recurrence after 1 year - new thread
I was asked to start a new thread as my Any UPSC Who had Observation is getting quite long. In a nutshell - 12/13/16 biopsy UPSC; hysterectomy 1/25/17; was a stage 1A ;did 3 rounds carpo/toxol; 5 brachy; blood clots but finally felt done 12/13/17! Alas. 2/13/18 ( I am just now seeing all these 13's) , during pelvic exam at 6 mos., 2 tiny lesions found on vaginal wall! Began 25 rounds of pelvic radiation on March 7; was to begin ciaplatin today but snow and below temps in NC prevented me from going today and I must say was relieved. Sent my onc an email with all my concerns re the side effects and a request for the tumor board ( thanks to this site I found out about these) and they will review my case on Monday. My questions are mainly about my age -78- and the quality of life I can have. I will also ask some questions tomorrow when I meet with my onc radiation doc who has been so honest with me. He has only see 3 recurrences on wall in all his years - thankfully he is not old,old ( : Most are on vaginal cuff. So, not only do I have UPSC, it has to come back in an odd place. I am trying to learn to not have to be so in control but after all these years, it is harder than one imagines. Again, I am soooooooooooo thankful for this site as you have given me so many ideas and information that I would not have had.
I will continue to post here as time goes on so perhaps my experience will help others.
Comments
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Well, let's hope that the
Well, let's hope that the docs zap these annoying cockroaches somehow, and you can live many years.
I think that doctors are more and more aware that many patients do their research as well. This is huge decision, and you need to have all the facts in hand. Hope you can get them and make the right decision for the best quality of life.0 -
Miss Faye, keep us posted. I
Miss Faye, keep us posted. I hope you don't consider 78 old
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Radonc 8
Completed radiation 8 on Friday - so far- so good. Have decided to go with the low dose Cisplatin starting March 20. My radonc spent over an hour showing me my scans and how close l.nodes and blood vessels are to lesions and why they want to do all they can to kill those bad cells while localized. She was so patient and actually gave me an anatomy lesson as to what those vacant places are since my lady parts are gone. I was so impressed with this young woman and her ability to show me why things are needed and done. Am not from Missouri but am a mule who has to know why and one has to get my attention. One thing about long term radiation, one meets lots of folks whose app't. is before or right after yours. And yes, No Time for Cancer, 78 is old but not ancient.
So the 3rd journey is under way and i am feeling good as to the choices made. Will check in next week after chemo 1! Only thing I wish was that someone had told me to have the hysterectomy in 2008 when they saw shadow in uterus which after a D&C proved to just be fluid. Was that the harrbinger of UPSC?DF
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Solid planDonna Faye said:Radonc 8
Completed radiation 8 on Friday - so far- so good. Have decided to go with the low dose Cisplatin starting March 20. My radonc spent over an hour showing me my scans and how close l.nodes and blood vessels are to lesions and why they want to do all they can to kill those bad cells while localized. She was so patient and actually gave me an anatomy lesson as to what those vacant places are since my lady parts are gone. I was so impressed with this young woman and her ability to show me why things are needed and done. Am not from Missouri but am a mule who has to know why and one has to get my attention. One thing about long term radiation, one meets lots of folks whose app't. is before or right after yours. And yes, No Time for Cancer, 78 is old but not ancient.
So the 3rd journey is under way and i am feeling good as to the choices made. Will check in next week after chemo 1! Only thing I wish was that someone had told me to have the hysterectomy in 2008 when they saw shadow in uterus which after a D&C proved to just be fluid. Was that the harrbinger of UPSC?DF
It sounds like you have a solid plan and an attentive radiologist. Best wishes as you take on another round of chemo.
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cisplatin 1 Faye 5
Had the cisplatin on Tuesday. I was delighted with the way everything went. Saw the gynonc first and she discussed the results of tumor board. As I had expected, they were split on the cisplatin but most felt it was certainly worth a shot. The male RN that did the infusion was the same age as my RN son and he did a fantastic job finding a vein and then explaining all the bags hanging. So many things are given with cisplatin - liter of saline, amends(sp) that contains Mg and K; then the cisplatin that is diluted and finally more saline flush - 5 hrs. But was visited by 4 different people who went over side effects, anti nausea meds, diet, etc. I was so glad to have all this information. I am one who wants to KNOW!!
The tumor board hinted that they think there is cancer in lymph system although nothing shows so far. They think that is why I have the vaginal wall lesions. So for now, just one day at a time. Radiation #10 today - 15 more external - 1 or 2 more chemo as tolerated- then 5 brachy on the lesions.
I am truly at peace with everything as I feel I am heeding the best advice and if cancer comes knocking again, I'll deal with that then.
As always, DF
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Whew!!!
#13 external radiation and #1 cisplatin has sort of messed up my weekend. I am tired, but did do the steriods so not wiped out and now know how to taper. They do help one muster on. I have had the best of care this go round, and part was because I pointed out the problems of not telling me everyting I needed to know first time around. As a result, I am able to go forward and not be fearful. I have 12 more external and 2 more cisplatin if I continue to tolerate well. Then 5 brachy if needed. Looks like mid April will find all this behind me and I will get some idea of what the future holds. No guarantee on anything, but feeling positive as I move forward. Family and friends are all terrific.
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Counting down the treatments
DonnaFaye, Thank you for posting how your treatmenuts are progressing. It sounds like you are doing as well as can be expected! You are blessed to have such a good care team. Your son is an RN...you must be very proud of him! We all know what a difference it makes who provides our care. Wishing you strength and peace as you move ahead with your treatments.
Lori
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I'm sure hoping by mid-April
I'm sure hoping by mid-April when this treatment is behind you, the cancer will be too. All my best!!!
Love,
Eldri
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Miss Donna Faye, for me,Donna Faye said:Whew!!!
#13 external radiation and #1 cisplatin has sort of messed up my weekend. I am tired, but did do the steriods so not wiped out and now know how to taper. They do help one muster on. I have had the best of care this go round, and part was because I pointed out the problems of not telling me everyting I needed to know first time around. As a result, I am able to go forward and not be fearful. I have 12 more external and 2 more cisplatin if I continue to tolerate well. Then 5 brachy if needed. Looks like mid April will find all this behind me and I will get some idea of what the future holds. No guarantee on anything, but feeling positive as I move forward. Family and friends are all terrific.
Miss Donna Faye, for me, radiation caused fatigue I had no idea existed! Remember, rest is restorative so give in to it too. Radiation can continue to 'work' for up to six weeks post treatment. The warriors always touch my heart. Hugs dear one.
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Donna Faye, so glad to hear
Donna Faye, so glad to hear that you are tolerating the treatments well. Here's to April bringing you lots of good news and a big review mirror!
Love and Hugs,
Cindi
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Dear Donna Faye
So glad to hear that you are tolerating the treatments well. I join others in wishing you a cancer free future! I have been following your journey and am so impressed with how you receive new information and analyze all options available to you and calmly decide what is best for you and your family. Hugs!
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The morning after
My beautiful daughter picks me up at 7 -Radiation #15 at 7:30 a.m. - best 3 ladies work me in so I can go home after chemo and make the day easier. It is truly the kindness that helps us through all travails. Chemo begun at 9 by sweetest and most skillful nurse - I have no port so has to patiently find vein in my poor overused right arm. Things go well and my daughter is able to go on to work at 10 when she is replaced by a friend of mine who entertains me for the next 3 hours. Finished by 1:40 and home by 2. Able to just curl up in my chair and doze. Amazing the meds they give you now that seem to make things go well. In bed by 10 and now up at 6 and feeling a tad shaky but meds done and b'fast. eaten and just resting. I have come to a very peaceful place in this journey No longer worry about IF they can find a vein, or If I will feel sick - I just get up and go and do it. In three weeks treatment will end and in May we will see where things are and perhaps get a glimpse into the future.
Once again I must thank this site and you who join it. I need to converse with you by this method and your comments are always so spot on. We who walk in the others shoes know what this support means. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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cisplatin is done
Well, ladies, I took your advice and did the 3 rounds of cisplatin to enhance the radiation and yesterday was #3! As you shared, it was not too bad and now I know I did my best to stop the cancer. Not sure I would have w/o your encouragement! Now 5 external rads and 5 internal and done by 1 May. The worst part was a nurse in infusion who did not read the chart about my hard to find veins and made quite a mess of the start. I was already getting up to leave sans chemo when my oncologist's nurse appeared with the IV team - a lady and her ultrasound machine. She got it going and all went well from that point onward. For reasons unknown to me, I have never been offered a port!!!!
So, again, I am grateful for all of you who suggest and encourage and help us make decisions that better our lives. I am so looking forward to summer and some long slow horseback rides in the woods.
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Glad to hear you are done
Glad to hear you are done with that. I can't remember if you had radiation the first round of treatment? For me it brought on fatigue I had never known. I believe that rest is restorative so I didn't fight it. Summer (heck SPRING) is slow to come to Indiana, so it looks like you will have time to get your treatment done before summer to enjoy the horseback rides.
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Praying for you! Stay strong!
Dear Donna,
I am so glad you have so many supportive friends and family around you during this. It's also great to know that your medical team seems to be on top of it and are actually explaining each step of the way to you. Love your positivity. I just wanted to let you know that you and the ladies on this board are always in my prayers.
Thanks for your consistent updates. It's a blessing to keep up with you ladies when I can get the time from life and stress.
Best,
Rebecca0
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