Bloodwork results

I was a bit frustrated with the nurse who I was in touch with about my blood results. I called her last Friday 3/12/10 and we were disconnected then the phone was busy for the rest of the day. On Monday 3/15/10, I called her again. She said she remembered my name, asked for my home number and she will call me back because it's busy in the office. Monday went by and guess what she never returned my call!!! Now I was starting to think that perhaps the doctor needs to speak with me but she didn't mentioned nothing. My mom made a good point to me. If it was an urgent matter then the doctor would of already called me with the findings. On Tuesday the office is closed. I called once again on Wednesday 3/18/10 and the representative I've been talking with said O" the doctor didn't call you, I left the message on his desk. She could of told me this information a few days ago! I would of make sure I got a hold of the doctor. I didn't have faith that she would make sure the doctor will get my message. I called back and spoke to another representative in the office and made sure my message gets to the doctor today. I won't lie, I was a little nervous by the middle of the day Wednesday and very frustrated. I kept myself  busy through-out the day so I didn't think about it.

At 6:30 PM on Wednesday 3/17/10 the phone rang and it was my Oncologist. He explained  to me that all my test results came back great except for CA-125 which is the blood marker for ovarian cancer. He said the blood level was increased but just a little. The blood test can give a positive/false reading. He wasn't overly concern at this point. I explained that I have an appointment to get an ultrasound of my ovaries on March 29 and he said that was great that I already had the appointment. He said no need to move the test sooner. My curiosity  wanted to know what causes the blood level to change. He mentioned it could be absolute  nothing or perhaps it can be signs for endometriosis, inflammation, abnormal ovulation, viral infection, or gastroenteritis. He wants me to re-take the blood test in one month and inform him if there are any signs of abnormality with my ultrasound.

I spoke with him about what happened  with the nurse. He was glad to get my input about his staff and felt it was important to know this information. He asked if I had his cell phone number which I do but I didn't want to panic and call him right away. If he didn't call me by late Wednesday, I would of called or text his cell phone. He is so nice and said at any time I need to talk with him that I should call his cell phone.

Thursday March 18, 2010 I called my OBGYN office to speak with a nurse. I wanted to find out the best time for a women to get an ultrasound of the ovaries. She explained to get the best readings would be with in 3-4 days after your menstrual  cycle is completed.
I will keep everybody posted when I get my ultrasound done in a few weeks. I feel like nothing is wrong but I will never rule anything out! We need to live life to the fullest each day even thou some days are tough!!!

Oncologist update

Wednesday March 3, 2010 I went for my six month follow up appointment with my Oncologist. During this visit we reviewed how I was feeling, reviewed my medical records, and answered questions that I had. I am doing great on the Tamoxifen besides time to time hot flashes. I am lucky not to have any side effects. I will remain on the medication for the next three years or until I go into menopause (might or might not happen). If this happens, then I will remain on medication for the next two years but on a different prescription and will have to get shots twice a year for bone density. We will cross that path when it is here. I decided to schedule an appointment for an ultrasound for my ovaries twice a year instead of once a year. I had no symptoms from my breast cancer and thank god the mammogram found it. I feel twice a year plus seeing my OBGYN once a year will be good medical follow up. The doctor has attended medical conferences and the outcome from Tamoxifen has shown great progress/outcomes to stop the cancer cells from re- occurring or building new cells for breast and ovarian cancer. He also has heard if the women is under 40 and you are not having any problems with your ovaries then they shouldn't be removed. A women needs estrogen for certain criteria  in her body and we have them for a reason. My Oncologist and I felt that I don't need to see the radiation doctor in May for my one year check up. I don't have any skin irritation and I will be seeing my cancer specialist around the same time. He explained the doctors try to accommodate the patient as much as possible for all the check ups including paying co-pays each time for the visits.The genetic testing that I had done at the beginning of my treatment indicated that my results for the gene for breast cancer was inclusive. He explained the company from time to time might get results from a similar family situation and then they will update me with any new findings. He feels that we discovered the cancer in time and I have a great outcome that the cancer is gone with the removal of the breast, radiation, and an extra precaution by being on the Tamoxifen.
We decided to get an update on my blood work since its been six months from the last results. He explained that he likes to monitor the blood work but the medical association states its not necessary to follow up in cases like mine as often. I agreed to get the blood work done because I rather know if there are some concerns and get some medical help if needed before its too late. He explained that the blood work can give positiver/false readings which make some individuals upset. If this happens possibility a MRI, CAT scan or some other medical test probably will need to be performed. The blood work was to test my cbc count, comprehensive metabolic panel (13 different chemistry test), markers for breast cancer CA-127&129, markers for ovarian cancer CA-125, and my vitamin D level. He examined my lymph nodes in my throat and under my arm pits. He also performed an external exam and pushed around my ovaries for any abnormalities. I will see him in six months.


Friday March 5, 2010 I went and had my blood drawn. I should get my results by next week. Three and half vials were taken.