In February, I was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. They classified it as Stage IV because they thought that it had gone to the liver. The ER doctors wanted my husband to sign a DNR order and some other papers that made it obvious that they didn't think I was going to make it. The hospital wanted to send me to Syracuse to a specialist but the specialist wouldn't take me at first because I had no insurance,it was too expensive to get, and then when the hospital social worker got me on a plan, he didn't accept that plan. My oncologist tried to get a personal favor to have him take me but when he relented, he said he would take me in 6 weeks. My oncologist told him that would be too late for me. At the end of February, I had debulking surgery done by a fantastic team that would take my insurance. The team I have is wonderful. The surgeon found it hadn't gone to the liver and downgraded the cancer to Stage III. All my friends said I looked drawn and pale. I don't think anybody held out much hope for me. My husband even said that he was afraid to hug me because I was so thin he thought he would hurt me. After 6 session of Taxol and Carboplatin, my ca 125 levels are below normal. I had a great support group that gave me the spirit I needed to fight like Rocky. I feel pretty good now too.(except the week after chemo).
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- By karen7149
- Posted July 29, 2009 at 2:32 pm · 7 replies
- In Survivor stories
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- By Jennali
- Posted July 29, 2009 at 11:09 pm
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Good for you!! Keep that spirit and keep fighting.
- By michellelovejoy
- Posted July 30, 2009 at 8:20 am
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Don't ever give up hope! Keep fighting and praying!
- By verlinda
- Posted July 30, 2009 at 8:47 am
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You are a cancer warrior! Keep fighting.
By the way, Monday night the lady who sat next to me at a support group meeting was diagnosed stage IV three years ago and has never had a recurrence!
- By FavoriteAunt
- Posted July 30, 2009 at 8:52 am
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Now you are a true cancer fighter - good for you! And good for the wonderful doctors who took care of you.
With this new confidence, I'm sure you will get through it and maybe even gain some weight! All the best to you.
- By NJ1lady
- Posted July 30, 2009 at 3:30 pm
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I'm so happy for you, Karen and that you had someone to fight to get you the surgery and treatment you needed.
Good luck, and good health to you.
- By Shearaw
- Posted July 30, 2009 at 3:59 pm
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Hooray! And hooray, again! You are some wonder woman! And your husband seems like a keeper, too!
I'm so sorry that you had to go through such an awful time to get treatment. I am glad that you persevered.
- By Teresalynne
- Posted July 30, 2009 at 4:45 pm
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You go girl...sounds like you are a fighter and we have to be to beat this disease. I was diagnosed in June, 2005 with Stage IV...am currently being treated for my second occurrance, but I'm still here fighting. With God's Hand on me and all the love and support I get from my family and friends, I plan on being around for along time. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Teresa
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