Tuesday, July 31, 2007

The Results

Yep, there's a tumor in my left ovary. Though there's no way to tell what it is exactly, the good news is it doesn't look bad on the ultrasound. At least the surface is smooth, unlike the one that was in my right ovary.

My CA-125 is 34.91...... 0.09 u/ml away from breaking the safety zone. We did another blood test of CA-125 this time.

The CTscan also caught this tumor in my left ovary. The report warned that it might be cancerous, but Dr. Liu said the technicians might have over-diagnosed due to my medical history with ovarian cancer. Everything else in my abdominal cavity looked fine, and that was a relief.

The Worst Case Scenario

The doctor informed us of the possibility of having a second-look surgery to examine the tumor. After analyzing a frozen section of it, we'll know exactly what it is. If it's bad, the doctor will perform a total hyterotomy and I'll have to undergo subsequent chemotherapy.

We don't want to rush into having the second-look surgery. For the time being, we'll keep a close eye on the development of the tumor through blood tests and ultrasound every two weeks. I'll be on term break in 6 weeks, and we figured we could have the surgery then if we choose to. I know it's not too bad 'cause Dr. Liu was not nearly as nervous as the time he saw the ultrasound images of my right ovary. And that made me feel a lot better.

Where My Head is Now

I tried to imagine how I'd feel now if I hadn't gone through what I went through and realized there's no need to freak out. Even if it is bad, though it will suck a lot if I have to go through chemotherapy again, at least we'll be better prepared this time around. Worrying about it won't make it go away anyway.

5 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 31, 2007

    Kate,
    You are an awesome young woman. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, especially because after reading some of your previous posts, I know that your hearts desire is to have children. I hope and pray that dream of being a mom will be yours someday. You have become very special to me, even though we have never met, I feel like I am getting to know you through this blog, and I very much look forward to meeting you in person someday.

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  2. it runs in the family. the women in our family worry too much. like u said, there is nothing we can do right now since you've decided to wait for the second CA-125 result. if u really decided to go for a second-look surgery doesn't mean that is cancer and have to go through chemo again right? anyway, i am sure u have already gone through all possible senarios and measures. try to relax and sleep better. maybe it won't shrink that tumor, but it will defintely give u more strength to deal with whatever comes our way.

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  3. I've totally fallen in love with you Kate, and my heart aches for you right now. I LOVE reading your blogs, but this one sucked. Thank you so much for keeping us updated, and what an amazing woman you are! Keep up the good attitude and high spirits!!!!!!!! I'm sure I'll meet ya' someday! ;-)

    ~Shellee~ (Billy Boy's sis)

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  4. May the force be with you, Kate. Stay strong. The jury is not in yet on this one! I will be counting sheep in your direction in hopes you'll get a good night's sleep soon... Sleep always helps put things in perspective. By the way, thanks for the 'shout out' our way! Loved the picture of us. I'm not sure I have it. Could you send it to me? Thinking of you lots. Love you madly! I'll be giving you a call ASAP

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  5. hey...there is so much i want to say, but don't know what and how exactly...i thought about writing on Friday but forgot again then i got your email...My job is getting more and more challenging and crazy, but while i am having doubts with smalls details in life, here you are dealing with something that i know i would never have the strength and courage for...Both me and Jay want to let you know we are here for you. ooxx

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