Cancer Update

We went to see a wonderful gynecologic oncologist today, Dr. Herbert Beck. He was the physician who operated on my friend out here who had cancer 10 years ago. His calm, compassionate nature put me immediately at ease.

The skinny is this: he's not convinced I have ovarian cancer. He's suspicious (about 60%), but not convinced. He thinks it may be colon cancer. I have a tumor on my omentum (fatty layer that sits in front of the abdomen/colon). Both colon and ovarian cancer can metastasize in this manner. The problem in my pelvis is questionable. He didn't feel anything in my pelvis that he feels in most of his typical ovarian cancer patients.

I got some cancer marker blood tests done this afternoon. I'll have results tomorrow morning. If my CA-125 markers are high enough, we'll skip the biopsy and go right to surgery. I'll have a colonoscopy the day before my surgery so I only have to empty out once. I'll most likely end up having a full hysterectomy as well as my omentum and possibly a segment of colon removed. Then they'll put a catheter in my abdomen for chemo.

If my CA-125 markers come back normal, we'll biopsy the omentum. If the biopsy comes back malignant, then we'll proceed with surgery scenario listed above.

His words were "this is not the end of the world". That made me feel much more relieved. I know I still have a hard road ahead of me, but I know I can beat this thing. Keep sending the love and prayers, everyone. I still need them!