Update.

[Tracer]

The cancer is back.

I got the results of my biopsy yesterday, and the tumor that is pressing on my ureter is cancerous.

I suspected that this would be the case, but was hoping that it was going to be something benign.

Luckily, the PET scan showed no spread, and it's very localized (and was caught early). I must be the only woman in the world who has had ovarian cancer caught at Stage 1 ---TWICE.

I see the surgeon (same one who operated on me two years ago) next Wednesday to have him explain what he needs to do, and will probably go under the knife the following week.

My oncologist (a truly wonderful guy), said "We fixed you once, and we're going to fix you again".

It's a bitch, but I"ve got to slog through.

[auntAgonist]

1. Tracer..

All of my best wishes to you!!! I have never had cancer and cannot imagine all the anxiety and fear that goes along with it. It sounds like you have a wonderful professional team working FOR you!

They will fix you again.

:hug:

aA
kesha

[flamingyouth]

2. Tracer, you've certainly been in my thoughts lately.

I'm so sorry to hear that your cancer is back but I'm glad to hear that they have caught it early.

Keep us posted about your surgery dates, okay? We're all pulling for you and sending lots of healing vibes.

Take good care (from a two-time cancer survivor myself). :hug:

[ulysses]

3. strength to you, tracer.

:hug:

[seemunkee]

4. Stay strong

Sorry to hear its back. Sounds like you got a surgeon and oncologist that know what to do.

Do they think this is a new primary or a recurrence? Maybe I don't understand the staging but if its a recurrence can it still be a stage 1?

[LiberalinNC]

5. Sorry to hear about your cancer has returned.

Good luck with all the test!

[Maestro]

6. Sorry to hear this Tracer

but I am glad to see the oncologist is positive about this. You should stay positive as well. A positive outlook helps in fighting cancer.

[OzarkDem]

7. So sorry to hear this

You are in my prayers. It sounds like you have a great oncologist, he's probably willing to pull out all the stops to help you beat this.

Please keep us updated and stay strong.

[Imalittleteapot]

8. Best wishes Tracer.

I am sorry that you have to do this all again. Just when my invincible feelings were beginning to return, I learn about your second time around.

We all face the possibility of the return of our cancer. That we have already been through it gives us a slight advantage over newly diagnosed patients because
we know what to expect when it comes to treatment, surgery, etc. Remember the terror you felt when you were first diagnosed? The second child is always easier than the first.

I like your oncologists statement, "We fixed you once, and we're going to fix you again". I know you will stay strong and positive, and everything is going to be okay.

:grouphug:

[Tracer]

9. Operation scheduled.

I'm getting my surgery on October 4th. I recovered pretty fast from my surgery 2 years ago, so I hope that I can recover as quickly this time.

I've researched recurrent ovarian cancer on the web and the consensus seems to be that the longer a time period before a recurrence, then the more effective the original chemo drugs will be. Two years before recurrence (my case) is apparently a long time.

Strangely enough, two years ago, my response to a cancer diagnosis wasn't terror, but a casual curiosity about the techniques used to treat the disease. Call it denial or stupidity, I don't know which.

I'm not so casual this time around.

[seemunkee]

11. Good luck

Any idea how long you will be in the hospital after the surgery? Any way to have someone give us an update?

[flamingyouth]

12. Wishing you all the best.

I was stage 1 originally and stage 1 the second time around. Actually, they caught my recurrence earlier than than the original tumor (I have check-ups every three months now).

I totally understand what you mean about the your difference in response now. I felt the same way.

We're all pulling for ya. :grouphug:

[LiberalinNC]

13. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!

Best wishes on a speedy recovery and I hope you receive good no great news.

[pecwae]

10. I'm late in responding

and this is not at all what I had wanted to hear from you. It sounds like you have a positive onc and one you trust which is of paramount importance. I'm so glad to hear the PET showed NED!

I've gone from Stage 0 to Stage 1 to Stage 2. We just gotta do what we gotta do to get thru it.

We're here for you and keeping you close in thought and heart.

[Tracer]

14. To everyone ...

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind words.

When we're all in the same boat, it helps to have support.

[riderinthestorm]

15. I was thinking of you today Tracer!

I hope the surgery went well and you are resting comfortably tonight....

:hug:

[Tracer]

16. Didn't have it.

My two surgeons (oncologist & urologist) couldn't find a day that they both could be in the OR until October 18th. So it's more waiting.

I feel fine though, mentally and physically, and am busy at my work.

[JohnnyLib2]

17. Good grief. Here's a local story along that lines:

Surgery was scheduled for Monday with all systems go on Friday. Patient receives call on Saturday that the "surgeon eloped and won't be back for a week at best."

You have every best wish from this house-with-long term CA survivor.

[JohnnyLib2]

18. Will appreciate an update if surgery occurred today, 10/18.

All best wishes.

[Tracer]

19. Had the surgery on the 18th.

According to my surgeon, the operation went better than he expected. There was no involvement with my bowel (which he had worried about), and the single tumor was wrapped around my ureter in such a way that he could easily remove it and the Urologist simply stitched the two ends of the ureter back together.

I spent 4 days in the hospital (big Boston teaching place) and couldn't WAIT to get home.

I'm still pretty weak (a touch of anemia) and have some pain (who wouldn't!) but am strong enough to be sitting here at the computer :-)

My house looks a bit like a funeral parlor, with all the flowers that lovely people have sent me.

Thank you so much for your concern!

[LiberalinNC]

20. Glad to hear your surgery went well!

Take care of yourself!!!

[knitter4democracy]

21. Yay for a better-than-thought surgery!

Doesn't the hospital just suck? I hate staying there--hard, horrible beds, people waking you up all night long, and needing help just to pee. Hate that. I'm glad you're home!!

Did they give you Slow FE to take? It's the only iron I can handle, and it really helps with post-op anemia for me.

Hugs from far away. :hug: I hope they keep your pain more in control, too.

[flamingyouth]

23. Thanks for the update.

I'm so glad you're home and doing better. :hug:

[seemunkee]

24. That is great news

I've been checking in every day to look for an update. I'm sure your are glad to be home and that the surgery was a success.

[riderinthestorm]

25. Came by to see if you had posted anything, glad to hear it went well!! nt

[JohnnyLib2]

22. Wonderful news.

Hope your strength is building every day.