Monday, October 22, 2012

Good News & Bad

This post is long overdue but each time I've gone to write it, I'm either too tired or my heart just isn't in it. For this I apologize. I know there are a lot of you who are wondering what has been going on around here so hopefully this will bring you up to speed if you don't already know the latest.

I'll go back to my radiation treatment back in August...in all, I had ten sessions. Luckily, I had minimal side effects. It was the fatigue afterwards that really hit me but we muddled through :o) DH extended his time off until October 1 so I had another month to recoup with someone else helping out with Junior. As the days went on, I was feeling better and better. My pain medication was decreasing and so was the pain in my sternum. Things were going well until...

During the Labour Day weekend, I had picked Junior up when something went funny in my left armpit. The pain sliced right through me. As I waited to see what was wrong, it became apparent to "me" that it was my lymph nodes. Over a period of time, the area would swell and then go back down again. I went to the ER, my family doctor and the Medical Oncologist (MO) and they all said that it wasn't the lymph nodes. My family doctor thought it might be in the bone so I went for another bone scan. It came back clean. My sternum area was still lit up but that can either be from the radiation or the cancer but since it was showing improvements, it's more likely that it was just the radiation causing this.

The MO decided to do a CAT scan as well since it was at least three months since my last one. The good news is that there were no other tumours anywhere and my pelvic area was clean. Even the lymph nodes that were enlarged in that area were good. The bad news...there was an additional 'hole' in my sternum, close to the original one AND I had three enlarged lymph nodes in my left armpit. DH says I should be a doctor ;o)

The MO felt that since the new 'hole' was within the radiated area, it would be treated and he wasn't worried about that at the moment. Based on what he saw and my history, he felt that the lymph nodes were an indicator that the cancer was back :o( He talked about doing radiation on the area but the Radiologist said it would be best not to. Now there is talk of chemotherapy.

Unfortunately this is all the information I have for you at the moment :o( This Wednesday we'll meet with the Radiologist and then on Friday, the MO. DH and I are full of questions since we pretty much feel we've been left in the dark. The lymph nodes are constantly swollen now and have put pressure on some tendons or ligaments in my arm, not allowing me to straighten my arm without a lot of pain. This runs the whole length of my arm. Because of this, my pain medication has been increased a bit; otherwise, I'd probably be off of that right now.

I wish I had more to tell you at this time. It was a huge blow for me to hear the 'C' word again :o( I'm SO TIRED of this and it's been very hard to keep my spirits up lately. Thankfully DH and Junior are my cheering squad and they do look pretty cute in their cheerleading uniforms ;o) LOL!

As soon as we know more, I will post again. Hopefully it won't be a drawn out thing. DH and I just want to get on with our life...

Again, I want to thank everyone for their support. It truly means a lot to me and us :o)

61 comments:

Annie said...

So sorry to hear this. We're all pulling for you. Sending big virtual hugs of support!

Danielle said...

Pumpkin, so very sorry to hear you are going through this once again. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for quick and safe healing for you!

Janine said...

Hugs

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

So gald to hear from you. Know that you and your family are in my prayers. Glad your little cheering squad is cheering you on! Take care, prayers going out...

Vickie said...

Oh dear Cathey! I dreaded this post. Truly I did. I have never not wanted to see a post from anyone before. But I just had this feeling...
I am praying for you. I have asked my kids and husband to pray for you as well Cathey. I know you are tired, but there simply is no other choice. There are so, so many people out there and everywhere you really, truly care about you. We shall storm the gates of heaven with prayer. We simply must lift you up in prayer.♥

Patty C. said...

Hugs to you & your family - Sending all the prayers & support i can .... keep focused on that cheering squad ;)

wranglerkate said...

Pumpkin - Your little guy Junior is quite a handsome young man! And the most compelling reason for you to keep fighting. Despite the fatigue, and despite being disheartened by your recent news. All of which is completely understandable. I wish I could take some of that away for you. Keep on fighting. Just keep fighting. I know you can do it. Best to you - Kate

Cath said...

Hoping for good news from your MO and speedy results from your treatment . I wish I was closer so I could help out , but it is a long way to travel ,lol.
Take care .XXX

Terri said...

Hugs and prayers!

Parsley said...

I want you to know I care and am praying.

Jenn M said...

Gosh, I don't know what to say. I wish you all the best. I really mean that.
Jenn

Kathy A. said...

Oh Cath. I am so sorry. I am sure we have all hoped that things would be on the upswing by now. I am sure you just wish for things to straighten out so that you can get on with life. Please know, that although I cannot really understand your pain, you have my wholehearted care and support. Please do your best to hang in there. Hopefully things will be better soon. Sending lots of supportive hugs and a few (well, lots) of prayers.

~*Sharee*~ said...

I'm so sorry to hear this hun; Please try and keep your chin up and we'll all keep sending love & prayers. Jr. is just adorable.

Hugs, Shar

Mouse said...

ohhhhh balderdash .... ((((HUGS)))) being sent as always ... was hoping it wasn't going to be the "C" word ... you are a fighter and have us cheering on the side line for you too :)
if you need me you know.. how to get me ok :)
give junior a cuddle from his auntie mouse xxxx

Ranae said...

I'm so sorry Cathey
I wish cancer would get cancer and die
(((hugs))))

Christina said...

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Have continued to keep you and your family in my prayer and will continue to do so. ((HUGS)))

Carol said...

Your husband and Junior aren't the only ones cheering you on, Cathey--I think the whole stitching blogging community has their pompoms waving madly just hoping and praying that the doctors can figure out the best plan of attack... I truly wish there was something I could do other than send my best thoughts and prayers that your pain lessens and that the treatments get rid of that darn cancer once and for all. You are always in my thoughts, my friend--big hugs to you!

LisaG said...

You're a fighter Pumpkin, stick with it xx xx

Leslie said...

Big hugs from Baltimore! !!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Xo

Annette said...

Ow my Goodness Cathey
I wish you mant many strenght.
I so hope you will be better soon and can live your life with your DH and cute son..
I'm thinking of you, I don't know you, but I find it so hard to read.. Hope there will be a wonder soon..
hugsss

capecodgirl565 said...

Certainly not the news anyone wanted to hear, but know that you are in many people's thoughts and prayers. I know it must be very hard to deal with, but having a devoted husband and adorable little boy will certainly give you the needed strength. Best wishes to you.

Barbi said...

Well SHIT! That is the first thing that comes to my mind when I read this! Hang in there..and look at the faces of your cheerleading squad to get you thru. Sending up prayers for you! Stay strong!

Elizabeth MacGregor-Kirkcaldy said...

I am so sorry to read this Cathey ~ you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers ~ {{{Hugs}}}... Blessings in stitches~ Lizzy

Marion said...

You know you are always in my thoughts and prayers......and you have a very cute (at least Junior is cute...don't know about your DH...LOL)cheering squad!!
I'm so sorry you are going through this, and not able to 100% enjoy all your time with Junior.....as someone said...you have ALOT of Blogging friends all on your side.....sending positive thoughts.
Take care....!!

Anne said...

So sorry to hear about the "C" coming back again. I am sending you hugs and prayers. It's good you have such a sweet cheerleading team. I would feel frustrated too. I was hoping for some better news as well. Don't you wish we could kick cancer to the curb?!

valerie said...

Wishing you the very best during this fight. Lots of good thoughts and prayers and very thankful that you have a huge cheering squad standing behind you. *hugs*

Cindy said...

Hugs to you...sending good thoughts your way. Hang in there...you can kick this!

Jeanne said...

Oh I'm so, so sorry to hear this. Know that we are out here keeping you in our thoughts and sending prayers of wellness and healing. God bless you and your patch of Pumpkins!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, Cathey!!! I hope you can hear my yells from across the Atlantic!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Love and gentle huggles sweetie. My prayers are with you guys.

Irene said...

Cathey, I am so sorry to hear this. I think of you most days and wonder how you and the little one are doing. Hang in there and I hope all goes better for you soon.

Valma said...

Carol is right, we all have our pompoms waving madly cheering you on
pompoms we made ourselves of course =)
I hope this image makes you smile
You need to smile and to be confident, and we really understand you can be tired of all this, or just tired :-/
I wish I could do more for you
It's the pumpkin season, you'll win again
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and on Friday more than ever
big big hugs
xxxxxx

Sónia Fonseca said...

Hello Pumpkin,

i'm very sorry to hear these news. I wish you all the best for you and your family.

You are strong, even when you think you're not.

Hugs and prayers for you and yours!

Chris said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!

Tatkis said...

You and your support team are the family! And you have a lot of courage!
Good luck, my friend!

Hugs,
Tatyana

Julie said...

So great that your cheerleading squad are there to give you lots of hugs and cuddles and hopefully some fun and happy times. My thoughts and prayers are with you. xxxx

Unknown said...

I certainly understand you being so frustrated and ready to stop having to deal with this and get on with your life. I am so sorry and will keep praying for you!!!!

Sally said...

We are all thinking of you and praying for you Cathey and helping out the cheering squad. {{{{hugs}}}}

Angela said...

You must be feeling so frustrated with your health. Don't give up, keep fighting this and you will win! I can only imagine what you are going through each and every day. I think with all our prayers, he is bound to hear us :) Stay positive.

WendyCarole said...

Sorry to hear your news. You are in my thoughts as always. xx

Rita said...

Praying!

Melanie said...

I'm so so so sorry to hear this. I had wondered what was going on lately, how you were feeling, etc. but I respect your privacy and your right to put how much (or how little) of this online for everyone to see. I'm glad you have your cheering section to keep you in good spirit. Continued good thoughts and prayers for you!!!

Linda said...

Cathey, with DH and Junior on your side and all your cyber friends, I know in my heart, that you will get thru this and be just fine.

Sending hugs and prayers, Linda

Daffycat said...

Grrr, this just sucks, Cathey. I have you in my thoughts and prayers.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

((hugs)) and prayers sent you way. :)

Teatime Creations said...

It makes me so sad to hear this. Prayers and best wishes for healing and peace. With that beautiful baby you have so much to fight for.

Alberta said...

DAMN CANCER!!!!

Stay strong Cathey! Keeping you close to my heart my friend.

Catherine said...

I can't even begin to imagine how you are feeling. Sending healing hugs and prayers your way....

Marie said...

{{{Pumpkin}}} It is Wednesday and I am praying that the news you received today was encouraging. It stinks...it really stinks! I can only imagine how difficult this must be...Thankfully you have a loving, supportive husband AND the cutest little baby boy to help keep a smile on your face.

Know that I am praying and sending good wishes your way.

Sharon said...

Sending you lots of love and happy thoughts.

Sharon said...

Cathey, I am just at a loss for words here. I will be praying that you get the answers and treatment that you need asap. Keep your chin up! You have beat this before and you will do so again! {{{hugs}}}

Lynn said...

Oh Cathey, I'm so very sorry to hear your news. I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Cathey,
I am sorry to hear this news.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

You are an inspiration to us all.

Kalu V said...

I'm sending lots of hugs and prayers your way ♥♥♥

stitchersanon said...

Hopefully chemo will kick it into touch. I am so sorry you are going through this. It is so unfair and it sucks. I'm not going to say fight because lets face it, you cant fight...but you can try to live and have some fun and enjoy that beautiful little one; and if you are tired, do it lying down ;-)
I will pray and pray and pray and hopefully God will realise there are lots of people who want you to have good news and we are getting miffed and woah: he won't want to take us all on! Fingers crossed for good results xx

TammyK said...

Sorry to hear this news Pumpkin. Can I join your cheerleaders and help cheer you on? Hang in there girl!

Gabi said...

So sorry to hear these news. I send you all my best wishes. Stay strong!!
Hugs from Germany

Catherine said...

Sending you continued thoughts and prayers. Thank goodness for your cheering section ~ and know that we are all here cheering as well! Hugs...

Siobhán said...

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. We are pulling for you!!!

Nancy said...

Well, as usual, here I am, the proverbial day late, dollar short. And I used to be so good at this blog reading/following stuff! ;-)

Junior is too darn stinkin' cute! SIX months already?!?!!? And he & Daddy have cheerleading outfits? Do they match? (lol) I bet Junior's great with the rolls & tumbles! ;-)

As for your cancer - well, pardon my French, but, darnit, woman!! (you KNOW I'm thinking bigger cuss words!) It's been a couple of weeks since your last post - how are you doing???? I'm adding you to my prayers, sending you healing thoughts, positive energies - everything I can to help you beat this! You've come so far over the years & I KNOW you'll lick this go 'round as well!! Hugs, hugs, HUGS!!!

Gabi said...

Oh gosh, that's horrible news. Praying with you that you'll beat that one too. Life isn't fair at times. :(