Road to Recovery

It has been too long. Nathaniel and I have to post some pictures from the Galapagos Islands. It was a wonderful trip. Pictures would probably best describe the creatures we met there. We went with great friends and their family. We saw sea lions (everywhere), fur seals (more reclusive), iguanas, blue footed boobies, penguins, sperm whales, and more...

It was a tough transition back to a New England Winter. I was immediately met with news that my breast biopsy (done 12/23) was benign (atypical ductal dysplatia), but that my oncologist wanted it removed...easier said than done. After a whirlwind of medical tests and images, the very minor surgery took place on Friday at MGH. I am awaiting the results of that biopsy, which should be no surprise.

My joint pains seems to be abating and my hair is even growing (white)!!

December 19,2008

I am still feeling the after effects of chemo, namely joint and muscle aches and pains...not what I had counted on at this stage. My ovarian cancer is in remission with a very low tumor marker of 11, (which was 1800 when I was admitted to the hospital in May). I guess we are all hopeful that it will stay low. The Dana Farber Oncologist has given me a better than 50% chance of being cured, meaning no recurrence of the cancer.

However, I am still at risk for breast cancer, since with the BRCA1 gene mutation there is an 80% lifetime chance of my developing breast cancer in my lifetime....the next hurdle awaits.

We are looking forward to the holidays and going to the Galapagos Islands from 12/28-1/9/09. See you next year!!

Happy Holidays and God Bless us all!!

Final Treatment

November 11,2008

I completed my final treatment yesterday, so with a 3 week recovery, I should feel much better!!

Thereafter, I will be able to go back for check ups at 3 month intervals.  This should give me some time to have fun for the holidays.

Thanks to all of you who have helped to get me through this difficult period.  I feel as if I have been on a treadmill since May.

Let's hope for a nice long remission and happy days ahead!

Maura

Last Treatment Scheduled for November 10th

I am feeling okay after my treatment on Friday. Mostly I am looking forward to finishing before Thanksgiving.

Thank you to all who helped me get through this one! It is great to be near the end.

Our family is going to the Galapogos Islands after Christmas, as a special vacation. We will be going from 12/28-1/9/09.

I will be on a 3 month schedule with Dana Farber for checkups thereafter. By my calculations, my first check up will be in February.

There was frost on the pumpkin this morning.

Sixth Treatment 10/17

I have had a cold, which not dangerous, but hard to shake. Anyway, I am feeling better every day. If you have a fever and low blood counts, you have to be hospitalized and get intraveneous antibiotics. Fortunately, I have not had the two events coincide!!

My sixth treatment has been scheduled for Friday, October 17th. This is approximately 4 weeks from my last treatment. Although I was on a 3 week cycle, I will really appreciate the extra week to recover and get healthy!! After this I will have one more. My new objective is to finish by Thanksgiving and really celebrate. The holiday will take on new meaning!

I hope everyone is not too soggy from the rain!

Chemotherapy Treatment Yesterday

I had my fifth chemo treatment yesterday, which went off without a hitch. I had very nice company from old friends (all from Newburyport) who probably wanted to visit in more pleasant surroundings. It was great fun to have visitors!

I am starting to see that when this treatment is over, life will be very good!!

The kids have resettled in school and life is very busy when they are around. Everyday seems very scheduled. There are no such things as pick up sports in the neighborhood. There is a part of me that longs for a more casual lifestyle without all the driving. But this is the way it is...

Enjoy the Fall weather. I has been glorious for more than a few days.