Sunday, December 20, 2009

Curve ball

Sometimes you just don't know when you're going to be thrown a giant curve ball. Well last month we got one bigger and nastier than I could ever imagine. For a few weeks prior I hadn't been feeling the best. Nothing too bad, just some irritable bowel type symptoms, some minor pelvic pain, some bloating, reflux etc. I didn't think too much of it, but decided to call my doctor. He really didn't think it was much more than endometriosis and reflux. The very next day I happened to turn on the tv and the Dr. Oz show was on. I NEVER watch that show, but it was a God thing and RIGHT when I turned it on, they were listing all my symptoms. They were talking about ovarian cancer. I was terrified and called my doctor back immediately. They got me in for an ultrasound 2 days later. A grapefruit sized tumor was found.

On November 23 I had surgery to remove the tumor and it was ovarian cancer. Needless to say, life has completely changed around here. I have been recovering from this MAJOR surgery (who knew an incision could be so big!!!) and preparing myself for chemo starting on the 29th.

I really debated about sharing here, but a good friend encouraged me to. You can never have too many people praying for you right?

I haven't been knitting much since surgery, but I hope to get going again soon. Maybe next time I will actually have a picture!

33 comments:

JeanTownsend said...

I am praying. May you be blessed with a complete healing during this special season of love.

knithound brooklyn said...

Oh Dear Heavens. I am so sorry. Prayers for a speedy recovery and a successful chemo protocol.

Kathleen said...

Blessings and peace. Strength for the coming treatments. This and more I pray for you.

Robbyn said...

OH boy :( You know I'm pulling for you with everything I've got!

Stay strong.

Lori said...

Oh, Lisa. I've been out of the loop for so long... I saw something on Plurk about surgery, but didn't know.
My thoughts are with you always - stay strong & positive and know we all are holding you in our hearts.

MsB said...

Lisa,
I feel I know you through our dear friend in the North, and wanted to share my prayers and warmest wishes not only for the holidays, but in every aspect of your life.

Merry Christmas and yes, Virgina, there is a Santa Claus.

BFB

Deb said...

I'll add you to my prayers. God was definitely watching out for you when you saw the show.

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts, dear Lisa. I'm so sorry that it is ovarian cancer, and I am hoping that it was caught in a stage that was early enough with aggressive therapy that you will come through with flying colors. I'm sending my thoughts and positive energy your way and will continue to wish you the best and speediest of recoveries.

I'm also glad that you did post this so that others will be more aware of what to watch for.. that is the greatest gift you could give to all of us..

love you!

Sue said...

Wishing you all the best with your recovery and chemo too. Thank goodness you watched that tv show, and why didnt the doctor think to check that out in the first place.

Shell said...

Oh my- (((((LISA)))))
Letting you know lots of prayers and thoughts are going your way.
Stay Strong.

omly said...

I will be thinking happy thoughts for you and yours. Both my aunt and girlfriend are ovarian cancer survivors, so this is a fear I know well. Truly you are blessed that things worked out, and it was caught when it was.

Opal said...

you know i'm in your corner! *hugs*

Bridget said...

Take care of yourself!

I was diagnosed with uterine and ovarian cancer 5 years ago, only 5 months after surgery for breast cancer. It was all very debilitating, but with excellent physical therapy, and determination, I managed to get back to my real life.

I'm sending all the good thoughts your way that I possibly can - just know that you *can* get past it!

Mommab@sbcglobal.net said...

Lisa,
My dear dear friend. My prayers are with you 10 fold. My heart goes out to you keep positive thoughts and love in your heart! My mom died of ovirain cancer and last night I drempt of her and she was telling me in the dream to quit smoking and to move to Calif. Not sure if I am understanding the dream right but I will attempt to quit soon!!! This was almost 20 years ago and they have learned so so much more about it!!! I love you and am here for you! Marion

Marguerite said...

You are in my prayers for sure!

Thank you for sharing and giving us the privilege of praying for you as you go through the difficult but necessary steps back to health.

Anonymous said...

Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you lots of good thoughts for a speedy and complete recovery.
{{{{HUGS}}}}

MsKnottyKnits said...

Never forget we are always here for you - even if we are thousands of miles away!!

You are always in my prayers!

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Thank you for sharing. It is so important. Each day as I pick up my needles I will knit a prayer with each stitch that complete healing comes to you.

Miss Stormy said...

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Lisa. Sending healing and lots of hugs.

katkoe said...

hugs

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I just wandered over here from raverly. I finished chemo for ovca a few months ago. Wanted to send you good luck and let you know that chemo isn't as bad as it may seem. There are lots of good anti-nausea drugs out there. Keep asking your doctors for the right ones... I got through the whole ordeal without throwing up once!

Best of luck to you.

Sharon said...

Much love and lots of prayers for you and your family.

RoxanneZYG said...

Oh Lisa...I just heard. Much love and prayers coming your way for healing and a full recovery. You're in my thoughts!

Teresa said...

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I have just been working on the Stormy Seas Cowl and loving the pattern! With each new stitch I'll be thinking of you.

Bean Counting Knitter said...

I don't know you and you don't know me but we have a bond via the needles. I am praying for you.

Debi said...

Hi there--

I came over from a link Erin (Alynxia) posted on Sock Knitter's Anonymous.

Just wanted you to know that I'm an endometrial cancer survivor AND an oncology clinical specialist.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jessica said...

HUGE hugs!!

Carol said...

I am sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! You will be in my thoughts daily.

Lisa Broida Bailey said...

Wishing you all the best. Where are you being treated? I heard you saw one of our patient, Missy Dougherty, on Dr. Oz. Isn't she terrific?

Lisa Bailey
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Philadelphia

Anonymous said...

Lisa - please give us a call - The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance at (202)331-1332.
Or you can email me, Georgi Morales, at gmorales@ovariancancer.org. Thanks.

JeanTownsend said...

Im checking in. No recent updates? You know i worry about you and send you all my love.

Cameron VSJ said...

Hi,

I have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?

Thanks,

Cameron

cameronvsj(at)gmail.com

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