I spoke with my OBGYN last Wednesday May 5, 2010 to review my test since she was on vacation. She was still concern about my CA-125 being elevated even thou the ultra-sound was good. She gave me three options: 1. have another pelvic ultrasound when I get my next menstrual cycle and get my blood withdrawn a few days prior, 2 have laproscopic surgery and remove some cells around my cyst and ovaries and have them tested for any cancer cells. If none present no surgery needed. If one of the ovary has cancer then she would remove it. 3. have both of my ovaries removed. She did inform me the medical data has shown if the ovaries are removed too early in a women's life (unless their cancer) don't remove them because you have a greater chance to develop heart disease and Osteoporosis.
We agreed on option number 1. She explained if I get my menstrual cycle in the next few weeks then wait until the next month.
May 12, 2010 I spoke with my OBGYN to inform her that I got my menstrual cycle and it was on a 6 week cycle.She was concern because that is a longer time than normal. This can be due to the medication I am taking. She is worried if my cycles goes another 6 weeks or later that there might be a chance that something is infecting my cells or my cysts are growing and she doesn't want to take any chances. She changed her mind and would like to me come in next week for another pelvic ultra-sound. I have an appointment on Wednesday May 19. I also have to get my blood with drawn prior to the ultra-sound so she can compare the results. I will get my blood work done on Friday or Monday.
I will keep everybody posted as soon as I get the results. Here's another roller coaster ride!!! I am hoping we get the answer soon why my CA-125 (marker for ovarian cancer) has increased. Depending on my blood work and the ultrasound that will determine our next step.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tattoo visit
Gene and I went to Long Island, New York on Wednesday May 5, 2010 to get my nipple/areola tattooed . We had to go to the office where my plastic surgeon works for this particular procedure. It was a bad morning. It should of took us around 80 minutes and it took us forever!!! We left at 9:05 for a 11:15 appointment. The usual morning hectic commute should of been over by this time. The traffic was bumper to bumper all the way out of CT and traffic in New York as well. We barely made it there in time. The building was a beautiful glass building. I had to go to the anesthetic office which is on a different floor then the plastic surgeons. I had a short consultation with the representative who would be doing my work to review the procedure and my medical information. She took a few pictures and went to get all the supplies ready. She expressed how well I looked. She was impressed with my plastic surgeons work. She said she has seen some bad jobs and my implants were one of the best she has seen. At this time Gene had left and would meet me in about a hour - hour half when I was finished. I had to wait another ten minutes until she returned. I was in a small room and I didn't realize we were waiting for the larger room to be available.
We decided to have a pinkish tone for me since I have light skin. She first outlined my areola area with a pencil that looked like a eyeliner. She examined my breast several times and I was wondering what she was looking at. It turned out that she was examining to see if the nipple area was even and where she had to make adjustments. She noticed that my right side was a little bit higher than my left side. She was good to notice that! I started to think about it for a minute and I forgot that would happened. I had radiation on my right side and the radiation had tighten the skin bringing this side higher. It's a slight difference that I didn't notice and with a person who doesn't have implants they don't have the same size breast anyways. I forgot and really didn't notice it but she was examining to make sure the job is perfect. I guess I have moved on from the past and forgot that would happened.She mixed a pink and a brown color together to achieve the color she wanted. She did this step several times to get the color she thought would look best. She would put some color on my skin (breast) to see if it matched.Once she achieved the color, she wiped off the excess and we were ready to start. I was lying down for the procedure. I was thinking to take a volume before the tattoo started to help me be calm but I forgot to bring one with me.
She started on my right side. When she first started it was painful. Oooo I thought I wasn't going to be able to make it through the procedure. She then started to chit chat with me so that helped me to be distracted. The pain did get better. I can describe the pain as a quick needle prick then stop and then again. If you can think of a clock, for some reason it hurt only around the 3:00 and 6:00 area. She said she had heard this from other patients who had this procedure as well. She explained that some of my nerves have developed and that's why I feel it in some areas and where I don't feel it the nerves haven't developed yet. It was tolerable procedure at this point. As she was coloring them in, she was surprised how my skin was responding. She can tell the color was taking right away. The procedure actually puts the needle slightly under the skin to add the color. She was about done with this side and I didn't even feel or know she colored in the nipple. I only felt a slight pressure.
She moved over to the left side. I was a little tense when she was about to begin because I don't like pain and was expecting to feel the needle pricks again. I couldn't believe it! This side was a piece of cake as far as the pain. I only felt a slight pressure and that was it. I was so happy that the procedure was going to end with a happy experience. She did say for some reason on my left side the nipple wasn't taking the color as well but the areola was okay. She mentioned if I decide to come back in 7-10 years to have them tattoo again since the color does fade over time that I might have a different experience. The nerves might be fully developed. We will cross that path down the road. She was done and I was able to look into the mirror before she put the gauze over the area. Wow they looked great and different. I was used to them being so light and now the area looks real. She put Bacitracin ointment on both sides and explained this need to be done twice a day for three days then covered it with a gauze. After the three days I apply Aquaphor twice a day up to two weeks total. The final color will take about two weeks to show the actual color that will remain. She also fanned out the color pass the areola area a little bit to help them have the effect as real nipples. She mentioned that I need to follow up for a two week appointment. Since I live so far away my plastic surgeon is in CT once a week for appointments and I will see her instead. She mentioned she would be excited to see how they turned out. I told her maybe my plastic surgeon can show her a picture so she knows how her final art work turned out! She asked me to call her and let her know how I think they turned out after two weeks. She mentioned if I felt I needed them darker or more color to call her and she can add some more. I think they will be good at this point.
The area we were in was beatiful. It was a warm day and I met Gene outside where he was reading a book. There were several restaurants next door so we had a nice lunch together before heading back home. The drive home was good and much better than the way there.
I am sorry for the late posting. It has been so busy on my end. I did speak with my OBGYN so check back soon for more updates. My medical life is keeping me busy at this point.
We decided to have a pinkish tone for me since I have light skin. She first outlined my areola area with a pencil that looked like a eyeliner. She examined my breast several times and I was wondering what she was looking at. It turned out that she was examining to see if the nipple area was even and where she had to make adjustments. She noticed that my right side was a little bit higher than my left side. She was good to notice that! I started to think about it for a minute and I forgot that would happened. I had radiation on my right side and the radiation had tighten the skin bringing this side higher. It's a slight difference that I didn't notice and with a person who doesn't have implants they don't have the same size breast anyways. I forgot and really didn't notice it but she was examining to make sure the job is perfect. I guess I have moved on from the past and forgot that would happened.She mixed a pink and a brown color together to achieve the color she wanted. She did this step several times to get the color she thought would look best. She would put some color on my skin (breast) to see if it matched.Once she achieved the color, she wiped off the excess and we were ready to start. I was lying down for the procedure. I was thinking to take a volume before the tattoo started to help me be calm but I forgot to bring one with me.
She started on my right side. When she first started it was painful. Oooo I thought I wasn't going to be able to make it through the procedure. She then started to chit chat with me so that helped me to be distracted. The pain did get better. I can describe the pain as a quick needle prick then stop and then again. If you can think of a clock, for some reason it hurt only around the 3:00 and 6:00 area. She said she had heard this from other patients who had this procedure as well. She explained that some of my nerves have developed and that's why I feel it in some areas and where I don't feel it the nerves haven't developed yet. It was tolerable procedure at this point. As she was coloring them in, she was surprised how my skin was responding. She can tell the color was taking right away. The procedure actually puts the needle slightly under the skin to add the color. She was about done with this side and I didn't even feel or know she colored in the nipple. I only felt a slight pressure.
She moved over to the left side. I was a little tense when she was about to begin because I don't like pain and was expecting to feel the needle pricks again. I couldn't believe it! This side was a piece of cake as far as the pain. I only felt a slight pressure and that was it. I was so happy that the procedure was going to end with a happy experience. She did say for some reason on my left side the nipple wasn't taking the color as well but the areola was okay. She mentioned if I decide to come back in 7-10 years to have them tattoo again since the color does fade over time that I might have a different experience. The nerves might be fully developed. We will cross that path down the road. She was done and I was able to look into the mirror before she put the gauze over the area. Wow they looked great and different. I was used to them being so light and now the area looks real. She put Bacitracin ointment on both sides and explained this need to be done twice a day for three days then covered it with a gauze. After the three days I apply Aquaphor twice a day up to two weeks total. The final color will take about two weeks to show the actual color that will remain. She also fanned out the color pass the areola area a little bit to help them have the effect as real nipples. She mentioned that I need to follow up for a two week appointment. Since I live so far away my plastic surgeon is in CT once a week for appointments and I will see her instead. She mentioned she would be excited to see how they turned out. I told her maybe my plastic surgeon can show her a picture so she knows how her final art work turned out! She asked me to call her and let her know how I think they turned out after two weeks. She mentioned if I felt I needed them darker or more color to call her and she can add some more. I think they will be good at this point.
The area we were in was beatiful. It was a warm day and I met Gene outside where he was reading a book. There were several restaurants next door so we had a nice lunch together before heading back home. The drive home was good and much better than the way there.
I am sorry for the late posting. It has been so busy on my end. I did speak with my OBGYN so check back soon for more updates. My medical life is keeping me busy at this point.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
2nd pelvic ultrasound results
On Friday April 30, 2010 I had another pelvic ultrasound. I was confused again with the results. I asked her why on my last ultrasound I wasn't informed about my cyst. She explained that they are not cyst. Several individuals for example on my MRI call these pocket of fluids cyst as a general term. She performed the test and confirmed this is still the case. She measured the cyst on my left and it already had decreased in size since the MRI. The two cyst on the right were still large but seem to be getting ready to let the fluid out. This process is normal when a women goes through her menstrual cycle. Some women have the fluid filled structure and never completely go away when she gets her cycle. The progesterone is suppose to release the fluid but in some circumstance it doesn't. I had some fluid under my uterus but was okay. She suggested that I come back either next month or the following month to have another pelvic ultrasound but wants to see me between 5-10 days into menstrual period. She wants to compare the results. Each time I go, she prints out pictures. She asked me to follow up with my OBGYN doctor, same office when she is back from vacation. I am still wondering my CA-125 number has gone up. I had the correct test done so I guess I can't sweat the small stuff but will make sure I keep going to the doctors. I will follow up with my doctor this week.
My Oncologist text-ed me Friday evening and said he received a copy of the ultrasound results. He said everything looked well and he will speak with my doctor this week. It was nice that he followed up.
On Wednesday May 5, 2010 I am going to Long Island to get my areola tattooed. I will keep everybody updated how it went.
My Oncologist text-ed me Friday evening and said he received a copy of the ultrasound results. He said everything looked well and he will speak with my doctor this week. It was nice that he followed up.
On Wednesday May 5, 2010 I am going to Long Island to get my areola tattooed. I will keep everybody updated how it went.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Breast Cancer Surgeon
I already had an appointment with the Breast Cancer Surgeon the following day April 29, 2010 for a follow up. Since I have implants, I no longer get mammograms. I will see her every six months for an examination.
The nurse called me in to update my file and I mentioned to her that I had two MRI's yesterday (4/28/10) and I didn't know the results. She was able to log onto the radiology website and print out the results for the doctor.
My surgeon examined my lymph nodes by my throat and under my arms as well as a breast exam. Everything was well. She said the MRI's which includes liver, pancreas, uterus, cervix, abdomen and fallopian tubes was great and no concerns. According the MRI I have two cyst one on each ovary. The left side measured 3.2 and the right side measured 3.5. She thought the doctors don't like the cyst to get bigger than 4. The MRI showed the cyst are filled with fluid and no fatty deposits which is a good sign. She asked me to follow up with my OBGYN and see what she would like me to do. I will see her again in 6 months.
I called my OBGYN when I got home and left a message. The nurse called me back and explained that my doctor is on vacation until 5/3/10 but she had spoken to the ultrasound doctor and she would like me to come back in the office to have a pelvic ultrasound. I questioned her since I had one a month ago and it didn't detect the cyst. She insisted that I still come in. I was concerned that my health insurance wouldn't pay for another ultrasound because the test are close to each other but she said it would be covered. I made an appointment for the next day 4/30/10.
The same evening 4/29/10 my Oncologist called me to review the results of my MRI. I told him I saw my cancer surgeon earlier that day. The doctors are in the same building and speak often. He wasn't able to log onto the radiologist site but I told him what I have found out. He wasn't concerned with the size of the cyst but wants me to follow up with my OBGYN because he is concern with my history of breast cancer and remember my genetic test is undetermined if I carry the gene. Since my CA-125 had risen, he would like me investigate the situation some more. He said he was reviewing my last pelvic ultrasound and it stated that I had cysts on my ovaries. Wow I was shocked and asked why did I find out through the MRI and wasn't informed from my ultrasound. He explained that sometimes if the ultrasound examiner feels that it is normal there is no mention. I was angry because I feel I should know all my medical information. He agreed that it was a good idea that I have another pelvic ultrasound the next day. He is going to talk with my OBGYN next week when she is back from vacation.(week of 5/3/10)
About a hour later my Oncologist text-ed me (he thought it was late for a phone call). He was able to log onto the website and review my MRI's. He confirmed that the cysts are benign nature cysts. The report shows that I have one cyst on my left ovary and two on my right ovary. I will have him copied in my results from the ultrasound.
Check back for my next post about the pelvic ultrasound results.
The nurse called me in to update my file and I mentioned to her that I had two MRI's yesterday (4/28/10) and I didn't know the results. She was able to log onto the radiology website and print out the results for the doctor.
My surgeon examined my lymph nodes by my throat and under my arms as well as a breast exam. Everything was well. She said the MRI's which includes liver, pancreas, uterus, cervix, abdomen and fallopian tubes was great and no concerns. According the MRI I have two cyst one on each ovary. The left side measured 3.2 and the right side measured 3.5. She thought the doctors don't like the cyst to get bigger than 4. The MRI showed the cyst are filled with fluid and no fatty deposits which is a good sign. She asked me to follow up with my OBGYN and see what she would like me to do. I will see her again in 6 months.
I called my OBGYN when I got home and left a message. The nurse called me back and explained that my doctor is on vacation until 5/3/10 but she had spoken to the ultrasound doctor and she would like me to come back in the office to have a pelvic ultrasound. I questioned her since I had one a month ago and it didn't detect the cyst. She insisted that I still come in. I was concerned that my health insurance wouldn't pay for another ultrasound because the test are close to each other but she said it would be covered. I made an appointment for the next day 4/30/10.
The same evening 4/29/10 my Oncologist called me to review the results of my MRI. I told him I saw my cancer surgeon earlier that day. The doctors are in the same building and speak often. He wasn't able to log onto the radiologist site but I told him what I have found out. He wasn't concerned with the size of the cyst but wants me to follow up with my OBGYN because he is concern with my history of breast cancer and remember my genetic test is undetermined if I carry the gene. Since my CA-125 had risen, he would like me investigate the situation some more. He said he was reviewing my last pelvic ultrasound and it stated that I had cysts on my ovaries. Wow I was shocked and asked why did I find out through the MRI and wasn't informed from my ultrasound. He explained that sometimes if the ultrasound examiner feels that it is normal there is no mention. I was angry because I feel I should know all my medical information. He agreed that it was a good idea that I have another pelvic ultrasound the next day. He is going to talk with my OBGYN next week when she is back from vacation.(week of 5/3/10)
About a hour later my Oncologist text-ed me (he thought it was late for a phone call). He was able to log onto the website and review my MRI's. He confirmed that the cysts are benign nature cysts. The report shows that I have one cyst on my left ovary and two on my right ovary. I will have him copied in my results from the ultrasound.
Check back for my next post about the pelvic ultrasound results.
MRI information
I had two MRI's - pelvic and abdominal on April 28, 2010. My appointment was at 1:00 but they were running late and I went in just before 1:30. I had to lay on my back for the first MRI which was the pelvis and my body was inserted up to my chest area. My arms had to be placed by my chest but were able to relax the elbows against the sides of the machine after I was inside.The nurse gave me headphones to listen to music but the noises from the machine were louder than the music. I had called my Oncologist a few days earlier to get some medication to help me relax for these test. I had taken Valium RX in the past but this time he called in a RX for Ativan. I never took this medication before so I tried a pill the night before the test to see how my body would react. It helped me to relax and not tense up too much. My mom drove me to my appointment since I took this medication before my test. If you haven't had a MRI, they aren't comfortable. I was nervous to go into the machine and get tensed for this appointment. I wondered about the results but it didn't seem to bother me as much as being in this machine. The medication was wonderful! After this test they inserted an IV in my arm for the abdominal MRI and contrast portion which lets die into areas to compare the pictures. My entire body had to be inserted into the machine. My arms were straight up by my ears. This section of the test was long. Towards the end of the test, I had to take three deep breaths then hold my breath depending what he told me.The average was about 20 seconds. This was repeated several times.
The test was finally over. I had to wait for the information to be transferred onto a disk which I keep with all my medical records. I can't download/read the disk but is handy to bring to any doctor appointments if needed for the future. When I came out to the waiting room my mom mentioned to me that it was 3:15. Wow, I was in there for a long time. I had told my kids that I was going to pick them up from school that day and they get out at 3:30. I called the school and told them to get on the bus. I was able to make it to the bus stop on time. I didn't tell my kids that I was going to this appointment because I didn't want to worry them until I know more information. They were wondering why I didn't pick them up so I did tell them I had some test done and reassured them I will let them know the results as soon as I know. I had to take AJ for his physical so Emily went with my mom to her house. I was exhausted and tired from the day so I went to bed early.
I went to the doctors the next day so check back later for all the updates. There's a lot of information that happened last week so I need to update my blog several times this week.
The test was finally over. I had to wait for the information to be transferred onto a disk which I keep with all my medical records. I can't download/read the disk but is handy to bring to any doctor appointments if needed for the future. When I came out to the waiting room my mom mentioned to me that it was 3:15. Wow, I was in there for a long time. I had told my kids that I was going to pick them up from school that day and they get out at 3:30. I called the school and told them to get on the bus. I was able to make it to the bus stop on time. I didn't tell my kids that I was going to this appointment because I didn't want to worry them until I know more information. They were wondering why I didn't pick them up so I did tell them I had some test done and reassured them I will let them know the results as soon as I know. I had to take AJ for his physical so Emily went with my mom to her house. I was exhausted and tired from the day so I went to bed early.
I went to the doctors the next day so check back later for all the updates. There's a lot of information that happened last week so I need to update my blog several times this week.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
updated blood work
I had my blood work re-tested for my one month follow up with the CA-125. I received a call from my Oncologist and he explained that my blood work number has shown an increase. My blood work last month was 44 and now its 55. There are over 50 reasons why my blood markers are increasing. My internal ultra-sound was good but further testing will help us determine if there are other medical issues we need to correct. I am having a pelvic MRI on Wednesday April 28. I feel good and don't feel sick but I would like to know whats happening with my body. I will keep everybody posted as soon as I know some answers. Take Care!!!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I had an ultrasound of my ovaries.
On April 29, 2010 I had an ultrasound of my ovaries. I received the results right away and everything was terrific! They looked healthy and there were no signs of any abnormality. The only area that she documented for my medical records was the lining of my uterus was thicker than normal. This is common when an individual is taking Tamoxifen.
The previous blood work showed a slight changed in my CA-125 which is associated with the ovaries. I am having my blood withdrawn again to see what the CA-125 will show a month later. My Oncologist and my OBGYN agreed even thou I had an ultra-sound and it was perfect, they would like to see what my blood indicates a month later. I will go in the next few days since my last test was on 3/5/10 and it has been a month already.
I spoke with the nurse from my plastic surgeons office in Long Island (about 1 1/2 hrs away from where I live) to inquire about tattooing my nipples. I will have to travel to NY since this is where my plastic surgeon main office is located. My plastic surgeon doesn't have time to do the tattooing since she perform surgeries for breast cancer. This is scary to know there is so much breast cancer out there! The nurse explained to me this procedure would be performed in the office and would take around 1 1/2 hours to tattoo bi-lateral. This would be covered under my insurance since I had cancer. Since we live so far away, we agreed that I can have my office consultation on the same day. At that time, we will decide on the color pigment of the nipple. I will have very little or no sensation while the tattooing is being applied in that area. The ink that is used is a micro-pigment which is different from a regular tattoo. It will take about two weeks to see the color around the nipple. I will be bandage up for two weeks after-wards. I will need to purchase non-stick bandages, aquaphor and bacitracin ointment. The pigment does fad over time and I might have to get it re-done in 7-10 years. I am going to schedule this procedure for the beginning of May. I will keep everybody posted.
The previous blood work showed a slight changed in my CA-125 which is associated with the ovaries. I am having my blood withdrawn again to see what the CA-125 will show a month later. My Oncologist and my OBGYN agreed even thou I had an ultra-sound and it was perfect, they would like to see what my blood indicates a month later. I will go in the next few days since my last test was on 3/5/10 and it has been a month already.
I spoke with the nurse from my plastic surgeons office in Long Island (about 1 1/2 hrs away from where I live) to inquire about tattooing my nipples. I will have to travel to NY since this is where my plastic surgeon main office is located. My plastic surgeon doesn't have time to do the tattooing since she perform surgeries for breast cancer. This is scary to know there is so much breast cancer out there! The nurse explained to me this procedure would be performed in the office and would take around 1 1/2 hours to tattoo bi-lateral. This would be covered under my insurance since I had cancer. Since we live so far away, we agreed that I can have my office consultation on the same day. At that time, we will decide on the color pigment of the nipple. I will have very little or no sensation while the tattooing is being applied in that area. The ink that is used is a micro-pigment which is different from a regular tattoo. It will take about two weeks to see the color around the nipple. I will be bandage up for two weeks after-wards. I will need to purchase non-stick bandages, aquaphor and bacitracin ointment. The pigment does fad over time and I might have to get it re-done in 7-10 years. I am going to schedule this procedure for the beginning of May. I will keep everybody posted.
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