Three Years NED

Tethys41
Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
in Ovarian Cancer #1

It has been over three years since I received the glorious news that I was NED.  I’m certain it came as a shock to my gyn/onc, who, after my suboptimal debulking from a very aggressive cancer, said I would never achieve remission and would not last a year.  I think he wasn’t far from wrong.  The time of treatment was an endless struggle for me, having 20 gallons (80 liters) of ascites drained over the 2 months following surgery, enduring chemo that literally incapacitated me for 8 months, and relying on IV nutrition for 3 months, in order to prevent me from  dying of malnutrition. 

Since then, I’ve learned that, genetically, my body is a train wreck.  I don’t have the ability to produce or use glutathione, an essential antioxidant; I am predisposed to inflammation, autoimmunity, and sugar metabolism issues; and my body loves to produce VEGF – the factor that Avastin blocks. 

There’s no question, I was a sitting duck for a fast and furious recurrence.  But the same source that revealed my genetic predisposition to cancer, my naturopath, has guided me down a path that is keeping me NED.  All of the markers she looks at, many, many more than just the CA-125 or HE4, say that my body isn’t even thinking of allowing cancer growth.  And I feel amazing, way better than I felt for years prior to my diagnosis.

I can’t tell you what a gift and a blessing it is to have my life back, after the difficult journey I had with cancer.  I wish everyone here successful treatment and eternal NED.  I know it can be achieved, even if the cards are stacked against you.

Comments

  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #2
    You have come a long way

    Congratulations on your three year anniversary of being NED!  I am so happy for you..keep up the good work you do to take care of yourself. Stay strong...Val 

    2013-03-21

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #3
    Congratulations Kate!

    3+ years NED and going strong despite all odds and statistics. Your story is an inspiration to us all.

    I feel ashamed to whine about 5 liters of ascites tapped compared to 80.

    Your posts about alternative treatments are always so interesting and helpful.

    Best of luck to you,

  • lovesanimals
    lovesanimals Member Posts: 1,366 Member
    #4
    Alexandra said:

    Congratulations Kate!

    3+ years NED and going strong despite all odds and statistics. Your story is an inspiration to us all.

    I feel ashamed to whine about 5 liters of ascites tapped compared to 80.

    Your posts about alternative treatments are always so interesting and helpful.

    Best of luck to you,

    Congratulations!

    I don't have the words to express how happy I am for you.  Your story is incredible and gives us all hope.  I am in awe over your strength and determination and I hope you remain NED forever. 

    Kelly

  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    #5
    lovesanimals said:

    Congratulations!

    I don't have the words to express how happy I am for you.  Your story is incredible and gives us all hope.  I am in awe over your strength and determination and I hope you remain NED forever. 

    Kelly

    Congrats

    So happy for you! You are an inspiration to us all!

  • seatown
    seatown Member Posts: 261 Member
    #6
    Congratulations!

    You are an inspiration to us all!

  • JulieL
    JulieL Member Posts: 141
    #7
    Amazing and Inspirational

    Thank you so much Tethys for your encouraging post.   Wonderful to have achieved 3 years NED after such a battle!  I too always enjoy your posts about taking charge of our bodies.  You have inspired me to change my diet and attend a naturopath and since I have my bloods have been so much better and I have been feeling so much better.  Though I am not yet NED everybody I see who knows what I am battling says how great and healthy I look.   So very thrilled for you and keep up the good work.

  • 2timothy1 7
    2timothy1 7 Member Posts: 345
    #8
    You

    Congratulations! Always glad to hear from you.

  • Cafewoman53
    Cafewoman53 Member Posts: 735 Member
    #9
    Congratulations !

    I am so happy for you! It is so nice to hear about women who are successful in beating this disease, you rock!

    Colleen

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #10
    CONGRATULATIONS!

    What an inspirational testimony you are!  Thank you for sharing!

    Monika

     

  • His grace
    His grace Member Posts: 23
    #11
    Congrats

    Thank you for sharing your story.  I am so so so happy for you.  I was just diagnosed and had my first chemo treatment last week.  You are an inspiration to me.  : )

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