Support Please

Tethys41, ovarian or cervical, I think you gave great advice.  The "Gynecolgoical Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)" can be quiet sometime and, as you did, helping out 'below the belt' cancers is always appreciated.  Heck, I am a visitor from the Uterine page for that very reason.  

Jessica, as Tethys41 said, avoiding the issue is really not your best option.

Hello Jessica,

Losing your mother to Lung Cancer at the age of 55 just two short years ago is truly a heartbreak.  My mother lived to be 99 and I still didn’t want to give her up.  There’s so much to be learned from our mom’s experiences that play a critical role in how we conduct our own life.  So many times, I think, “Sure wish I could call Mama and ask her what she thinks about this.”  And I’ve always coveted her prayers for me and all my family.  She went to Heaven 5 years ago and I still miss her, and rarely a day goes by that I’m not reminded of all the ways she guided and protected us as children and even into our adult lives.  Oh sure, when I was young, foolish and knew it all by age 14, who needed a mom to tell you what NOT to do.  Thank God I soon got over that “notion.”  To this day, I look back and see how my mother and God protected me from myself!  No this won’t be a time of true confession—but we’re all wiser than we were as teenagers—thank God!

There’s never a time when mothers aren’t needed.  And I’m certain your own mother’s death plays a part in your procrastination.  You can’t think of having the same thing happening for your very young children.  But we all know what happens when people “stick their head in the sand” and refuse to see or hear the truth.  It’s good that you’ve shared your concern with your brothers.  I’m glad your brothers are there for you and glad that you’ve openly shared your concerns with them. After all, they face the pain and emptiness of no longer having their loving mother, and they certainly don’t want to lose you.  Not sure if this is the case for you, but often sisters “take on the mantle of mother” when their real mother dies.  They feel a responsibility to care for the rest of the siblings as much as they can.  After all, the “maternal instinct” is God-given and plays a strong determining factor in our will to survive. I for one, credit my dear mother, for teaching me by her experiences in life the lessons of determination, a strong faith in the God of the Bible, perseverance in adversity, a godly example of how to keep the faith when all things are NOT good, and the assurance that God has not forsaken us although it may seem at times that the “Great Physician” is on vacation!

Facing the enemy head on is always the best course of action.  When one doesn’t “do their homework” about their particular problems, the problem can seem insurmountable.  So you’ve made the right decision to “put on your big-girl panties” and do the right thing for yourself and your precious little ones who need their mommy.

I’m glad that a couple of my sisters have answered you.  Having begun a new series of chemotherapy treatments two weeks ago has limited my “on line time” that I can devote to others.  Anyone on chemo understands that.  Oh the things we’re willing to endure, in the hopes of buying us some quality time.  We don’t know what problems we will experience from one day to the next, or actually even one moment to the next.  Some days are “doable” and others are “debilitating”.  Yet as veterans, we know that and opt to take the bad with the good, hoping that it will give us “more quality time” after the treatments are over.  Family and friends are a wonderful support group.  The fact that you’ve written to express your fears is a good start.  So take the advice you’ve been given here, and step up to the plate, and be in charge.  I found the videos at the bottom of my letter, especially about Erin Andrews, very encouraging.

Your former fears are now forcing you to “play catch up”!  Things may not be as bad as you think they are.  Don’t let “fear” of the unknown keep you from what can be “known” and acted upon.  As an informed patient you will gain confidence and be your own best advocate.  Don’t be passive—ask questions and expect answers—then be brave enough to do your best to beat the beast whatever you find it to be. 

In going through my e-mail today, which always includes eons of medical alerts, this link from the Ovarian cancer alert came up, so please check out the links below my name.  It seems to have several links relative to HPV which you will want (well maybe not want) but NEED to know about.  Perhaps it will help you in your journey.  And, of course, as Tethys41 has said, please always have a SECOND opinion with a gynecologic oncologist just to be certain all the medical doctors are “on the same page.” 

Your brothers need you, your children need you, and it’s great to “be needed.”  It gives you a reason and the will to “fight”.  Wishing you all the best, and hoping that things are not as bad as you think they are going to be. You can do this Jessica!

Love Loretta

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV

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1.      http://www.oncologynurseadvisor.com/cervical-cancer/section/1414/?DCMP=EMC-ONA_Online_20180114&cpn=&hmSubId=z927W7RfvMw1&hmEmail=_wkOHrm3uM3fNTAZ-i6xZ4bFgIvZ-FiA0&NID=&dl=0&spMailingID=18813822&spUserID=MTg5MzMzNTM2ODQ3S0&spJobID=1180712625&spReportId=MTE4MDcxMjYyNQS2

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2.      https://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/viewfactsheet.aspx?csid=76

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3.      https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical

“The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (the organ where a fetus grows). The cervix leads from the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).

The main types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the thin, flat cells that line the cervix. Adenocarcinoma begins in cervical cells that make mucus and other fluids.

Long-lasting infections with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause almost all cases of cervical cancer. Vaccines that protect against infection with these types of HPV can greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Having a Pap test to check for abnormal cells in the cervix or a test to check for HPV can find cells that may become cervical cancer. These cells can be treated before cancer forms.

Cervical cancer can usually be cured if it is found and treated in the early stages…”

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4.      https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352506

(My note:  Since I don’t know your location, I can’t suggest one hospital over another, but I do know that Mayo Clinic enjoys a great reputation, and I find their presentation of facts relative to different types of cancer very “user friendly” and easy to understand.  For that reason, I’m listing this as a source of information as to what tests are usually done.  And of course, anytime you can find specialists that use the “minimally invasive” type of surgeries that would be best if that is a part of your treatment options.)

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5.      http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/types-of-gynecologic-cancers/cervical/

Cervical Cancer

For over 50 years, routine use of the Pap test to screen for cervical cancer has reduced deaths from the disease by more than 70%.  It is hoped with wide-spread vaccination and improved screening strategies, fewer and fewer women will be affected by cervical cancer and pre-cancers in the future.

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer has divided information about cervical cancer into two sections, the first with information about screening and prevention, and the second for women who have experienced a diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer…”

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6.      http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/treatment-fight-cervical-cancer-23971325

An interview on ABC with Dr. Jennifer Ashton, about a small study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.  Although it is back in 2014, lots of good news is out relative to immunotherapy in many other cancers as well.  These are some encouraging results from a very small clinical trial.  Who knows what wonders immunotherapy can produce?  I’m always encouraged by good immunotherapy trials.  This video states every person should ask their doctor about the HPV 16/18 Test. 

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7.      http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video?id=3631873

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8.      http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/erin-andrews-shares-details-battle-cervical-cancer-45032084

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