Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Day 20 cont.



After some Rescue Remedy my day got much better. As suspected my doctors appointment today began with a visit with my oncologist Dr. Shao. The mammogram was normal, the colonoscopy and endoscopy were normal and we got the DNA test back. It was 96% positive that the cancer is originating in my bile duct.

Even though this is some pretty shitty cancer to have and it is pretty rare, this is actually great news. It is nowhere else in my body just yet, thankfully.....this makes me a candidate for a liver transplant. I am young, active, healthy, cancer free everywhere else, perfect candidate for a transplant, right? No worries about the bile duct because it is encompassed in the liver so it is a one shot deal, two for one kinda thing. I could have began chemotherapy today but I after Jeff and I had a heart to heart with Dr. Shao, picked his brain thoroughly, and asked almost any and every question we could think of we decided that I would forego chemo treatment until I return from Hawaii, giving us time to think and talk more about it on the beach :)


, now I have an appointment with OHSU the day after I arrive home with a liver specialist/oncologist there. I will be speaking with them about getting placed on the transplant list for a liver. Makes me understand why it is so important to become an organ donor. I wonder if I will get bad karma for not being a donor all these years....

The wonderful nurse assistant for Dr. Shao is also in the process of scheduling me with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle for another appointment and another opinion. In addition Jeff and I are considering traveling to Boston to visit the Mayo Clinic if need be. Jeff confided in me today that he has a good feeling about OHSU, and I have to say that I agree with him.

Organization.
That is an important part of my life. I hate it when things are lying around all willy nilly and in piles that are not neatly stacked or contained. I spent some crazy cleaning jazzed up wheatgrass shot time with my new Dyson D-28 $550 vacuum cleaning the floors, corners, furniture, stairwells, attic, and dustbunny caves all over the house this afternoon. Then I proceeded to dust long forgotten shelves and organize books on the shelves, clean the bathroom, do 2 loads of laundry, change the sheets on the guest bed for our house/pet sitter, cook dinner, clean the dishes,
TOOK A LONG HOT EPSOM SALT AND LAVENDER BATH......ahhhhhhhh...............
This is what wheatgrass shots will do for you. Want energy, go get yourself some wheatgrass juice. No kidding.

Tomorrow is devoted to yoga and some mellow sorting of shorts, tanks, hats, skirts, flip-flops, dresses, camera, cribbage board, cards, snacks, toiletries, and sunscreen for the much anticipated trip to Oahu. Sounds good to me.

I am also in the process of gathering up all of my medical records from all of the stuff I have been having done so I got stuff to show all these new docs.

That's the update tonight. My crappy day turned out to be pretty darn good after all. I mean the Mariners even won the game tonight and everything. Not bad at all.

Cancer can suck it! Yeah, that's right.

Blessings and a good evening to all.

Laura

11 comments:

  1. Hi sis,

    I'm so thankful you found the origin of the cancer. Praying for you to have strength and energy during this and that a resolution comes soon.

    Have a marvelous time in Hawaii and leave that cancer demon here.

    Luv ya,
    your sis :)

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  2. Hey,

    your "book list" is that a list of what you have? or what you want to have?

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  3. cancer can suck it.

    i'm so glad to hear that you are a candidate! *fingers crossed*

    bile duct? *blinks* crazy stuff indeed!

    Hit up hawaii, I think that's a good choice, lots of pictures!!!

    what kind of books are you interested in?

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  4. Rescue Remedy is great stuff!
    I have used it for me, my eldest cat, a couple dogs and me.

    Have an awesome time in Hawaii!

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  5. Thanks for the well wishes all! I am not 100% certain that I am a candidate for a liver yet but I don't see why I wouldn't be. I guess I will find that out when I have my appointment on the 23rd.

    As far as the books, the ones listed are the ones that I have now that I am in the process of reading through. I welcome any other ones though that you may suggest to me. Lately I am loving the ones written by other cancer survivors especially when they offer tips to me about how to cope or what handy tricks and must do things they suggest. Very inspirational.

    I love you all!!! YOU are my most awesome kick ass support team! Your energy and positive vibes sustain me and help me in ways you would not even believe!

    Many thanks and much love!

    Laura

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  6. Great san, to hear you've learned about the origin of the cancer.
    Have an amazing trip in HI. It will be very healing for you. One recommendation...Go Snorkeling, eat shaved ice, have fun!
    Love you!
    Jen-i-tals

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  7. Laura,

    I've been thinking about you a lot lately & sending all of my positive vibes! I requested a bunch of raw and macrobiotic cookbooks from the library so I will keep you posted on anything delicious that I come across. Just trying to do my part & keep you well-fed! Have an amazing time in Hawaii! You deserve it! :)

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  8. San,
    Thanks for the recommendations....we are definitely going snorkeling, the shaved ice thing I think is out of the question (sugar, cant eat sugar) and I am going to have the most amazing time :) even got my hairs trimmed for the occasion and bought a new bathing suit at Patagonia today along with a sundress :) heehee

    Sonnet,
    Thank you for your encouragement, thoughts, and positive vibes :) I am feeling it! I am psyched to get your recipes. You always have such good looking food on your blog. Thank you again for all you do.

    I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!!

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  9. Hola Chica...
    Well wishes on your Hawaii trip! I say don't shave, fart in public, and snort when you laugh...cause its all good :) Tickle a turtle or two for me!!
    loveyamissyakissya
    lisa

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  10. Yay!!! Just read your post! YAYAY!! Glad things turned around yesterday and have such good news!

    Cancer can suck it!

    Love ya!!! s.

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  11. Hey Laura,

    I just had a thought this morning about aloe juice. I'm not sure if you're already drinking it, but I use it occasionally for stomach pain and it's supposed to be beneficial for the immune system and cancer. You can check out some more benefits here: http://www.aloeveraplant.org/aloevera-juice-benefits.php
    It's available at most food stores and I think even Trader Joe's carries it. Hope Hawaii was amazing! :)

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