Well, June marks 2 years from my diagnosis with Ovarian /Peritoneal cancer. It seems like 6 months!
I insisted that my oncologist tell me the facts in regard to life span. Being a a retired RN. I wanted to know. She suggested about 3 years.
In my mind, I had this idea that it would be three years without any drama. Little did I know!
I'm on my second round of chemo, had sepsis with a kidney infection, debulking surgery, and a stent placed in one blocked ureter tube. This will be changed next month.
Last weekend we went on a 4 day trip to the Mighty Murray River, here in South Australia. We didn't know that it is the third longest navigable river after the Nile and the Amazon! What a trip that would be!!
Apart from being tired and breathless on walking, it was the best thing my darling husband Dan and I have done in those two years. I went crazy with my camera.
I suspected that I was having issues with a low red blood cell count.
I saw our GP yesterday and had blood tests done. He phoned me today and has been in touch with my oncologist who has organised for me to have a blood transfusion tomorrow.
It is strange how these little things become so important after being diagnosed with this crappy disease.
I guess my point is that this little adventure was a break that perhaps we all need.
It's worth thinking about!
Big Koala hugs to my Teal sisters!
Jill
xxx
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Jenjill47
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Hi Jenjill, I have been on niraparib since July of 2019. I had a blood transfusion a few months ago, because my hemoglobin dropped to 6.9. I was so out of breath to do much anything. They scheduled me the next morning as I needed 2 units of blood. This cancer journey sure has its ups and downs. It seems like there is some side effects like my neuropathy in my feet that doesn’t go away. At least, there isn’t pain; just numbness. Hoping your journey will go smoother, but I know it’s tough! Sending you a hug from the U.S., Donna xx
Hi Donna! Thank you for your reply. It seems that we are all on this journey that is so scary and with different issues. I had a little bit of neuropathy in my fingers - I gave my sewing machine away to my son as I kept dropping the pins! He is now making camping gear!I have sort of become used to it now.Wishing you all the best and big hugs from Australia. xxx
I had two blood transfusions and two platelet transfusions during my last chemo. You’ll feel a lot better after you’ve had it.
Hi from downunder too!I am 2.5 years into my OC Stage 3 B. I am on my third line of treatment. Carboplatin and Avastin every 3 weeks and my markers are coming down slowly. Now at 85.
I had to have a transfusion last year as I was on OLAPARIB. (BRAC2 positive) and this didn’t work for me just lowered my platelets to 25!
I felt amazing after the transfusion though I did pick up some sort of antibody in the blood. Just means if I need a transfusion in the future it could take a couple of days to source.
I’m sure you will feel better after the transfusion. I felt 20 years younger after the way I was feeling before.
I too was given a timeline. 5 years when I was diagnosed BUT I will surpass that. I’m 65 now and intend to make it to 70, at least. 😊
Hope all goes well for you. I never miss any opportunity to go to places or events I want to.
I am thankful I did a lot of travelling , here in Australia and overseas before I was diagnosed. We have a caravan and go away in it between treatments. Living the best life I can. 😉
Hi Bluebaby1. You certainly live in a beautiful part of the world!I know Kiama, though not well. I have friends living down your way.
That's great that you are still getting around in your caravan. I have so many relatives in Canada that I guess I won't be able to visit again them due to the lockdowns. Also my Dad who will be 99 in August is in Melbourne. I haven't seen him for a year due to lockdowns and my chemo sessions. My sister is there so she can visit him.
I had the transfusion today and I can't believe how much better I feel! I think it should have happened earlier.
No more breathlessness and so far no aching muscles on walking. Funny how such an improvement can change your outlook to positivity!
Keep living your best life and it was great to see a fellow Aussie here!
So glad you are feeling better after the transfusion. It really makes a difference. My platelets were a bit low a month or so ago but not enough to have a transfusion. Once they picked up I felt so much better.COVID has changed our lives, even if we didn’t have cancer. So sorry you can’t get to see your Dad or family in Canada. Such a beautiful country.
Yes, let’s keep in touch. I am going to a luncheon in Sydney on Sunday. I belong to a Facebook page for Aussies and Kiwis with OC and a member has arranged a venue and time to meet. It will be great to meet women with our disease and discuss our treatments and feelings and support each other. I couldn’t make the last one as I was wiped out after chemo.
All the best to you, keep smiling and live, live, live. 😊🦋
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