Surviving Cancer and Living Life to It's Fullest

Bowling is Fun!

2007-02-27T19:47:00.000-05:00

Well as some of you know, I have started bowling again. I joined a Monday Night Handicap League in November and started practicing a little more often. Well, all the time and effort has paid off. I just bowled in the Greater Tampa Womens City Tournament and am leading the Singles and All Events (both Scratch and Handicap). I shot the following scores: Team Event - 629, Singles Event - 834 and Doubles Event - 707....for an All Events Total of 2170. Apparently I was the first woman to shoot an 800 series an any event of in the history of the Tampa City Tournaments. This is too cool...bowling is fun again and winning never gets old.

I can attribute some of my success to the Arbonne Smart Nutritional Hybrids Vitamins I have been taking since December 2006. The energy level has given me the stamina to train and bowl longer format events.

If anyone is interested in trying the Vitamin Pack, click on my website at http://www.lucysandelin.myarbonne.com.

Email or call me if you have any questions.

Talk to you again soon.
Lucy

Arbonne International - Join My Team

2007-02-21T13:18:00.000-05:00

Hello Family and Friends,

I am really excited to share the news with all my friends and family. I have taken the leap and joined Arbonne International as an Independent Consultant. I started using the products in December 2006 and fell in love with them. In order to get them at a 35% discount, I joined as a Consultant for $29.00 (which I basically got back with my first order).

I am a part of a really wonderful team and have already signed up 2 of my friends as part of our team. If you're interested in this exciting Network Marketing opportunity, check out my website at: http://lucysandelin.myarbonne.com. I have my sights set on a beautiful white Mercedes-Benz convertible and I am very good at visualization and positive self-talk, so I will be driving this car courtesy of Arbonne.

The beauty about Arbonne is there are products for everyone - from babies to adults, from men to women, from athletes to everyone else. Our Anti-Aging Line for men and women is one of our hottest selling products and Arbonne Smart Nutritional Hybrids™ Daily Power Packs for Women and Men is a big part of our Weight Loss and Nutrition Program.

If you're interested in trying some products are want to have a Presentation at your home, feel free to email me at lucysandelin@myarbonne.com or give me a call at 813-345-4216. I would love to sit down and chat with you about this great business opportunity.

2007 is Starting on a Good Note

2007-01-20T10:32:00.000-05:00

Well, it certainly has been a long while since my last posting. I guess that old saying is pertinent in this case, "No News Is Good News".

All of my previous doctors' appointments and tests have shown no return of cancer cells. I have "graduated" from a 3-month visit to a 4-month visit cycle with my gynecologist and oncologist.

I have also gotten back into the great sport of bowling. I had put it on the backburner for over 2 years and decided in September 2006 to get back in shape and have fun again playing this game. Joined one league and doing some practice as well. Need to get some new equipment as my bowling balls are a little outdated technology-wise, but they are still managing to hit the pocket and striking.

A thank-you goes out to Lori Tessmar at www.TurboGrips.com for helping me get stocked up on my fingergrips and wrist device.

I've also been putting more time into my coaching business at www.WorldCupBowling.com. My weekends are pretty busy helping others get excited about this great sport.

I have also signed up with Arbonne, so if anyone needs Arbonne products or would like to know more about this industry, feel free to send me an email.

Thanks for listening and allowing me to enter your life through my blog.

Take care all!

Another Good Check-up

2006-03-14T17:30:00.000-05:00

It was time for another 3 month check-up with my oncologist and he said all my bloodwork looked good. But since we hadn't had a PET Scan since last year, he gave me a prescription to get this test before our next visit in July.

I will keep positive thoughts that this test will not show any active cancer cells.

Thanks for all your prayers.

Lucy

What A Moving Event!

2006-03-12T17:22:00.000-05:00

Well I participated in my first Relay for Life event on March 11th. I had no idea how moving it would be for me. I'm only an 8 month survivor and getting an opportunity to meet other cancer survivors was very therapeutic and motivating for me.

Chatting with other Ovarian Cancer survivors was good for all of us to find out we experienced some of the same issues with chemotherapy and survived it with either a new hairdo or hair color; different attitute towards "time and money" and the reminder to never take one single day for granted.

Thanks to all my friends and family for donating over $200.00 to my friend Gloria Longin's Relay for Life Campaign. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated by the American Cancer Society.

And to top off the day, I won a drawing that was sponsored by the Northwest Tampa Optimist Club - A 4-day, 3-night weekend in Orlando with 2 tickets to DisneyWorld. Life is good!

Lucy

Relay for Life Event

2006-03-05T08:34:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,
Last year around this time, I wasn't able to particpate in the local Relay for Life event due to the fact that it was on a "Chemo" day. But this year is a whole different story.
I was asked by one of the High School Students that I used to work at to particpate in the Town and Country Relay for Life Survivors Lap. So on March 11th I will proudly wear the ACS Survivor Banner and pledge my support to the fight against Cancer.

If you want to support this cause, you can donate your time or money to your local ACS or support my friend, Gloria's Team. Here is a photo of Gloria:

Here is the link to send your donation to our Alonso High School Team:

Relay for Life Donation Page

Thanks in advance for your help and keep in touch.
Love to all!
Lucy

Another Scare....

2006-02-19T08:13:00.000-05:00

This past Tuesday was the longest day! I thought I felt a small lump on my breast in the morning. By 9 am, I had visions of going through this whole process again...surgery, chemo, hair loss, fatigue, aching bones. By 10 am, I had a 1:30 appointment with my GYN Oncologist. Our next scheduled appointment was April, but I know I couldn't wait - mentally or physically. He examined me and said he DID NOT feel a mass, but prescribed a mammogram and sonogram. I drove directly to the location of my last mammogram and pleaded for a walk-in appointment. It was 3 pm and they would fit me in at 4:30. I said, "I'll wait".

The mammogram was brutal. They did 4 COMPRESSIONS of each breast. I never thought they could get that flat - LOL. They then said they were going to proceed with the sonogram, just to be sure. The technician that did the sonogram was the same tech that did my trans-vaginal sonogram last year. When I told her about my fallopian tube cancer, she was shocked. She said that you can't SEE inside the fallopian tube on the sonograms. I said my surgeon was shocked as well when she went to remove the fallopain tube. I think she took a little extra time to make sure all was ok. I certainly appreciated that on this "longest day".

My mammogram and sonogram DID NOT show any abnormalities, so it was a false alarm. But I will stay vigilant in order to try and stay "ahead of any future cancers".

Hope all is well and please keep in touch.
LUcy

Ovacome.us

2006-02-06T12:55:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of being invited to the Annual Ovacome Fundraiser held this past Friday night at the Grand Hyatt in Downtown Tampa.

What an awesome group of ladies and gentlemen who promote awareness for this insidious disease of Ovarian Cancer. This event was held to raise funds to help ladies who might need items not covered by insurance such as wigs, maid service, food items, etc. I believe the event raised over $8,000, but all donations are welcome at anytime.

When I was diagnosed with Fallopian Tube Cancer (which apparently is rare), the doctors used the Ovarian Cancer Protocol as treatment, so I feel a kin to this group and have enjoyed their support these past few months.

If you would like to donate to a very worthy cause, check out their website for more details http://www.ovacome.us/home.htm. Or if you are curious as to what the symptoms are of Ovarian Cancer, you would be surprised to find out that over 13,000 women die each year needlessly - due to not catching this disease early. Remember ladies, IT WHISPERS - SO LISTEN.

Latest Photo

2006-01-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I have been remiss in making current postings, so I have included the latest photo of my new "do".

It's taking me awhile to get used to the new color...but at least it's hair and it's coming in thick.

Healthwise - all is well. Feeling great and enjoying life.

Hope all my friends are doing well.

Keep in touch.
Lucy

Getting Stronger Every Day

2005-09-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all the well-wishes from friends and family about my "Clean Bill of Health". Every day I'm getting stronger and stronger. I started training at Bally's with a Personal Trainer. We've had 8 sessions so far and I feel really great! Not to mention my golf game is getting better because I'm hitting the ball longer and straighter...go figure?

I also had my "first haircut" this past week. Even though my hair is still VERY SHORT, I was sprouting "wings" on the side...so they had to go. I'm even able to put put some mousse in my hair and spike up the top...its fun!

Maybe I'll post another picture this week.

Have a great week everyone and keep in touch.

Lucy

Clean Bill of Health

2005-08-09T20:02:00.000-04:00

I had my check-up with the gynecological oncologist and he gave me a "clean bill of health". He said that everything looked good and that radiation WAS NOT necessary. What a lift off my shoulders! This was the best news (healthwise) that I have had in a long time.

He stressed that I needed to lose weight (gained 25 lbs) and that he would see me again in 4 months. He said that I could continue wearing the Estrogen patch because my cancer was not estrogen receptive. I was very grateful for that bit of news, because at least the patch has controlled the hot flashes and night sweats.

After calling my family on the cell phone, I drove directly to Bally's from the doctors office to sign up with a personal trainer. Even though the costs were somewhat expensive, I needed some guidance to get this weight off and knew I couldn't do it myself.

I will start on Thursday, August 11th and then work with her every Tuesday and Thursday after that for 24 sessions. I'm very motivated in getting some of my strength back and this weight off! I had enough trouble lugging around balling balls in a bowling bag...I certainly don't need an extra 25 lbs to lug around all day. No wonder I'm tired!

Thanks to all my family and friends for your prayers and prayer lists. It is truly remarkable how powerful prayer can be.

Love to all!

Lucy

ChemoTherapy - Session # 6 (Final Treatment)

2005-07-08T21:22:00.000-04:00

Today was the last chemo treatment of my series of 6. What a wonderful feeling to have that chapter behind me. I had a minor reaction to the drug about 2 hours into the treatment, but the nurses quickly remedied it with oxygen and bendadryl. Then off to sleepy land I went.

I had a decent weekend - just a bit tired. But OK enough to go into work today. The doctor wants me to consider "spot radiation" near the pelvic wall where the original cancer was found. I have an appointment in August with the Gynecologist Oncologist to help me make that decision. I think the Oncologist treating me just wants to be cautious.

The only other option is a "second-look" surgery and I'm not too keen on getting sliced open again and have the doctors poke around - you know what I mean?

During the chemo I gained 30 pounds and have started to try to curb my appetite to get back to a more managable weight. (The steroids just make you very hungry...all the time) As soon as I get more energy back, I will be able to do some brisk walking and maybe even start bowling again. We'll see.

Thanks for all the calls, cards and prayers...I know they have helped.

Lucy

Vacation was just what the doctor ordered!

2005-07-05T20:40:00.000-04:00

Well, Steve and I had a wonderful summer vacation. We spent three days with his mom in Minnesota and was able to play a couple rounds of golf. The weather was absolutely perfect.

Then we went to Virginia to spend 13 days with the grandchildren. Steve celebrated his 60th birthday with his grand-daughter's 3rd birthday. It was alot of fun. Steve's son prepared a wonder 138 lb. pig roast for a lot of guests and one special guest was a surprise from Steve's oldest son Troy who flew in from Nebraska.

Since Steve's youngest son is a head golf pro at a local course in Gainesville, VA, I was able to play unlimited golf (about 6 rounds). It was awesome! Bought a new driver after having my launch angle analyzed. The only downside was that Steve hurt his back while golfing in Minnesota and it never recovered enough for him to golf in Virginia. (Ouch!) But he was a trooper and drove me around in the golf cart for my rounds. (I am so lucky!)

Here is a picture of me (with my new hairstyle) and Piper:

Finally feeling like a "new person"

2005-06-11T18:47:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been a long time since I was able to sleep over 10 hours. What a difference a little rest will make! Seems as if the Estradial patch is helping - less frequent hot flashes/night sweats and the swelling in my feet and ankles have gone completely.

My next doctor's visit/bloodwork is scheduled for this Tuesday. Then my final chemo is slated for July 8th.

Steve and I will be on our way to Minnesota on Wednesday, June 15th. Looking forward to seeing his mom and the rest of the Sandelin family.

All the best to my friends and family for your support and prayers during this "bip" in the road.

Lucy

ChemoTherapy - Session # 5

2005-06-03T18:30:00.000-04:00

Survived another round of Chemo. Now I only have one to go! The doctor has allowed me to postpone the last treatment scheduled for June 24th until July 8th. This will allow Steve and I to enjoy our vacation in Virginia visiting Jon, Cindy and my 3 grandchilden. We only get to see them once a year during the summer, and I didn't want to miss them this year. We will be visiting them from June 22 through July 5th. This visit will also include a short drive-over to Maryland to see Debbie and Bernie Kuhn for a couple of days. We also are flying to Minnesota to visit Steve's mom from June 15 to 18. Summer will be busy. My illness will not get in the way of our plans (at least I hope not).

Chemo treatment # 5 itself was uneventful...which is great. I slept through the 4 hour "drip" process and didn't experience any side affects.

On the hot flash/night sweat front...I was able to get an estrodial patch from my gynecologist to help alleviate these awful symptoms of "FORCED" menopause. There have been no changes yet, but I believe it takes 2 to 3 weeks to get into my system. With all the drugs I'm taking, I doubt I could even bowl on the USA team...I'm sure at least one of these drugs is on the USOC Banned list. LOL

Hope all my friends are well. Keep in touch.

Lucy

Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow

2005-05-30T19:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally took the plune and shaved off the last remnants of hair that was left on my head. I think I look alot like Festus. My husband says I look like Corey Pavin. LOL Everyone says "It'll grow back even stronger...wait and see". Well I certainly don't have any choices now, right?

I also bought a wig, so I wouldn't frighten too many people while I am out and about. But I realize that I couldn't wear my wig while I golfed for 2 reasons....it was too damn hot and what if get sand in it? I would have a heck of a time getting it out! And trust me, there was a real good possibility of getting sand in my "hair". So, I just wear a baseball cap while golfing. My lady friends that I golf with on Wednesday don't mind...they're just glad to see me enjoying the evening with them...playing golf.

Haven't been bowling yet, not sure when I'll give it a try. Maybe next month. Good luck to all friends bowling in the Cream of the Crop June 4th and 5th. I hope to be back next year.

Lucy

ChemoTherapy - Session # 4

2005-05-13T20:10:00.000-04:00

Chemo on Friday the 13th - how fitting!

I can honestly say the Chemo Treatments are getting easier due to the fact that they give me so much Benadryl that I sleep through the 4 hour drip process.

I was having such a tough time at work this week that I was actually LOOKING FORWARD to the chemo treatment so that I could have a day off from the "craziness" at the school. I have been so tired and I just can't get enough sleep to function...that by the time Friday rolls around...I feel like a zombie.

Needless to say, I look forward to the weekend...to just sleep!

The Results Are In on PET Scan #2

2005-05-10T17:05:00.000-04:00

Well, the news is good. The 2nd PET Scan DID NOT show any cancer cell activity...so the chemotherapy is working. The doctor still felt that we should continue through the 6th chemo treatment to be on the safe side.

So chemo treatment # 4 is on May 13th, #5 is on June 3rd and then # 6 will be on July 8th. He is letting me postpone #6 in order to visit relatives in Minnesota and Virginia during the summer.

I will certainly enjoy the reprieve for those few weeks.

PET Scan # 2 on Cinco De Mayo

2005-05-05T14:30:00.000-04:00

Today I had my 2nd PET Scan. It is probably the first test I actually was looking forward to having done...go figure?

For the most part, the test was painless...I'm getting used to getting injected with needles in my arms. For some reason, the needles that are being used seem to be smaller or thinner (not sure which)..but a little less painless, nonetheless.

I also had my blood drawn today too. All my counts were as expected...WBC (White Blood Count) was low 2.6 (should be 3.6 to 10.0) which would account for me being tired.

Won't be getting the results of my PET Scan until Tuesday...let's all keep our fingers crossed!

Till Tuesday...
Lucy

World Ranking Masters Bowling Tournament

2005-04-30T18:56:00.000-04:00

Today I took a road trip to Lake Wales, FL to see all my national and international bowling friends at the World Ranking Masters Tournament.

Even though the drive was 1 1/2 hours, it was well worth it to spend some time in my old "stomping grounds"...the bowling center. But the fact that it was at an International Event made it even more special.

Enjoyed watching the womens finals with 2 friends competing for a $10,000 first prize and the title of World Ranking Champion for one year. Wendy Chai (Malaysia) and Clara Guerrero (Colombia) put on a great show and skills against the very challenging lane conditions. Clara prevailed over Wendy, but they both bowled great. I look forward to the broadcasting of the TV show on the Florida Sports Network because it was a show worth taping.

It was also good to see my TEAM USA teammate Diandra Asbaty and her parents. Dee looked great as always and finished 3rd in this event. Looking at the stats, she bowled awesome too.

All in all, it was good to see alot of familiar faces in the bowling world and to just get out of the house for awhile. Maybe I'll actually start bowling again soon. We'll see.

Good luck to all my bowling friends at the WIBC and QUEENS tournament in Tulsa!

ChemoTherapy - Session # 3

2005-04-23T06:50:00.000-04:00

Today is the half-way point of my Chemotherapy. This certainly feels like a mile-stone and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

This chemo was the first time I didn't have a reaction. They loaded me up with 50cc of Benadryl before the anti-nausea and chemo drugs were administered. So not only did I not have a reaction, I slept through most of the treatment. Had to wake me up when it was time to go. I think we got this "reaction" thing licked.

When I met with my nurse this past week, she said they want to do another PET Scan to see if there is any cancer cell activities in the pelvic area. They feel that depending on what they see, they may eliminate Chemo Treatment #6. They want to save my bone marrow (since the chemo is killing it), just in case I get recurrence. So I will be having a 2nd PET Scan on May5th. I have my fingers crossed because my last chemo would be on June 3rd instead of June 24th.

Well that's the latest news on my therapy.

Hope all is well with all of my readers.

Ovacome - Support Group

2005-04-20T21:02:00.000-04:00

I finally found the courage to go to a Support Group Meeting this past week. This group is called Ovacome. They are primarily Ovarian Cancer survivors, but since my cancer (Fallopian Tube Cancer) is so rare, the oncologists treat it like Ovarian Cancer.

The meeting was very therapeutic. I was able to meet some wonderful people and an old friend from the days of working at Memorial Hospital in the 1980's. I did pick up some tips to handle my hot flashes and night sweats.

The group had a guest speaker from a drug company discussing Clinical Trials. Not sure if this is something I would do on the first go-around, but if I get recurrence, then maybe I might consider it.

I look forward to next month's gathering. It was a lot of fun and very informative.

Week before Chemo is Always the Best

2005-04-20T20:44:00.000-04:00

I so look forward to the 7-10 days before my next chemo treatment. It seems like its the only time I feel like the "old me". I have more energy, not as forgetful, and can play alot of golf. Still haven't bowled yet - maybe next month.

Speaking of golf - I had my two personal bests - shot 88 at the Babe Zaharious Course and 74 at Countryway Golf Course (Executive Course). Made a small swing change and it made all the difference. My backswing was going further than parallel and my club face would return in an open position instead of square. So to eliminate this flaw, as I took the club back, I felt like it was being set on a table, then once I felt this "key", I just let the swing go. Less backswing, more power, more distance because the club head was able to hit the ball on the sweet spot. Go figure - less is more. How many times have I taught that in bowling!

Well that's my golf tip of the day.

Take care everyone.

ChemoTherapy - Session # 2

2005-04-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

Well, the second session finally came. It was supposed to be March 22nd, but there was a scheduling error at the office, so I had a reprieve of one more week of feeling good.
But April 1st was no joke...and session 2 was underway.

Due to the bad allergic reaction during the first chemo treatment, they ordered Benadryl be dripped into the line after the anti-nausea drug. Needless to say, I was pretty much "lights out" while these toxins are dripping into my veins. But right after the last drug was administered, the allergic reaction started again...but not as dramatic as last time. But the nurses administered oxygen and gave me more Benadryl.

I can only assume the 3rd time will be no charm and will have no allergic reactions (which takes place on my face).

I have started to lose more hair...very thinned out and the scalp is visable. I've been wearing scarves, caps, bandanas to work...but it is so HOT. Today I went "au natural", was more comfortable, but I'm sure not too attractive to look at by my co-workers.

I'm feeling a little tired, but no nausea. The hot flashes (day time) and night sweats (night time) are not allowing me to get a good night sleep. May check out a mild sleeping pill. I'm tired anyway due to the chemo and not sleeping is not helping much.

I have been back on the golf course and have a good time just hitting the ball, looking for it and then hitting it again. No talk of illness, cancer, chemo...just golf.
Tried to bowl, but it was still painful. I guess I use different muscles for bowling than golf (duh!). The doctor said to give it another month.

Well that's the latest. All is as well as can be. I have a positive outlook and know I will beat this cancer down!

SPRING BREAK - GREAT WEEK

2005-03-25T08:16:00.000-05:00

It's been spring break (1 week off from my job at the elementary school) and it's been 21 days since my first treatment. I've had a lot of energy this week and in fact, played golf 3 times. It was great to get out into the course and just think about "hitting the ball, finding it, then hitting it again". No talk about illness, therapy, cancer, etc. etc. Tried to bowl, but experienced some pain from the initial surgery. I guess I use more muscles bowling than in golf. (LOL) The nurse practitioner said to wait another month before trying again.

Was supposed to have my second treatment today, but it was postponed until next Friday, April 1st. That means, I should have another great week ahead of me.

Got the results from my PET/CT scan and they did not find any activity to show cancer cells...which is also great news. They will order another PET/CT scan after the 6th and last round of chemo to see if all remains the same.

Started losing my hair this week (bummer). It is coming out in strands in my hand and in my brush. They told me it might not fall out...but would thin out. Not sure what's going to happen after my 2nd treatment. But I have some scarfs and hats ready to go.

My First Ride in an Ambulance

2005-03-10T13:11:00.000-05:00

By 11 am on Thursday, I felt dehydrated, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and faint. I called the doctor's office and they said to call 911. I woke up my husband and then proceeded to call 911 to give them my symptoms.

The rescue squad came quickly. They came into the house to assess my condition. After some initial tests, they brought me into the back of their truck to do more tests. EKG, Blood sugar analysis, Nitro Spray, Blood work....initially all looked OK, but they wanted to take me to the hospital for more testing. Just to make sure I wasn't having a Heart Attack.

The ER was packed, but I was immediately placed in a room. More EKGS, blood work, Angio CT Scan...and 11 hours later I finally was transferred to a patient room in the Cardiac Wing.

They placed a telemetry monitor on me to keep track of my heart during the night.

The Oncologist visited me the next morning and after reviewing all the results of the various tests, felt that my heart was fine. I may have a reaction from the chemo (5 days later) that affected my eshophogaus and my ability to have the food slide down like normally. He prescribed Carafate (chalky, pink liquid) to drink 1 hour before each meal which will coat the esophogaus and stomach so they may heal any lesions that have formed. He also prescribed Previcid, but my insurance won't pay for it. Will have to pursue this with BCBS on Monday.

I was discharged from the hospital on Friday morning with good news..my heart is ok. The Oncologist did say that my white count had dropped (which was to be expected), so I received a Lukin shot before leaving the hospital. Basically, I need to stay away from sick people and crowds.

ChemoTherapy - Session # 1

2005-03-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

My husband, Steve and I met with the Oncolologist on March 2nd. The drug of choice for this particular cancer will be CarboPlatin and Taxotere. Also, I will be given an anti-nausea drip before the other drugs in order to control nausea. GREAT!

There will be 6 treatments - one every 21 days. We begin on Friday, March 4th. The doctor feels that implanting a "port" will not be necessary. That is good news. I guess my veins are good enough for the chemo to travel through my system.

The first treatment went well, up until 45 minutes left in the session. One of the nurses decided to increase the drip...maybe she wanted to go home early...I don't know. About 3-4 minutes later, I felt like my ears were on fire and ready to fall off. My husband said my face was red - like a bad sunburn. I immediately called for help and they rushed in an oxygen tank and gave me Benadryl. I guess I had a reaction to the increase of the drip. The Benadryl helped quickly.
The entire session took around 4 hours.

The weekend went OK..no nausea. Only side effect was a rash that appeared on my face (cheeks)...sort of like a flush. So, all in all, that wasn't too bad, right?

On Monday, had a PET/CT Scan scheduled in order to see if there are any cancer cells still floating around. Don't have the results yet.

Went back to work on Tuesday, March 8th. Worked all day Tuesday and Wednesday, but was EXHAUSTED on Wednesday afternoon. Almost fell asleep on the interstate during the drive home.

Also, on Wednesday after lunch I had a dull ache in my chest area near my esophogaus. Felt like the lunch I had eaten was "stuck". This feeling persisted all evening and the following morning. On Thursday, I called in to say I couldn't go into work cause I was a little dizzy and just felt "badly".

Just when you think it can't get any worse...

Recouping from Surgery

2005-01-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

The hysterectomy surgery went as smoothly as possible. Took 4 hours instead of 2. Spent 5 days in the hospital (went home on Super Bowl Sunday). I took it easy at home for 5 weeks; just walking for exercise. The incision is over 5 inches long, so no more bikini days for me. LOL

Spent most of the time on my computer doing searches on this rare disease - Fallopian Cancer. Most of the websites say that it is treated like Ovarian Cancer. They all mentioned surgery followed by chemotherapy. Five-Year Survival Rate for Stage IIB after chemotherapy - 50 to 60%. All pretty scary stuff! The side effects from the chemo sounded worse than the disease itself!

In order to maintain my sanity, I also spent alot of time promoting my various online websites in order to try and generate additional income. I didn't have too much sick time accrued in my job, so I knew funds would start to dwindle soon.

Some of these companies are listed on the right side column of this blog. Feel free to check them out.

Simple Surgery - The Beginning

2005-01-26T09:10:00.000-05:00

Everything seemed to happen so fast. Surgery was going to be simple (2 hours) - remove one blocked fallopian tube. Four hours later...complete hysterectomy and fallopian tube cancer Stage IIB (pelvic wall). SHOCKER!

When the doctor came into my room (with my family present) to tell me what they found...it was like she was "talking" to me, but I wasn't the one she was really talking to. It was like I was floating above the bed and watching her talk to someone else. Very strange feeling.

Cancer? How can this be? I'm healthy; only 47; don't drink or smoke; I exercise...are you sure? But cancer or histology does not discriminate. The doctor seemed very surprise to find the cancer. She said in her 18 years, she had never seen Fallopian Tube Cancer...but had heard of it.

The tumor was located inside the right fallopian tube (6 x 3 x 4 cm). No elevations in the CA-125 Blood test. Only irregular menstral cycle and unusual discharge. Based on the size, this thing must have started years ago. Wish I knew what caused it, you know?

According to the doctors, there were no lymph nodes involved; which is good. My 5-year survival rate probably went up a few points due to this particular result.

A complete Hysterectomy - WOW. Hot Flashes here we come! What a pain these are!