stage4's Cancer Blog
January 15, 2008
I haven’t posted in awhile. My life has been a rollercoaster lately.
My sister who is only 39 was diagnosed with cervical cancer right before Christmas after she had a hysterectomy and the tissue was tested.
Thank god for the hysterectomy or she would not have known until it was too late. They did a CT scan and saw something in her lung. They were not sure if it was the beginning of lung cancer or mets from the cervical cancer.
After being on both sides of the fence. I think it is a lot harder being a family member than being the one diagnosed with cancer.
They finally did a PET scan and have said when they did the hysterectomy they got it all and whatever is in her lung is too small to pick up. They aren’t sure whether it is cancer or not. What a relief. She was a premie and has had a lot of pneumonia and bronchitis so I am hoping they are only seeing scar tissue. She doesn’t have to go through chemo or radiation. They will just do a scan every 3 months and keep an eye on it.
As for me, I get more tired week after week. I am working full time but go right to bed as soon as I get home. I feel fine other than this extreme fatigue.
My next scan is coming up at the end of Jan. Since I haven’t had 1 in six months and the last one showed tumors in the lung and liver, I am a little worried about it. I have been off chemo now for almost a year. I keep reminding myself that I am on bonus time. All the so-called experts in the field except Dr Shibata at Moffitt wrote me off for dead over 2 years ago.
On the lighter side. I am going on yet another vacation. My husband and I are going to Grand Cayman March 4-8. A small quiet beautiful Carribean Front Inn called Turtle Nest Inn. If you are looking for a place for a quiet vacation, check it out on traveladvisor, it is ranked #1 in the Carribean. I can’t wait.
Also, I have been working on writing a book about this experience since I was diagnosed.
It will go to the publisher in about a month. The name is “Cancer, Chemo and Beyond” it will include not only my story but other peoples stories.
Talk to you soon
Donna
Thanks for your support - 
Donna, It’s so wonderful to hear from you.
It’s not wonderful about you feeling so tired. But it’s great to hear that you and your husband are going on a wonderful vacation. I looked at pictures of the inn on it’s website. It is utterly charming and really right on the beach. I envy you and your husband.
Please let us continue to hear from you. I have missed your posts.
As always, I keep you in my prayers.
Carol
Donna – Great to hear from you. I can’t believe you are working through this. ugh! But glad to hear you are going on vacation. I have been to the Caymans and thought is was the most relaxing place. sooo jealous. Wish I was going with you. Let us know how the tests go at the end of the month. Love, Jill
I am so glad you are going on vacation!
you just soak up the sun and enjoy each
minute of the sun shining on your sweet face.
Praying for you and your sister,
.Deena
I am praying for you and your sister. I found your line about the caregiver interesting. My mom has stage four colon cancer with tumor in her liver and mets to the lungs. I feel like I have it with her. I can’t explain it… It hurts.
I am praying for you and your family.
Hey Donna – I read your last post on wuvwabbits last entry. Please feel free to post any links. I know you are not here to sell anything and if you were I would 100% support it. Cheers!
Thanks Jill, I think the links and the stories could help her. There is even a caregiver link so a caregiver can answer questions about that end. If you want to check it out it is
http://www.pinellascountysurvivorsnetwork.org/
Thanks
Donna