So far, so good.

July 22, 2008

I just got back from Iowa City; here’s the latest:

The gynecology oncologist that I saw (Dr. David Bender) was extremely knowledgeable and we established a very good rapport right away. After giving me a thorough physical exam he said that I don’t have any structural abnormalities (no palpable masses, etc.) and everything with my blood work checked out fine. But that still leaves the matter of the pre-cancerous cells that need to be dealt with and we’ve decided to take a conservative approach based on the facts we have right now. Mind you, once he gets the complete pathology reports the plans might change, but we’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.

Details:

1. I am scheduled to see him again on August 5th to review the reports.

2. If the results *do not* show progressive cancer cells, I will be prescribed a higher dose of progesterone hormones (megestrol acetate) to substantially reduce the endometrial lining of the uterus. After 3 months on that medicine, the doctor would do an inpatient D&C in order to completely remove the lining. That procedure will eliminate the pre-cancerous cells and allow me to start with a “clean slate”, so to speak. I would then have to have regularly scheduled biopsies afterwards just to keep an eye out for any changes.

3. If the results *do* show progressive cancer cells, I’ll have to have sonograms and a bunch of other tests to pinpoint the problem and most likely a complete hysterectomy as soon as possible.

I am feeling pretty confident that everything will turn out ok in the end. If it doesn’t, that just means it’s not the end!

Right now I am just very tired from the stress of the unknown and the lack of deep sleep – and of course, venturing onto an overwhelmingly HUGE teaching hospital campus that is like a bustling city within itself. Seriously, I ended up paying for valet parking because all three ramps within walking distance of the office were completely full.

At least next time I will know exactly where I am going; that will cut down a lot stress right there. :)

So, that’s the latest. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and for sending positive energy my way. I could really feel it. It kept me warm as I sat in that cold exam room wearing nothing but a nervous smile and a flimsy cotton gown.

;)

Love to all,

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Comments

3 Responses to “So far, so good.”

  1. Barbara on July 23rd, 2008 12:07 pm

    Well, ‘things’ certainly sound much better this week than last week :neutral:

    Told you there were ABSOLUTE HERDS of us praying for you out here — we’re pretty powerful, aren’t we :grin:

    BIG HUGS. Take a nap. You’ll be able to sleep now.

    Barb

  2. Peggasus on July 23rd, 2008 2:26 pm

    Best wishes to you, Christine. I believe in that whole ‘positive thought’ thing, and will be thinking them for you, along with your own.

  3. Omnibus Driver on July 24th, 2008 9:41 am

    So glad the news is hopeful! I’ll continue sending up prayers for you.

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