I had a clear PET scan on August 24th, just a day before my prophylactic hysterectomy surgery. A week after surgery, when meeting to review my medication switch, my oncologist reviewed the scan results and used the word “remission”. It was the first time I felt truly hopeful and relaxed. I even asked awkward Dr Puffer for a hug and he obliged with a smile. I’m not a hugger, he’s not a smiler. It was a great day.
Paulie said, and thus cursed us, as we drove down the familiar hospital drive, “Well,we won’t have to be back here for a long time!”
The total hysterectomy surgery had gone well, no complications and manageable pain. In my mind it was the last step, the last hurdle, in my treatment. I had decided some time ago that I wanted to have all potential cancer bags removed at some point, but the Lynch Syndrome genetic diagnosis made that an imperative. Lynch Syndrome raises my risk of uterine cancer by 60%. Medication (Tamoxifen) can suppress estrogen, which fueled my cancer, but ovary removal and a different medication (Aremidex) is even better. So, bye bye cancer bags.
The past three weeks since surgery I’ve been resting and adjusting to the new anti-estrogen medication (called AIs or aromatase inhibitors). Basically, life without hormones. Not a huge sacrifice, and I felt fortunate to have the option. Feeling pretty good, like I crossed a finish line.
So…about that other shoe.
On Monday, the test results from the hysterectomy pathology came back. There were breast cancer cells in my ovaries.
That means the cancer spread beyond the “region” and did not have a complete response to the Chemolite™️. Though it’s not back to square one, it’s a set back, and completely unexpected. This is quite a rare occurrence. In Dr Puffer’s words “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on the screen. I really don’t know what to say.”
And I don’t know what to feel. I was so excited and free, I didn’t even write that celebration blog yet.
I’ve said before that the first thing cancer does is take over your schedule. So, I’m in a familiar place again, the hospital and lots of tests. Yesterday an ECHO to test my heart again, and more blood work. Next week is a brain MRI and a bone density scan. All in preparation for beginning an oral chemo regime (Lapatinib). It’s not as rough as full on IV chemo and hopefully I tolerate it as well as I did the Chemolite™️.
It may not be as rough but it sure feels like a major blow.