First post:
Apr 12, 2019 Latest post:
May 14, 2020
Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
On Monday 3/18/19 my Dad and I took my Mom to the Gynecological Oncologist's office (Dr. Jennings) as a follow up from a previous ER visit the week before where following a CT and ultrasound they found swelling of her ovaries. Dr. Jennings informed us that he was almost certain my mom had Ovarian cancer. Jennings let us know that he wanted her admitted to Roper downtown Tuesday morning to drain fluid that had accumulated in her abdominal cavity, assess lab work, and to start chemotherapy treatment. On Tuesday my Dad checked her into Roper and we had our first meeting with Dr. Jennings regarding my Mom's cancer severity and treatment plan.
Dr. Jennings let us know that it was indeed Stage 3/4 Ovarian Cancer that was aggressive in nature. The fluid build up in her abdomen was a by product of the cancer (very typical side effect for gynecological cancers) and that it was present throughout her abdomen, stomach, and in part of her lungs meaning she had cancer present in those areas also. The evidence that Dr. Jennings had for the aggressiveness is from several areas: CT ultrasound results, degree of swelling and fluid in her abdomen, a pelvic exam, and blood work results. Dr. Jennings then discussed treatment plans and options which are as follows: 1. Start on chemo immediately and then assess over the next few months the effectiveness of the drug. If the drug IS effective then we will stay the course and continue to monitor the cancer. 2.After the next few months and based on the drugs efficacy discuss surgery as a possible option.
As many would guess the news is not what we expected and we are working through all the thoughts and emotions involved in getting a diagnosis like this. We are so appreciative of every thought, prayer, text/voice message, meal, card and will continue to update this site as the journey continues.
