Carol Haas Carol Haas - Beat Cancer

Beat Cancer Journey is in four parts - 1) diagnosis; 2) surgery; 3) chemo treatments; 4) remission.

1) I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer by my PCP the last week of November 2017.  Met Dr. Alaina Brown on 6 December 2017.  She is my gynocology/oncologist.  Through abdominal CT scan she found two bulges in my colon which required a colonoscopy.  The biopsies of these masses determined my cancer was stage 3C and treatable.  Dr. Brown performed a laparoscopic surgery to determine the spread of the cancer.  Finally some good news that the cance was contained in the masses and my belly was not ate up with cancer.  
2) Surgery was scheduled for 2 January 2018.  Mom and LJ were there for the start.  Other family members were there for support throughout the day.  Surgery was estimated at 5 to 8 hours.  Dr. Brown come out 12 hours later and reported to mom and LJ that she got all the cancer.  There were a total of five masses - two in my colon where required removal of my descending colon and a colostomy bag; total hysterectomy due to masses on my right and left ovaries; then a mass on my spleen.  Looked at the clock when in hospital room and showed 10:30.  I thought it was a quick surgery but was informed differently by mom and LJ. They looked worn out.  Stayed in hospital for 7 days.  Had to wait on bowel movement to show colostomy worked. It was a great day when Stella finally worked.  Yes, I named my colostomy Stella.  Also had an IP port for direct delivery of treatments in my belly.
2). Treatment plan was IV chemo/IP chemo then seven days later an IP chemo. This was a three week regimen for a total of six cycles.  First IV treatment was 24 January 2018.  Personalized Medicine is great.  Treatment is based on the patient.  Also given antinausea meds.  Was not bad.  Second treatment regimen started on 12 February with IV.  Next day was my first IP treatment.  This was direct entry in my belly and required me to roll over so the meds would cover my belly.  This was a rough one. Thankful that mom was here to take care of me.  Reported for the next IP treatment on 19 February. Did not receive treatment due to dehydration and bad side effects from previous IP treatment.  Spent night in hospital to receive IV fluids.  Got home the next day.  Started feeling icky over the weekend. Emailed doctor on Tuesday because my IP port site was really sore.  Also had a knot come up on my arm.  Saw Dr. Brown the next day with a port infection and blot clot in my arm.  Placed on antibiotics and blood thinner shots.  Biopsy of port infection determined MRSA.  After a week on antibiotics it was determined to remove my port (awesome because it was a pain since surgery).  Future treatments would be IV only.  Treatment 3 scheduled for 14 March and was completed with no issues. Treatment 4 scheduled for 4 April  delayed for a week due to low blood counts. Treatment completed on 11 April.  Treatment 5 scheduled for 2 May and delayed due to low blood counts. Treatment completed on 9 May and given neulesta to help with future blood counts. Treatment 6 scheduled for 30 May and completed with no issues. Also given a neulesta patch to maintain blood counts.  With completion of treatment 6, now ready for part 4 of this journey.  See journal entry for 31 May.