My Mom’s Cancer Journey
It’s been a few years since you’ve seen me here on this space and while I have been planning on re-activating this blog soon, I didn’t anticipate to bring it back under the circumstances of updating friends and family on my mom’s cancer journey.
A few months ago, after some concerning symptoms mom went to the Doc for some tests and blood work to see what’s going on, it was confirmed a few weeks later after test results that she had uterine cancer. A complete laparoscopic hysterectomy was scheduled and completed within the following weeks. Despite the diagnosis and the recovery of the surgery, she has been feeling remarkably well which we are so grateful for!
We had high hopes that it was a linear line of recovery and that no chemo or radiation was needed but recently received the final results of the biopsy of her uterus that was sent away for further testing post hysterectomy.
The doctor said their findings of the biopsy included a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Clear Cell Carcinoma, stage 2, a cancer that can be diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, biopsies, and microscopic tissue analysis.
Even thought the surgeon was confident in the removal of the cancer via uterine removal and her labs all looked fantastic, this specific cancer can be hard to catch unless examined under a microscope.
The doctors have scheduled her to begin chemotherapy and radiation in the following weeks/months and are hopeful that the follow up of both will take care of any leftover cancer that might be remaining in her cells post surgery.
I talked to mom this morning and all things considered she is in good spirits and is feeling really well despite surgery recovery and cancer diagnosis.
We are extremely grateful that mom went in to the doctor right away when the symptoms presented themselves and that her lymph nodes show no signs of concern, that the surgery was successful and she is feeling remarkably well.
I wanted to ask mom some questions to give her the chance to answer and explain things in her own way :
How are you feeling now that you finally have answers?
I felt pretty confident with dr kesterson ,the ball went rolling quite quickly after we found out it was cancer, they scheduled a total robotic - assisted labaroscopic hysterectomy within four weeks of my first appointment with the surgeon. I’ve recovered well for my surgery.
What would you like everyone to know about your diagnosis and treatment?
Went for my post-op appointment and found out the type of cancer I have is rare and very aggressive. So the doctor is prescribing aggressive treatments. Will need to do 6 rounds of chemo, 1-every 21 days, 1 treatment takes about 6 hours to administer.
A couple weeks after chemo is done I start radiation treatments, they will be every day for 5-6 weeks.
What has been the biggest encouragement to you so far?
Knowing that it’s treatable has been encouraging and also that I went in right away when I was having symptoms. Having a church body to support and pray for me has been and is a huge blessing as well.
How can people best pray for you during this season?
Pray that I can be protected from any sicknesses that are going around and that my immune system won’t be completely shot. Pray that I can remain encouraged.
Is there anything you'd like to say to everyone who has been supporting and praying for you?
Thank you for all your prayers and support.
I know there are many people who love and care for mom dearly, if you would like to send a card or care package to mom please reach out to me via e-mail for their address. You can reach me here.
-Carrie
