As I sit here holding my toddler's hand, I feel compelled to share an update on my journey over the past six months. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and moments of gratitude.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Finishing chemotherapy in November 2023 was a significant milestone. I had just stepped into December, looking forward to a new year with hope. Fast forward to now, and I find myself preparing for my fourth surgery in two years. Honestly, I wish this wasn’t happening again, but I remind myself of my strength and resilience—I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.
One of the most visible changes over this time has been my hair. In December 2023, I was completely bald, but now, in 2024, I’m embracing a lovely head of hair that has returned in a way I didn’t expect. It’s more like my father's straight, dark brown hair rather than my mother's beautiful curls. My new motto? “Any hair is good hair!”
Cherishing Family Moments
In August 2024, we enjoyed a beautiful family holiday in Indonesia. It was our first trip overseas together, and it filled my heart with joy to create lasting memories with my loved ones. These moments remind me of the importance of family and the simple joys of life.
Facing New Challenges
However, September 2024 brought unexpected news. After feeling a bit off, tests revealed a potential recurrence of my cancer. Despite a CT scan showing no immediate concerns, my CEA levels were rising. My oncologist was not overly worried, attributing it to inflammation, but my instincts pushed us to conduct a PET scan, which unfortunately indicated three small nodules.
The term "residual" was used to describe the recurrence—evidence that the chemotherapy and treatments hadn’t eliminated everything as hoped. A diagnostic laparoscopy in November 2024 was a pivotal moment; my surgeon's initial assessment was distressing. She mentioned the possibility of being riddled with tumors, leaving me with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months. It was devastating to hear.
Taking Control
That news prompted me to take control of my health. I dove into research on holistic healing and began a liver cleanse, determined to support my body as best as I could. During this time, I’ve been blessed to receive incredible support from friends and family. A dear friend even made me a liver detox tea and has shared his knowledge about health and wellness, which has been immensely helpful. Their encouragement has made a significant difference in my journey.
In November 2024, I completed my first half marathon, which was such an exciting moment for me. Not only did I push my physical limits, but I also managed to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Foundation. It felt incredibly fulfilling to accomplish this while advocating for a cause close to my heart.
A week later, while at my medical center, I unexpectedly received my biopsy results, which revealed no evidence of disease. The relief and shock were overwhelming; it felt like a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty.
Finding New Options
With the biopsy showing scar tissue rather than cancer, I was presented with new options. In October 2024, I learned about government-funded HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) for ovarian cancer. While I was hopeful, my medical team ultimately decided against it due to the absence of cancer on my peritoneum.
The good news is that they are willing to remove the three small tumors, which are in accessible locations. However, my treatment options feel limited, especially since mucinous ovarian cancer has proven to be platinum-resistant.
Support and Guidance
During this challenging time, I found invaluable support from Grace Gawler, a cancer support specialist in Australia. Referred to me by a friend, Grace is like an encyclopedia on cancer treatments and has guided me toward potential new therapies, including T-cell therapy and Tumor Licate. I’m grateful that my surgeon agreed to preserve some of my tumor for further treatment, which will be sent to Japan for a specialized vaccine designed to help my body recognize mucinous cancer.
Looking Ahead
As I navigate this recurrence, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I plan to share more updates over the coming months, documenting my journey as I explore these new treatment options. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this journey with me.
Comments