tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61214852162035931732024-03-05T01:53:48.232-08:00Blog on BarbThis blog is for all of you who know and love my mom Barbara Owens! Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer - this Blog is for YOU to keep up with her and her treatment journey. THANK YOU for all of your LOVE AND PRAYERS!!!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-59269465429702678122011-08-29T11:57:00.000-07:002011-08-29T12:01:51.916-07:00August 2011 UpdateI see that the last update was in December 2010 and there is good news to report.<div>
<br /></div><div>Barb had a visit with her oncologist last week (After celebrating her 40th Wedding Anniversary) and word is that she's good! Her CA125 was 7.4 (or something close to that). She is staying busy always keeping a full calendar.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>It seems like there is so much more that I should share - but really - this is the Blog on Barb so I'll leave it at that. We are Good - because She is Good!</div>KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-75590483104509027702010-12-28T19:28:00.000-08:002010-12-28T19:44:25.456-08:00December 28, 2010 Update on Barb<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NrqxTpKvH4b6p62LHKwWgkkMmZqox2NZmFmGvxRk1L-Bhq_D525oZKv9Wxo29MhWQIZ2rgjsVMCEwhzu6Kk1coP00VpXF3Ue3Org7n_frQ0EWGGNPUfjF261H9RlJIJdj4uuiVsrBjg/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NrqxTpKvH4b6p62LHKwWgkkMmZqox2NZmFmGvxRk1L-Bhq_D525oZKv9Wxo29MhWQIZ2rgjsVMCEwhzu6Kk1coP00VpXF3Ue3Org7n_frQ0EWGGNPUfjF261H9RlJIJdj4uuiVsrBjg/s320/IMG_1197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555944269700319266" /></a>Every once in while I get a follow up "How is your mom?" So I thought I better update everyone that was FOLLOWING!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div>Just over TWO years ago, Mom/Barb was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. If you kept up with the blog, you know that things went pretty CRAZY at first. Once we got the treatments going though, the dust started to settle.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway - in the last couple months she has had some important milestones in her CANCER Journey! In November she hit the 1 year mark for being CANCER FREE and without TREATMENTS for one year. A couple weeks ago her CT Scan was CLEAN and her CA125 was a 2 (I think that is the lowest it's ever been).</div><div><br /></div><div>TODAY her PORT was removed!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>We can't assume the story or journey ends here - but this is CERTAINLY GREAT NEWS for now! She will be closely monitored by the oncologist for at least the next three years and will have routine CT Scans and CA125 tests. We also know that any time she gets a cold or flu, she (along with the rest of us) will panic and think the cancer is back....but at this point she is REALLY GREAT!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all for your unending care, concern and of course PRAYERS!!! Bring on 2011!!!</div>KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-63583523021821731352009-08-31T13:25:00.001-07:002009-08-31T13:33:38.488-07:00End of Summer UpdateSo it seems that Barb has been around the world... oh alright, so just around part of the United States Anyway! She is FEELING GOOD and her hair is growing in (as if that is all that matters)!!!<br /><br />This Summer she had a Follow up appointment (described in our last posting), She had some fun with CJ there in CA, Then she spent some time in the Midwest at her 40th High School Reunion (Go Raiders) and hanging out here in Kansas City.<br /><br />She's back at home and the most recent word was that her CA 125 was at a 7. Now remember that isn't the best indicator for her....but that is still really good news. Since there really isn't much else to report - Mom just wanted me to THANK everyone for their continuous Love and Prayers. We know you don't all check this very often but we are keeping it "LIVE" so WE remember what she went through, to provide help to others experiencing similar plights, and so that we can continue to celebrate her success & joys throughout her treatments and living her life!!!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-85726494865556086752009-07-12T22:32:00.001-07:002009-07-12T23:09:25.906-07:00Some Follow UpHello Hello!<br /><br /><br /><br />Sorry for the length of time between posts but there really hasn't been much to report. NOW there is though. We have a couple of updates and stories to share- so it's finally time for this follow up!<br /><br /><br /><br />We'll start with the fun story:<br /><br />Mom has a friend from high school who comes from a Family FULL of DOCTORS and she also happens to write for a medical journal. Wanting to make sure we had taken the best course of action and made the right decisions we asked Judy to tap into her resources and see what they would recommend. They all said "she should see Dr. John Chan at UCSF!" And guess what - that's who MOM sees!!!! So that made us feel really good about mom's doctors and the care she's been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">receiving</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now for the updates:<br /><br />On Friday, Mom had a visit with Dr. Chan (her oncology surgeon). This was a follow up appointment from her Surgery on December 18. The update is that Mom looks good! Her most recent CT Scans were CLEAN. Dr Chan was happy with the results and said that she should stay on the AVASTIN as maintenance treatment.<br /><br /><br /><br />Mom had chosen to stop chemo therapy (since she made it through the prescribed course of treatment) and is just having AVASTIN infusions every 21 days (as long as the insurance will allow it). There really isn't an ANSWER GUIDE to tell us if this is the RIGHT or WRONG decision but after letting Dr. Chan know about what she is doing and discussing her options - he AGREED and said this is the best course of action at this time.<br /><br /><br /><br />Then we had some Questions for Dr Chan:<br /><br />One of the Questions that we had was "does this mean she's Cancer Free?" Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Chan's</span> response was "No, Not yet." He explained that she had cancer and underwent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">treatment</span> and that now she is in the maintenance phase. In this phase all we can do is continue with the maintenance drugs and wait....Wait for the Cancer to reoccur OR not. If after two years without any signs of cancer then that is GOOD news.<br /><br /><br /><br />Another Question that we asked was about Nutrition "What should mom eat to boost her immune system?" And then we talked about whether certain foods feed cancer or not. He said that there really wasn't anything she could eat to boost her immune system and just told her to eat a well balanced diet. OVARIAN CANCER cannot be brought on by DIET, EXERCISE or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">LIFESTYLE</span> so she can eat sugar, chocolate, whatever!!! Just needs to maintain a normal healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.<br /><br /><br /><br />Then since we all have this DANG Summer Cold AND since Mom is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">traveling</span> next month we asked him about AIRBORNE!!! (te hee, yes we wasted his time asking him what he thought about Airborne). His response included a smile and smirk (that he did not present at any other time during the appointment) and said, "well, my wife swears by it but I don't use it" and that was all he said!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />WHEW this has been long...but in closing:<br /><br />We can't say she's in the clear.<br /><br />We can say that she feels good, her hair is starting to grow back, and her results so far are GREAT.<br /><br />Life is Good.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-88951003541470273862009-06-07T17:00:00.000-07:002009-06-07T17:02:58.492-07:00Ring a Ding Ding!Mom has finished her scheduled treatment plan for her Ovarian Cancer! At the Redwood Regional Oncology Center, there is a BELL in the lobby/waiting area. When you finish your treatment - you get to ring the bell.<br /><br />So, last week, Mom rang the bell!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-2056791577940368212009-05-25T19:24:00.000-07:002009-05-25T19:45:35.230-07:00Weighing the OptionsBarb, our super hero, is nearing the end of her treatment plan. The outlook was grim but the doctors have been so impressed with her response to the disease fighting infusions they've been giving her. They say she can:<br /><br />A. Continue with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taxal</span>, once a month for a year with close monitoring (turn to page 62)<br /><br />or<br /><br />B. Stop the treatments altogether and be closely monitored (turn to page 65)<br /><br />But since this is real life and not a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book...we can't really look ahead. What we do know is that Mom is down to two more treatments (May 26 and June 2).<br />These are the last of the Original 6 treatments that she was scheduled to get (that somehow turned into like 15 or so...that just according to me...I don't really know how many she's gotten).<br /><br />Anyway, She's weighing her options and talking to people. She has some friends who have faced ovarian and other forms of cancer and have "beat the odds." So she's talking and planning and moving on...but in what direction? FORWARD. <br /><br />She's looking forward to our visit this summer and her 40th High School Reunion in August. That's about it for now though.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-46559215839010652242009-05-12T17:45:00.000-07:002009-05-12T17:51:32.996-07:00Just a Few MoreHowdy All,<br /><br />Sorry it's been so long since the last update (I almost forgot my log in information). Wanted to give you an update though.<br /><br />Mom had Chemo today! She has Treatments scheduled for May 19, and 26 and then should have her last round on June 2!!! She's looking forward to finishing up.<br /><br />Her and Dr. Anderson are going over her options...because it is a RARE form of cancer with "squamous cells" (the floaters), Doc thinks she's going to have be a HIGH RISK for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">recurrence</span>. BUT they won't know until they quit with all the chemo. He is VERY PLEASED with the CT Scans and says there are ZERO Signs of Cancer right now. SO that is very good.<br /><br />Mom is Excited to be done and is busy making plans for Me, Tim and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CJ</span> to visit in Early July and then she and Dad will be making a trip back to Kansas City and Sioux City in August. So the calendar is getting filled again!<br /><br />That's all for now - Hope all is well with everyone reading this! Happy Tuesday.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-18268133750839375732009-05-04T06:50:00.000-07:002009-05-04T06:56:30.496-07:00A Birthday Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0mCqThoLTj-DHohIff_RoVGVtrHT4k8leNRkyfk6usz9iYCfYaIEgwm8WBT2UCkoLFhUDr2wB4eGC6Qni1-khvCX1hzCjWDh9oYSlfbnCDnUJpvVBku2XO5FF8xh33k-AvzaUI8JLtM/s1600-h/58th+Bday.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331966746129901186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0mCqThoLTj-DHohIff_RoVGVtrHT4k8leNRkyfk6usz9iYCfYaIEgwm8WBT2UCkoLFhUDr2wB4eGC6Qni1-khvCX1hzCjWDh9oYSlfbnCDnUJpvVBku2XO5FF8xh33k-AvzaUI8JLtM/s320/58th+Bday.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Happy Birthday MOM! Here is a Cute Picture of her with her Birthday Cake in the shape of a HAT because she's considering hats for a change!</div><br /><div></div><div>Today is Mom's Birthday. Yesterday she had a small celebration with family. Today and the rest of this week she is just resting. She will have Chemo again this week. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though in terms of Chemo Treatments (at least from the first plan of action). She should be done with them by the end of this month. Yippee!</div><div> </div><div>God Grant You Many Years, God Grant You Many Years, God Grant you Many, Many, Many YEARS!</div><br /><div></div>KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-83330772533413736532009-04-29T18:13:00.000-07:002009-04-29T18:21:41.248-07:00Gosh Darn ItMom had a nice visit with Mike and Abby. They all went out to dinner at the Bear Republic (one of my favorite treats) and my friend Emily just happened to be there. She wrote on my wall (Facebook Thingy) right away saying that mom looked "AWESOME."<br /><br />I know that mom's been pretty tired though. Also, the other night she commented on how cold she was, so I asked if she had a fever. She didn't know but said she'd check. Well apparently she did have a fever.<br /><br />Today she was at the oncology center and they gave her chemo anyway (despite the fever last night). They also ordered a bunch of new tests (more ultrasounds, x-rays and CT Scans). So she'll be busy this week with medical tests. Please keep her lifted in prayer - She really does have a positive attitude and that's great. It's just frustrating for me to hear of more tests - this bites.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-77736930245396453202009-04-23T19:36:00.000-07:002009-04-23T19:41:18.152-07:00Doing WellMom came home from the Hospital early this week. Saw Dr. Anderson and received Chemo already! After getting her dose of chemo she even went shopping. I talked with her yesterday and today and she seems to be doing well. Mike and Abby arrive tomorrow morning so I hope everything stays on a good course for her through the weekend at least!!!<br /><br />Really hasn't been anything new. Mom did arrange for some house cleaners - and she LOVES that. She said it's quite a LUXURY but I say she deserves it!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-843665077149515022009-04-20T10:47:00.000-07:002009-04-20T11:02:19.167-07:00PlansWell, she's planning to go home today. She is still at the hospital right now...but should probably be home later this afternoon.<br /><br />Uncle Mike and Cousin Abby are coming to visit her this Weekend.<br /><br />Plans for the next Chemo are currently on hold...just because of the infection, hospital visit and such. Technically though she's ALMOST DONE with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">original</span> chemo plan (which was six rounds of the chemo). She has had 4 out of the 6!!! <br /><br />So - Hopefully she'll have a good week and a GREAT time with Mike and Abby!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-36465814429297142352009-04-16T16:53:00.000-07:002009-04-16T17:23:58.434-07:00The LatestWell...Mom is back in the Hospital. Looks like she'll be there a couple days at least. I don't totally know what it is...but apparently she is "Septic." From talking to friend who is a nurse and from checking out webMD I found out that people receiving chemo are prone to this sepsis because their immune systems are compromised. It is basically an infection.<br /><br />She was supposed to go up today for labs, so that she could get TAXAL (chemo) tomorrow. Last night however, she got super sick. She had the chills, shaking and was very weak. Dad took her up to see Dr. Anderson and he said no to chemo tomorrow. He called the hospital and told them mom was coming. So they got her all checked in and she'll be there for a couple days.<br /><br />I know it's not good news...but I also think she is in good hands for now. I know she'll be disappointed missing Pascha this weekend but hopefully she'll be better soon!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-35495716052470406372009-04-09T20:07:00.000-07:002009-04-09T20:11:12.934-07:00GeneticsThe results of the Genetic Testing are in! Three tests were performed and the results on all three were "NO MUTATIONS DETECTED." <br /><br />So I'm not a geneticist, or whatever you call someone who studies genetics, but apparently this means that it is NOT Hereditary. That is Good News.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-12822186129720157252009-04-07T18:49:00.000-07:002009-04-07T19:19:19.208-07:00A Thank You Note to AllTo My Dear Family, Clergy, and Friends,<br /><br />First of all I want to ask that you accept this generic letter as "the best I can do for now"...... but more importantly as an expression of my deepest gratitude to all of you. The outpouring of prayer, great healing thoughts, love, concern, and of course great medical care has been overwhelming the past 4 months. There are so many of you to thank I do not know of any other approach. The paper and postage cost for this mailing alone will run right along side the cost of my co-pay for medical services.<br /><br />While hospitalized in February at Memorial Hospital my condition was far more critical than I realized at the time. With your support and care I guess "I beat the odds" and now am on a miraculous road to recovery. It appears this may be a lifetime struggle for me but as with so many of you (my personal support group) SO BE IT!<br /><br />I've missed so many Church services during the 2 most beautiful seasons of the year - Easter and Christmas.....but I've been there in spirit. And the parties and social gatherings - the 50's Beatnik Dinner and Poetry Reading, the 40 Years and Still Rollin' party, the retirement parties, Italian Vacation movie night, SSA lunches and so much more. Please accept our apologies for missing - you know Craig and I NEVER plan on missing great fun and friends and we were with you in thought (and regret).<br /><br />We both truly want to thank all of you from my fabulous doctors, the great medical staff at Memorial, my loving and supportive family, all my wonderful Clergy and church family, and our lifelong friends from work, the car club, the neighbors. The flowers, fruit baskets, cards, calls, visits, gifts and meals are indescribable. What more can I say but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!<br /><br />We love you all!<br /><br />Barb and CraigUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-33662253288866355392009-04-06T20:58:00.001-07:002009-04-06T21:08:31.282-07:00Port In (La La La La La)<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OK</span>...so I can barely stand to think about it...but the Port is in! The "La la la la la" is just me going to my happy place (can't stand the thought of this). Mom said that she was "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">consciously</span> sedated" and she doesn't really know what that means other than she was kind of asleep, it didn't hurt, and she heard them say "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OK</span> we're done" yet she didn't know they had started. Guess that's good right? Oh and Gracie (her friend from church, who volunteers at Memorial) got to wheel her out, so that was nice.<br /><br />As for this Friday, Dr. Anderson told her to cancel her trip to UCSF, so that she could get her BIG CHEMO (all three medicines). Chemo is more important right now than going to San Francisco for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hysterectomy</span> Follow up. And since the Chemo is working, we don't want any set backs. Her CA125 score is down to 12 (from 32 last time) and he wants to get her into single digits.<br /><br />She'll follow up with Dr. Field the local OB-GYN regarding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hysterectomy</span> follow up though.<br /><br />I know she's picking up steam (trying new things everyday), but this weekend and early next week might be rough since this Friday will be all three drugs. That usually kicks her butt pretty good. BUT you know she'll be back up soon!!! <br /><br />That's about it for now. Good Night.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-76628493313383619672009-04-02T20:19:00.001-07:002009-04-02T20:29:14.648-07:00Chemo, Port, UCSF<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> - I had to remember those three things for this update. <br /><br />Mom has Chemo tomorrow (Friday). Just the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Taxal</span> again. Then on Monday she has to go to Memorial Hospital at 7am to get a Port installed...inserted...whatever they do with a port....she was telling me in detail and I had to go to my happy place....because I don't handle that stuff well. She said her veins are collapsing or something, making it hard for them to get into each time she goes for chemo. The chemo must do a job on your veins because I remember when I was there in February, several nurses said "oh you have good veins." I remember that because when Grandma Georgia had her heart attack they had to take veins out of her arms or something because she had had her leg veins stripped or something.... (sorry small tangent).<br /><br />Anyway, after they put that port in on Monday, she'll go home (same day) no biggie. Then NEXT Friday she goes back to the University of California at San Francisco to see Dr. Chan the surgeon. This is her 3 month check up following the surgery.<br /><br />OH YEAH and something else...SHE DROVE TODAY for the FIRST time in 3 MONTHS!!! Can you imagine???KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-91710362859045933752009-03-31T20:31:00.000-07:002009-03-31T20:37:53.358-07:00Genetic TestingMom sounds really good! Apparently the Taxal does not make her so sick. Today she had blood drawn so that it could be sent for genetic testing. IF insurance approves her for this then they'll send it on and see if this cancer is hereditary or not. IF insurance does not approve it...then we won't know (but her doctors said they would fight for the testing). It will probably be several weeks before we know any more on that though.<br /><br />Mom is scheduled for Chemo on Friday (just the Taxal again). She was eating pizza tonight for dinner so I think she's doing well!<br /><br />She's been out and about, visiting, and partying but she still is really only up for one outing per day. Nothing new to report otherwise. Happy Tuesday!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-49014577475022432892009-03-26T17:49:00.000-07:002009-03-26T18:11:33.039-07:00Good NewsMom went today for labs and chemo. Labs came back good so they went ahead and gave her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Taxal</span> (just one of the chemo drugs). Since it was just one drug today the infusion did not take as long.<br /><br />She also saw the Nurse Practitioner today and got the results of her latest CT Scan. The tumors have decreased dramatically, there is less fluid being retained, and they said the scan was really clear. SUPER GOOD NEWS.<br /><br />They did also get her a different <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">prescription</span> for anti nausea medicine. Mom doesn't like taking drugs so I think she has been feeling pretty rough...when really she should be taking more pills to get rid of the nausea. Hopefully the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Taxal</span> by itself won't make her so sick and the new medicine can help her feel a bit better. That's it for now though.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-80069000981171699662009-03-24T20:10:00.000-07:002009-03-24T20:19:51.809-07:00Ask Your Doctor Follow UP and UPDATE on MomIf you are all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">saavy</span> enough to read the notes you'll see a comment by Debbie following the "Ask Your Doctor Post." I want to give some follow up to it because DEBBIE YOU ARE RIGHT :)<br /><br />And for those of you not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">saavy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">enought</span> to read the comments - Debbie shared that most doctors don't like to perform the test because it's not reliable.<br /><br />I did some research on CA125 when mom first told me she had requested it. Since I'm not a doctor please don't hold me to this BUT the CA125 is a test that when used on a cancer patient, can give the doctor an idea of how BAD the cancer is. When people request the test that are NOT Cancer patients (Like my mom when she requested it) the results can be misleading as they may give a false positive. <br /><br />HOWEVER, in mom's case it was better safe than sorry. <br /><br />Some other information I read lately talks about Ovarian Cancer as a silent killer because most women don't realize that anything is wrong until the cancer is too far along. This is pretty interesting too since when mom was first diagnosed it was Stage 1 meaning pretty early on. BUT upon further CT Scans, Tests, and the evidence of her organs starting to shut down in the hospital I think her doctors indicated it was more like Stage 3.<br /><br />As for how mom is feeling....still pretty rough. The good news is that she ate today!!! Nothing tastes good to her (even water tastes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">metallic</span>). The food she ate was a subway sandwich and she said the MUSTARD and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PEPPEROCINNIS</span> were the best part! Not sure how she's going to do the rest of this week <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">because</span> if everything goes as scheduled she'll be up having lab tests tomorrow and then possibly chemo again on Thursday. Keep her in your prayers so that she can get through all the chemo!!!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-43930462186547699082009-03-22T18:09:00.000-07:002009-03-22T18:20:54.581-07:00Ask Your Doctor...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2wyr1N6mS-y6k_BRGBNMLCCw-daZo3GTSjzBFy2aa42yYJ0_Z3EfMod-YrGKPxtgbgJcnenegLQpgKH7y6IDCD2OtOW-77Qdcji5PGbB5V49HzRQ5v4ZsCZPGgefGGkfE61kJoej4NU/s1600-h/Bumper+Sticker.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316185077898064802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 51px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2wyr1N6mS-y6k_BRGBNMLCCw-daZo3GTSjzBFy2aa42yYJ0_Z3EfMod-YrGKPxtgbgJcnenegLQpgKH7y6IDCD2OtOW-77Qdcji5PGbB5V49HzRQ5v4ZsCZPGgefGGkfE61kJoej4NU/s400/Bumper+Sticker.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This bumper sticker is Mom's new motto. For those of you that don't know, she heard about the CA125 test on TV. In 2007 she requested that the lab run the CA125 test at the time of her annual exam...they didn't. In 2008 she requested it again and they said no, then she put her foot down and said "I want the results of the CA125." The results came back "slightly elevated" but this truly is what got her doctor thinking she had cancer!<br /><br />So, if you hear something on TV and think you should follow up on it...DO!<br /><br />Mom had chemo on Thursday and did good Thursday & Friday but now yesterday and today have been pretty miserable. She's been really tired and had lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nausea</span>. She's looking forward to good week ahead though!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-28008049978829187302009-03-20T19:02:00.000-07:002009-03-20T19:06:13.488-07:00ScratchyTalked to Mom today - her voice is all scratchy sounding. I thought maybe she was sick already - but she was just laying out in the backyard relaxing. Said it was a really nice day and she felt good. She had her CT Scan this morning and the results were being sent to her Oncologist, General Practitioner and OB. So she's going to check in early next week with Dr. Devor (GP) to see if he can fill her in on the results of the CT Scan. That's it for now - Happy Friday all.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-22591825319758319862009-03-19T18:35:00.000-07:002009-03-19T23:21:08.954-07:00Long DayHello Hello<br /><br />Sorry there hasn't been an update lately. Last week mom's chemo plan changed because her counts were too low. Today was the new day though. She went up yesterday and her counts were good. So this morning she went up about 9:30 ish. She recieved Taxal, CarboPlatin, and Avastan. Avastan is a new "experimental" drug that is typically used with colon and breast cancers. It is not actually a chemo but a booster for the chemo....if I understood correctly. She was in the chair today till about 4:30.<br /><br />Tomorrow she'll have a CT scan but won't know the results for a while because Doc is out of town. BUT, from all the blood they've been taking Doc's been pleased because her CA125 result is coming down. CA125 was the test that got the docs thinking she had cancer in the first place. I don't know that I have all the numbers right but I think this is the breakdown (please don't hold me to this):<br /><br />NORMAL 0-35<br />Her First Test 56 (Doc's think - hmmm maybe she has cancer)<br />Another Test 167 (when she was in the hospital)<br />And Now she's down to 32 (or something that seems to be in the "normal" range)<br /><br />Anyway - we talked tonight and she sounded good.<br /><br />She had a class on Monday at the Cancer Society and learned how to do her make up once she loses her eyebrows and lashes. She said it was good. No one in the class knew she was wearing a wig, until she told them!!! She also learned how to make a turban out of a t-shirt, she thought that was pretty cool.<br /><br />That's about it for now. It was a long day for her...and she doesn't know how to work the iPod...so if there are any iPod specialists out there...you might drop by and teach her how to use it. She would also like some help downloading some podcasts from Ancient Faith Radio...so if you can help her figure out how to use the iPod and download stuff, make a date with her and get to it!!!<br /><br />Thanks all for your continued prayers, and thoughts for her restored health. Ta ta for now.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-57548686587289055762009-03-12T19:52:00.000-07:002009-03-12T19:58:42.566-07:00Change in PlansTalked to mom tonight about her visit to the doc today. She won't be getting chemo tomorrow because her cell count is too low. So they'll wait till next week to do the chemo again. She's good with that. Today was one of the first days that she reduced her pain medicine so that one change was good for this week. So with this change in plans her new schedule is Labs on Wednesday, Chemo on Thursday, and CT scan on Friday (next week).<br /><br />Mom made it to church last night - her first time since some time back in January. She said it was nice and it's feeling good to her to get out about one little trip/excursion per day.<br /><br />That's about it for now though - nothing else new to report.KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-44081260121036982782009-03-09T21:00:00.000-07:002009-03-09T21:10:25.964-07:00Visits and Emails and Cards - OH MY!Talked to mom today and she had a nice lunch at Round Table, said she was happy she went! She was pretty tired this afternoon, although a 30 minute rest took care of that.<br /><br />While there really isn't anything new to report today, I realize that many people are checking this daily and I don't want to leave anything out! I realized that I forgot to tell you that on FRIDAY this week she will have another round of chemo (remember they changed her schedule up so she'll be getting a dose every week now for a while). That's it though.<br /><br />Mom also wanted me to be sure and say THANK YOU (from all of us: Barb, Craig, Kara, & Marcus) for all of the visits, emails and cards! Mom can't believe how many people are out there praying for her and pulling for her. The support is overwhelming and we all want to let you know how much we've appreciated everything!!! So I'll use mom's excuse of Chemo Brain to let you know that we can't possibly respond to every card, email or visit but just as you are praying for mom's health and strength, we too are thanking GOD for our many blessings - YOU!<br /><br />Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6121485216203593173.post-53801570743181676642009-03-08T17:47:00.000-07:002009-03-08T18:11:53.568-07:00Running around with no hair on!he he he...I was just talking to mom on the phone when she said... "Oh shoot, someone is here and I'm running around with no hair on!" Oh my goodness that made me laugh (and hopefully you too).<br /><br />Anyway, she's feeling pretty good and has an exciting week ahead.<br /><br />Monday she's hoping to stop in at Roundtable for a SHORT lunch with her SSA Friends.<br />Wednesday she's meeting with the Pain Specialist to hopefully reduce the meds.<br />Thursday she gets labs done and meets with Dr. Anderson (her oncologist).<br />Friday she is going to have a visit from her brother/my uncle Jack!<br /><br />She doesn't have anything planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday Afternoons - but that's probably a good thing. She still needs lots of rest!<br /><br />She's been reading emails - but says she can't respond to them. She tries to and then has to move on to something else and if you've been reading comments you'll find that this is actually called "CHEMO BRAIN." Some friends who have been through chemo reminded her that this is actually a side effect of the chemo.<br /><br />That's really about it for now - here is a cute picture of mom enjoying her new hair do (so what she looks like when she has the wig on...not so sure she wants me posting a bald one yet). Have a great week!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbltGgKjub5t1ZNxiiBbNHGUE4i1KFfQKPiu3B4oR-O5GHg2keZmLva4H_jDXl3_yvnf4nGPRqFFbsUxVLuY1kNn8P_2zF_B8vOQe3bbUmHqlTHxNXYxm_ncTUJXHBwCDraSNA6B4etQ/s1600-h/In+the+Mirror+3.5.2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbltGgKjub5t1ZNxiiBbNHGUE4i1KFfQKPiu3B4oR-O5GHg2keZmLva4H_jDXl3_yvnf4nGPRqFFbsUxVLuY1kNn8P_2zF_B8vOQe3bbUmHqlTHxNXYxm_ncTUJXHBwCDraSNA6B4etQ/s320/In+the+Mirror+3.5.2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310989404499774066" /></a>KOBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291878363834217741noreply@blogger.com5