Tuesday, December 28, 2004

They say it whispers.........

I've been reading up a lot on ovarian cancer. They say it whispers..... The symptoms are often so vague, that when the correct diagnosis is made, it is too late. I lost track of how many doctors mom went to. They would always send her on to another. No one could quite figure out what body system was causing her so much pain.

I went for my checkup today. I received a lecture because it had been two years since my last appointment. Thankfully my ovaries seem fine, thank you. Just some other odd things that need taken care of. I also got the name of a doctor who does genetic testing. Sis and I are going to contact her.

Mom seems to be getting stronger every day. It's really bothering her that she can't get around like she's used to. Remember- this is a woman who went to a gym and worked out three times a week just a few months ago... I have to keep reminding her what she's been through, and that it will take time.

Right now we're planning our Christmas party that we didn't get to have. It will be on New Year's Day. We'll finally get all of those wrapped presents out from under our tree! It will be wonderful to have everyone together......

5 Comments:

Blogger angela marie said...

My family just went thru genetic testing because of colon cancer. We found out that my sister and I were both positive, which not only increases our risk for colon cancer, but also uterine and ovarian. My experience is that it was the best choice for us. I would rather know, and have the power of knowledge on my side.
Good luck with your decisions.

6:16 PM, December 28, 2004  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi! I found your blog thru BE, and I wish your mom speedy recovery. God bless!


Mary
http://www.marybenlota.com

8:53 PM, December 28, 2004  
Blogger Cattiva said...

What a blessing to have your Mom home! It's a wonderful gift.

Genetic testing sounds smart for you and your sis as well.

10:28 AM, December 29, 2004  
Blogger Jillyvanilli said...

I'm pleased your mother is getting stronger each day, I can totally sympathise how illness takes over your life, every little improvement is a milestone. Love to you and your family.

12:54 PM, December 29, 2004  
Blogger Crystal said...

I am so sorry for your mother's and family's struggle right now. I really want to encourage you to please keep writing.... All of you please take care and I will also be praying

1:29 AM, December 30, 2004  

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(written September of 2005) I have learned much in the last nine months. I have read that ovarian cancer whispers. I say it screams. It just needs someone to listen. The American Cancer Society statistics for ovarian cancer estimate that there will be 22,220 new cases and 16,210 deaths in 2005. This is a death rate FOUR TIMES that of breast cancer.Almost 70 percent of women with the common epithelial ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is advanced in stage. The 5-year survival rate for these women is only 15 to 20 percent. This is unacceptable. Women need to be made more aware of the symptoms, and doctors need to listen to their patients. Especially when the patient tells them that they fear they have ovca, as my mother did for almost a year before she was finally diagnosed. It’s so sad and senseless when a woman knows the symptoms but can’t get anyone to listen to what she is saying.

©JsDaughter