ready to give up yet. This board had taught me how to fight. Thank you. Love, Di

Posted 12/15/2005 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
(((((((((Di)))))))))))

 

You are such an inspiration.  You have the formula for hanging in there, alright.  I've always admired your tenacity.  I hope you will navigate the medical mischigas you are faced with.  You always have love and support coming from The Catskills.

Posted 12/15/2005 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Di

I know that you are stressing right now but just remember that abnormal pap cells are very common. I know we automatically think it is cancer again. I will be praying for you and please see about getting in sooner. Ask them if you can get on a list of cancellations, that is too long to wait. we will be there every step of the way.
Posted 12/15/2005 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Di. I'm really sorry to hear about all the health problems. about the pap, though, please follow MK's advice and don't worry til you know there is something to worry about. Pap tests are tricky little things, and abnormal readings are actually fairly normal. I've had several abnormal readings, gone through all the colposcopies, etc., only to have normal readings later, then an abnormal, and on and on.

As far as what can go wrong, I learned a lot from genetics clinic. Apparently things aren't quite as black and white as now you have the organ, now you don't. Our ovaries, vagina, and associated parts start out in utero much higher in the body, and as they travel down to their anatomically correct positions, they leave behind cells. So even with a complete hysterectomy, there is a chance of getting female cancers in these trace cells that are left behind. I think of it as kind of like a mastectomy...while they try to get all of the breast tissue, there may be cells of tissue left behind, and we can get malignancies in those cells.

Anyway, not to scare you, but just sharing what I was told by the good doctors. (They have recommended that I have a total hysterectomy to lessen my chances of ovarian cancer--right now I'm just sticking to the exams, CA-125, and t-v ultrasounds--just don't want to deal with surgery.)

Best wishes heading your way.

Love and hugs...
BEV
Posted 12/15/2005 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks girls. I know you aren't trying to scare me Bev, I want to know what I might be dealing with. Thanks. Can you tell me what a colposopie is? I think I might have had one before. They did a test after a bad pap test and then they did a cone procedure to take out all of the cells around it so that I could finish the school year before the hysterectomy. Major question? Does it hurt? Should I take a pain pill before I go? The other test I had did not hurt. I always took pain pills at Barnes during radiation since I was tied to a stake, or something twice a week so I didn't move during radiation and hyperthermia. It was just hard to stay in that position that long. I would have a hard time on survivor. Thanks for letting me know that you've had abnormals and they were OK.The nurse said that sometimes they are abnormal after having had radiation. I hope you are fine. Lots of love and hugs, Di
Posted 12/15/2005 4:23 AM (GMT 0)

Hello Di! I know how scared you are. Even when we try to reassure each other and tell each other not to worry, it is always easier said than done. I agree w/ your calling your onoc and getting into a diff ob sooner. I am sure that they wouldn't want to wait if it was them or one of the their family members. I can't tell you about any of the different tests that can or will be done. I do know that chemo and radiation can cause all kinds of wierd test results. I became diabetic once I began taking the herceptin and navelbine. When I have a break from the navelbine, my counts drop down to normal and I have to stop taking my meds for the diabetes. I hope that your drs can get your meds straightened out and they can find something that will help your heart. Don't you dare give up. We are ALL going to beat this darn disease...TOGETHER!

Lots of prayers and hugs and love...Deb

Posted 12/15/2005 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
A colposcopy is when they take tissue from the cervix. They use a microscope to choose where to take the tissue and try to remove as much suspicious-looking tissue as possible. The freeze is slightly different. I've not had that done, but my daughter did. They are uncomfortable, but not painful. If you no longer have a cervix, I'm not sure they would do a colposcopy. Maybe one of the medical people can be more precise about what they might do.

Hope all turns out to be "nothing."

Love and hugs...
BEV
Posted 12/15/2005 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
OK, here's a big hug for you Ms Di.  Boy, your post made me feel like we need some in-person hugs soon!  I hope we can have a gathering before another year passes.

It sure seems like a lot of us have developed diabetes after the joys of chemo.  You sound like you're doing all of the right things.  I'm sure you'll do well at managing the diabetes if you're diagnosed.  Mine has done pretty well.  I just have a tingling in my toes that I'm not sure is due to the diabetes or a lingering memory of taxol.

Hang in there, my friend, and keep us updated.  We love you!

Becky

Posted 12/15/2005 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Di, sorry for all your troubles. Becky is right, we need real hugs and SOON!

I had a colposcopy twice. The first time I recall it was uncomfortable and then some slight cramping after. The second time I felt nothing and had no discomfort later. THey use a camera to go in and look, it is kinda cool to see it on a screen! Anyway, probably no pain pill is needed, I took advil, but not anything else. I also think there are lots of things that can cause an abnormal pap.

Hang in there!
Lori
Posted 12/15/2005 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Morning,
Thanks for all of your support and answers. I am off to work out and see my arm therapist and pick up my path report. Then, I guess I'll call the doctor who is now in Indianapolis that did my hysterectomy. I just love her. Everyone does. If I can get there, I'm sure I would feel better having her explain everything to me. It's nice to trust someone. And, YES, Some real hugs would really be welcome. Love, Di
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