3 MONTH CHECK UP TODAY

norma2
norma2 Member Posts: 479
edited March 2014 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
Going for my first 3 month post treatment check up today. Nervous as a cat. I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I haven't had any problems still I am apprehensive. Every little ache and pain grows in my mind into something dire. Guess it is like this for most people when they go for their checkups. The past 3 months have flown by. Seems like I just got the all clear NED yesterday. I am keeping my fingers crossed all will be fine. I know God will take care of me whatever the outcome.
It is all part of the experience I guess. The waiting and hoping for the best. AARRRRGGG!
I am such a control freak. Have to go with the flow. Not easy for me.

I know we all have to go through these checkups. You reading this have been through it too. Reading about how the ladies here have coped gives me strength and hope. Thanks for being there. Thank you for being beautiful courageous women who have shared your stories.
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Comments

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #2
    Sending wishes your way so
    Sending wishes your way so all will be fine. Hoping for the best for you! I know what you mean about butterflies! As you are driving down the road to your appointment, it just seems that you get jittery and then they wonder why your blood pressure is up!

    Sending {{{Hugs}}} your way! And smooth calming thoughts!

    Kathy
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #3
    Wishing you the VERY BEST!
    Norma,

    I know how those check-ups can create some anxiety...that is natural, but nevertheless it doesn't make it feel any better! Will be thinking about you and sending very positive energy your way! Let us know how it goes!

    Karen
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #4
    We've all been there
    Norma,

    I can relate as it's part of the routine....checkup jitters!!! Or as a gal in my personal group therapy calls it -- scanidos!!!!!

    Know we're right with you and all will work out. I try to think of anything but the appt, but gosh even that's tough to do. Visualize yourself hearing the doc tell you it's all clear and see you in 3 months...

    Good luck and know you'll walk out with GREAT NEWS!!!!
    Jan
  • A1pena
    A1pena Member Posts: 92
    #5
    best of luck to you! I'll be
    best of luck to you! I'll be praying for a clear scan!

    in my thougts,

    Amanda
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596
    #6
    the very best possible news to you today, norma

    norma,

    i hear it gets easier, these 3-6 month checkups, and maybe they do, but they're never easy. just know we've all gone through it, and are with you now. there is every reason in the world to believe all is still ned. let us know when you know. i think we're all "control freaks" when it comes to these life issues, so not to worry about that. soon you'll be embarking on your next 3 months. my chemo doctor said i could stretch my checkup to 6 months, so if i'm still feeling good by the end of august, i may just keep stretching out the time. why not??in the meantime, maybe by the time you read this, you've already learned you're still dancing with that ned fellow.
    sisterhood,
    maggie
  • nempark
    nempark Member Posts: 681
    #7
    your check up
    Hi Norma: I know what you are going through. I love you and wish you all the best. Whatever it is, we are now equipped to take care of it. God bless. June. By the way my hair is now about 3/4 of an inch long and salt and pepper. Love it!!!!
  • kumar
    kumar Member Posts: 107
    #8
    nempark said:

    your check up
    Hi Norma: I know what you are going through. I love you and wish you all the best. Whatever it is, we are now equipped to take care of it. God bless. June. By the way my hair is now about 3/4 of an inch long and salt and pepper. Love it!!!!

    Gud Luck to you
    Gud luck to you.

    Cheers Kumar
  • Cecile Louise
    Cecile Louise Member Posts: 133
    #9
    Norma
    Yes, indeed, waiting for these checkups is nerve-wracking. It's been about 2 years since my last chemo and I've found that my anxiety level pre-check up has lessened somewhat. Although I am still sensitive to pains, aches and changes in my body, I'm not quite so nervous & jittery about upcoming exams. I hope it will be so for you as well.

    Love,
    Cecile
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    #10
    Cecile Louise said:

    Norma
    Yes, indeed, waiting for these checkups is nerve-wracking. It's been about 2 years since my last chemo and I've found that my anxiety level pre-check up has lessened somewhat. Although I am still sensitive to pains, aches and changes in my body, I'm not quite so nervous & jittery about upcoming exams. I hope it will be so for you as well.

    Love,
    Cecile

    THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! LADIES
    I wish I could hug each of you around the neck!!! Soooo comforting to come home to all the sweet messages!!! You guys are the best!!

    The good news is that I am fine. My doctor at MD Anderson Cancer Center is the head of the department. So when he comes to visit there is always an entourage of people. 5 doctors crammed in this tiny room, me legs up on stirrups and exposed to the world. They each take a look...I felt like asking if they wanted to invite folks from the waiting room for a gander. There was even a visiting doctor from China who just smiled and nodded a lot. Seriously I like being treated at a teaching hospital. Lots of opinions and ideas.

    I asked about the sugar and turmeric. Concensus was it can't hurt to take the turmeric and could possibly help. As for the sugar they said everything in moderation. Eating a healthy diet is important.

    My CA 125 was between 10 to 13 during chemo and radiation Nov thru Feb.10 Was 23 last visit 3 months ago which was one month post chemo. Yesterday it had gone down to 17.9. Yippee!!! It all looks good and I am doing the NED DANCE!!!

    Next visit in 3 months they will do a CAT Scan with contrast.
    Again thanks to all you wonderful gals who sent encouragement {{{ Kathy, Karen, Jan, Amanda, Maggie, Nempark, Kumar, and Cecile}}} !!!
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #11
    norma2 said:

    THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! LADIES
    I wish I could hug each of you around the neck!!! Soooo comforting to come home to all the sweet messages!!! You guys are the best!!

    The good news is that I am fine. My doctor at MD Anderson Cancer Center is the head of the department. So when he comes to visit there is always an entourage of people. 5 doctors crammed in this tiny room, me legs up on stirrups and exposed to the world. They each take a look...I felt like asking if they wanted to invite folks from the waiting room for a gander. There was even a visiting doctor from China who just smiled and nodded a lot. Seriously I like being treated at a teaching hospital. Lots of opinions and ideas.

    I asked about the sugar and turmeric. Concensus was it can't hurt to take the turmeric and could possibly help. As for the sugar they said everything in moderation. Eating a healthy diet is important.

    My CA 125 was between 10 to 13 during chemo and radiation Nov thru Feb.10 Was 23 last visit 3 months ago which was one month post chemo. Yesterday it had gone down to 17.9. Yippee!!! It all looks good and I am doing the NED DANCE!!!

    Next visit in 3 months they will do a CAT Scan with contrast.
    Again thanks to all you wonderful gals who sent encouragement {{{ Kathy, Karen, Jan, Amanda, Maggie, Nempark, Kumar, and Cecile}}} !!!

    Wonderful News -- NED~
    Norma,

    You and I can hold hands and do the NED DANCE...yeah! I'm so, so happy for you and bet you're on cloud 9!!

    I can visual the 5 docs coming into the exam room to take a peek and comment. Crazy how that works, but that way have a good group commenting.

    Sorry can't remember your treatments, etc, but when did you finish your treatments? Assuming your doc does scans every other time? Mine just decided to do CT every 6 months vs. every 3 months and now working on not doing them at all unless have issues with my CA-125 or blood work. I completed treatments last July.

    Congrats and enjoy a nice "adult" beverage with red grapes!!!
    Jan
  • norma2
    norma2 Member Posts: 479
    #12
    jazzy1 said:

    Wonderful News -- NED~
    Norma,

    You and I can hold hands and do the NED DANCE...yeah! I'm so, so happy for you and bet you're on cloud 9!!

    I can visual the 5 docs coming into the exam room to take a peek and comment. Crazy how that works, but that way have a good group commenting.

    Sorry can't remember your treatments, etc, but when did you finish your treatments? Assuming your doc does scans every other time? Mine just decided to do CT every 6 months vs. every 3 months and now working on not doing them at all unless have issues with my CA-125 or blood work. I completed treatments last July.

    Congrats and enjoy a nice "adult" beverage with red grapes!!!
    Jan

    Dancin with you Jan!!!
    I finished treatment in Feb/2010. Stage IIIC Grade 2 was the diagnosis...more details in my info.

    Seems like the trend is to do a CT scan every 6 months for the first 2 yrs. Visits are 3 months unless symptoms present themselves. I asked what symptoms and the nurse praticioner said "You'll know". I though "I'll know???? Is she kidding?? I'll know WHAT??? When I had the cancer all over inside of me I didn't know!!!"
    They asked me the following:
    Nausea
    Vomiting
    Swelling
    Lumps, bumps and other unexplainable things
    vaginal discharge or bleeding (if I start bleeding I am going to run not walk to the hospital...)
    Fatigue
    Weight loss
    Change in bowel or bladder habits
    Frequent or burning urination

    Thanks Jan for your support...you are a sweetie!!! {{{{BIG HUGGGG}}}}
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #13
    norma2 said:

    Dancin with you Jan!!!
    I finished treatment in Feb/2010. Stage IIIC Grade 2 was the diagnosis...more details in my info.

    Seems like the trend is to do a CT scan every 6 months for the first 2 yrs. Visits are 3 months unless symptoms present themselves. I asked what symptoms and the nurse praticioner said "You'll know". I though "I'll know???? Is she kidding?? I'll know WHAT??? When I had the cancer all over inside of me I didn't know!!!"
    They asked me the following:
    Nausea
    Vomiting
    Swelling
    Lumps, bumps and other unexplainable things
    vaginal discharge or bleeding (if I start bleeding I am going to run not walk to the hospital...)
    Fatigue
    Weight loss
    Change in bowel or bladder habits
    Frequent or burning urination

    Thanks Jan for your support...you are a sweetie!!! {{{{BIG HUGGGG}}}}

    Ahhh! THAT's the good stuff! THAT's the news we like to hear!
    Congratulations, kiddo! 3 glorious months to be free of treatments and to push cancer from the forefront of your mind! DANCE ON AND ON AND ON!!

    I know what you mean about the request to report any symptoms. It's crazy because who can guess where in your body that a recurrence would even occur, so what little twinges count and which are just gas bubbles or a surgery adhesion? I had no symptoms BEFORE my cancer the 1st time, and none related to my recurrences at all either. (& that little bit of vaginal bleeding I had was 100% UNrelated to my recurrence in my armpit & just a radiation side effect,...so that's not always an indicator either!) So, I guess we all just report everything odd and let them sort it out.

    So, DON'T be afraid of every twinge. LIVE! ASSUME you are cured and live with joy! Life is good.
  • jazzy1
    jazzy1 Member Posts: 1,379
    #14
    norma2 said:

    Dancin with you Jan!!!
    I finished treatment in Feb/2010. Stage IIIC Grade 2 was the diagnosis...more details in my info.

    Seems like the trend is to do a CT scan every 6 months for the first 2 yrs. Visits are 3 months unless symptoms present themselves. I asked what symptoms and the nurse praticioner said "You'll know". I though "I'll know???? Is she kidding?? I'll know WHAT??? When I had the cancer all over inside of me I didn't know!!!"
    They asked me the following:
    Nausea
    Vomiting
    Swelling
    Lumps, bumps and other unexplainable things
    vaginal discharge or bleeding (if I start bleeding I am going to run not walk to the hospital...)
    Fatigue
    Weight loss
    Change in bowel or bladder habits
    Frequent or burning urination

    Thanks Jan for your support...you are a sweetie!!! {{{{BIG HUGGGG}}}}

    Here for you~
    That's what I love about this site, we're all a group who hold hands and help support each and everyone....wonderful!

    Didn't read your bio as had no clue you have one...dah! I've noticed many don't fill in a bio, and I find it quite helpful...just I don't always remember to check first. Read yours! You and I have similar setups with cancer, I've got the more aggressive one which was in the uterus tumors, but when it moved to the 1 pelvic node (like you) it wasn't but the same cancer as you've got. So I'm a bit of a mixed breed of cancers...hum? In all honesty I don't think about what type, etc, just know I'm a fighter and will never, ever give up...I'll fight the fight to the end!!

    Interesting comment when you saw the docs at appt yesterday....about the turmeric, etc. That's really what my doc would have mentioned to me -- just don't have research on this stuff so do in moderation and probably won't hurt me. I just do what I think is best and don't really ask my doc anymore. They're so schooled in medicine that the alternative options aren't part of their understanding. At least mine was honest.


    You'll know the symptoms???? Hum that's quite interesting from the nurse. Who would have thought I had cancer last year, as had some minor spotting (pinkish not RED) and I was feeling great. The spotting could have been attributed to perio-menopause per my doc....just so happened I had doc appt for yearly exam.

    Congrats!
    Jan
  • Cecile Louise
    Cecile Louise Member Posts: 133
    #15
    Woohoo!
    I will join the circle, grab your hands, and dance the NED dance with you as well!

    Best. News. Ever.

    Love,
    Cecile
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #16
    norma2 said:

    THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! LADIES
    I wish I could hug each of you around the neck!!! Soooo comforting to come home to all the sweet messages!!! You guys are the best!!

    The good news is that I am fine. My doctor at MD Anderson Cancer Center is the head of the department. So when he comes to visit there is always an entourage of people. 5 doctors crammed in this tiny room, me legs up on stirrups and exposed to the world. They each take a look...I felt like asking if they wanted to invite folks from the waiting room for a gander. There was even a visiting doctor from China who just smiled and nodded a lot. Seriously I like being treated at a teaching hospital. Lots of opinions and ideas.

    I asked about the sugar and turmeric. Concensus was it can't hurt to take the turmeric and could possibly help. As for the sugar they said everything in moderation. Eating a healthy diet is important.

    My CA 125 was between 10 to 13 during chemo and radiation Nov thru Feb.10 Was 23 last visit 3 months ago which was one month post chemo. Yesterday it had gone down to 17.9. Yippee!!! It all looks good and I am doing the NED DANCE!!!

    Next visit in 3 months they will do a CAT Scan with contrast.
    Again thanks to all you wonderful gals who sent encouragement {{{ Kathy, Karen, Jan, Amanda, Maggie, Nempark, Kumar, and Cecile}}} !!!

    So Happy for you!
    Norma....what great news! Know how happy and relieved you must be! Keep dancing!!
    Nothing like having a room full of docs "peeking in there"! You should feel confident that if there was anything amiss, ONE of the 6 would have found it!!

    Again, wonderful news....I like that!

    Cheers!

    Karen
  • A1pena
    A1pena Member Posts: 92
    #17
    norma2 said:

    THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! LADIES
    I wish I could hug each of you around the neck!!! Soooo comforting to come home to all the sweet messages!!! You guys are the best!!

    The good news is that I am fine. My doctor at MD Anderson Cancer Center is the head of the department. So when he comes to visit there is always an entourage of people. 5 doctors crammed in this tiny room, me legs up on stirrups and exposed to the world. They each take a look...I felt like asking if they wanted to invite folks from the waiting room for a gander. There was even a visiting doctor from China who just smiled and nodded a lot. Seriously I like being treated at a teaching hospital. Lots of opinions and ideas.

    I asked about the sugar and turmeric. Concensus was it can't hurt to take the turmeric and could possibly help. As for the sugar they said everything in moderation. Eating a healthy diet is important.

    My CA 125 was between 10 to 13 during chemo and radiation Nov thru Feb.10 Was 23 last visit 3 months ago which was one month post chemo. Yesterday it had gone down to 17.9. Yippee!!! It all looks good and I am doing the NED DANCE!!!

    Next visit in 3 months they will do a CAT Scan with contrast.
    Again thanks to all you wonderful gals who sent encouragement {{{ Kathy, Karen, Jan, Amanda, Maggie, Nempark, Kumar, and Cecile}}} !!!

    Congratulations!!
    What great news :) I hope you stay that way!!

    -- Amanda
  • upsofloating
    upsofloating Member Posts: 466 Member
    #18
    norma2 said:

    Dancin with you Jan!!!
    I finished treatment in Feb/2010. Stage IIIC Grade 2 was the diagnosis...more details in my info.

    Seems like the trend is to do a CT scan every 6 months for the first 2 yrs. Visits are 3 months unless symptoms present themselves. I asked what symptoms and the nurse praticioner said "You'll know". I though "I'll know???? Is she kidding?? I'll know WHAT??? When I had the cancer all over inside of me I didn't know!!!"
    They asked me the following:
    Nausea
    Vomiting
    Swelling
    Lumps, bumps and other unexplainable things
    vaginal discharge or bleeding (if I start bleeding I am going to run not walk to the hospital...)
    Fatigue
    Weight loss
    Change in bowel or bladder habits
    Frequent or burning urination

    Thanks Jan for your support...you are a sweetie!!! {{{{BIG HUGGGG}}}}

    Wonderful news - dance on,
    Wonderful news - dance on, dance on!!!
    I'm with you on what to report - how do I know what is relevant. I also am treated at a teaching hospital/clinic - but never had quite that large an entourage. The things we never thought we'd get used too, lol. Enjoy your summer!!! Annie
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #19
    Cecile Louise said:

    Woohoo!
    I will join the circle, grab your hands, and dance the NED dance with you as well!

    Best. News. Ever.

    Love,
    Cecile

    Norma what great news
    So happy for you. May you dance for a very long time. Celebrate.

    I too never had any symptoms before I was diagnosed with UPSC Stage III- C, so it is not reassuring when I have no symptoms now. But yet my CA 125 continues to rise. In peace and caring.
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #20
    Ro10 said:

    Norma what great news
    So happy for you. May you dance for a very long time. Celebrate.

    I too never had any symptoms before I was diagnosed with UPSC Stage III- C, so it is not reassuring when I have no symptoms now. But yet my CA 125 continues to rise. In peace and caring.

    Happy Happy Happy Dancin!
    I am sooooo happy for you! Keep smiling! Sending hugs your way!

    {{{{{Hugs}}}}

    Kathy
  • maggie_wilson
    maggie_wilson Member Posts: 596
    #21
    norma2 said:

    THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! LADIES
    I wish I could hug each of you around the neck!!! Soooo comforting to come home to all the sweet messages!!! You guys are the best!!

    The good news is that I am fine. My doctor at MD Anderson Cancer Center is the head of the department. So when he comes to visit there is always an entourage of people. 5 doctors crammed in this tiny room, me legs up on stirrups and exposed to the world. They each take a look...I felt like asking if they wanted to invite folks from the waiting room for a gander. There was even a visiting doctor from China who just smiled and nodded a lot. Seriously I like being treated at a teaching hospital. Lots of opinions and ideas.

    I asked about the sugar and turmeric. Concensus was it can't hurt to take the turmeric and could possibly help. As for the sugar they said everything in moderation. Eating a healthy diet is important.

    My CA 125 was between 10 to 13 during chemo and radiation Nov thru Feb.10 Was 23 last visit 3 months ago which was one month post chemo. Yesterday it had gone down to 17.9. Yippee!!! It all looks good and I am doing the NED DANCE!!!

    Next visit in 3 months they will do a CAT Scan with contrast.
    Again thanks to all you wonderful gals who sent encouragement {{{ Kathy, Karen, Jan, Amanda, Maggie, Nempark, Kumar, and Cecile}}} !!!

    yea norma!

    that's the best possible news, may it be the only news you ever get.....that's funny about all those men (any women among them?) peeking in to take a look, but when it's such good news, who cares? one does tend to lose one's modesty in these kinds of situations.

    so, lots of dancing and dancing to be done. hope ned has time to dance with the rest of us as well.

    sisterhood,
    maggie

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