Scans are Tomorrow

I have my biannual scans tomorrow...my insurance will cover everything but my PET. They will determine whether or not I need the PET after they get the results of my CT. It makes sense to them for me to have to take an extra day off of work, drink the gross barium and to have to stay with a no carb diet. I know that I should simply be thankful that I have insurance but it makes me realize how everything with our insurance company boils down to $$$. A PET scan is over $6000. That is a lot of money but they are saving a boat load of money if I DON'T have to have chemotherapy again. I'm trying to stay positive.

The FORCE conference was last weekend in Orlando, FL. I'll be working on my notes and posting it on here. It's rather interesting and very helpful for those that are still considering prophylactic surgeries. The above picture is me with Dr. Susan Love! It was an honor to hear her speak and to chat with her afterward! Great things in our horizon!

By the way, my CA125 test went down to 18! Woohoo! Again, not the most reliable test but glad it went down. Also, they said at the conference that a good age to have your ovaries removed is 35 to 40 if you're BRCA positive. Buying time!

Finding Strength

People come into our lives for a reason, a purpose. A met a colon cancer survivor my age almost a year ago, stage IV. She almost didn't make our gathering because she was not feeling well. Minutes later, she dropped by to say, "Hi" and was gone within half an hour to meet her family for dinner. Within that half an hour, I found much strength and such great energy from her. We've emailed off and on and ran into each other several months later at another cancer function.

Fast forward to today: She just passed away. I'm filled with sadness. I didn't not know her that well but she managed to touch my life in many ways. I think back on the day I met her. She wasn't feeling well but she came out to meet other survivors. She didn't feel well but she went out to dinner with her family. Life is about moments. She created these moments even when she wasn't feeling well.

My CA125 level is slightly elevated. This is a tumor maker test to see if higher amounts of this protein is present which tends be be concentrated in ovarian cancer. This this is not the most accurate of test. Ovarian cancer is hard to monitor, hence the name "Silent Killer." 0-35 is the normal range. My last test was 38, slightly elevated. My doctor feels it's normal since I have an ovarian cyst. I believe in being proactive. I've asked to have my CA125 retest. My next set of scans are coming up soon too. Send me positive energy and I'll keep you posted.