My husband and I were the only care-givers for my aging parents for four years. We moved mom in with us and after just 2 months, she had to go to the hospital. Ultimately, she was placed in a nursing home for therapy and the decision was made to leave her there as her memory was getting so bad. She passed away after 2 years in the home. My Father continued to live in the mobile home we had set up on our property until he passed away in July 2008.
All the while I was noticing changes in myself. I had urinary problems, frequent diarrhea, lots of belching, gas, bloating, not able to eat much, and problems breathing when I walked too far or too fast. I was listening to my body, went to my primary doctor, made complaints, and there was always a reason for why I was feeling the way I was. Finally on August 10th, 2008 I asked my husband to take me to the emergency room as I was having such a problem breathing.
Immediately, test were run, x-rays, CT/scan, blood work, etc. After emergency room doctors checked everything out, I was admitted to the hospital and Dr. McBroom was called in. Surgery was scheduled for Wednesday August 14th.My family was informed of the diagnosis. Primary Peritoneal Cancer, stage Ill. My chemo was started in August with the usual chemo's being used. I reacted very well to all six treatments. All were given by IV, so I was very lucky not to have to have a port put in. My CA125 was 677 at the time of surgery. After the first treatment my numbers were 147, after the second treatment my numbers were 19, and continued to go down to twelve. That was the lowest they got and they are still 12 after my first, three month check-up.
I continue to feel very well, go about my normal volunteer work, and most of my house work. I feel very confident that the Lord still has work for me here on earth to do. I do feel terribly tired at times and sleep late in the mornings. Maybe it's just a habit, and I will try to break that. I had not heard of PPC until I was diagnosed and most of the people I talk with have not heard of it either. I have been trying to get the word out to women in the area about this ugly aggressive cancer. I talked to a group of sorority sisters, and there is going to be a health fair the end of May that I hope to be at.
The Primary Peritoneal Cancer Foundation web-site is the best one I have found. It is so
informative and easy to understand. I will recommend women visit it and learn all they can from it.
Josephine
Jo Turner
Diagnosed August 2008
The Martha C. Kinnecom Peritoneal Cancer Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation
www.PrimaryPeritonealCancer.org
PRIMARY PERITONEAL CANCER FOUNDATION
Keep Hope AliveMy husband and I were the only care-givers for my aging parents for four years. We moved mom in with us and after just 2 months, she had to go to the hospital. Ultimately, she was placed in a nursing home for therapy and the decision was made to leave her there as her memory was getting so bad. She passed away after 2 years in the home. My Father continued to live in the mobile home we had set up on our property until he passed away in July 2008.
All the while I was noticing changes in myself. I had urinary problems, frequent diarrhea, lots of belching, gas, bloating, not able to eat much, and problems breathing when I walked too far or too fast. I was listening to my body, went to my primary doctor, made complaints, and there was always a reason for why I was feeling the way I was. Finally on August 10th, 2008 I asked my husband to take me to the emergency room as I was having such a problem breathing.
Immediately, test were run, x-rays, CT/scan, blood work, etc. After emergency room doctors checked everything out, I was admitted to the hospital and Dr. McBroom was called in. Surgery was scheduled for Wednesday August 14th.My family was informed of the diagnosis. Primary Peritoneal Cancer, stage Ill. My chemo was started in August with the usual chemo's being used. I reacted very well to all six treatments. All were given by IV, so I was very lucky not to have to have a port put in. My CA125 was 677 at the time of surgery. After the first treatment my numbers were 147, after the second treatment my numbers were 19, and continued to go down to twelve. That was the lowest they got and they are still 12 after my first, three month check-up.
I continue to feel very well, go about my normal volunteer work, and most of my house work. I feel very confident that the Lord still has work for me here on earth to do. I do feel terribly tired at times and sleep late in the mornings. Maybe it's just a habit, and I will try to break that. I had not heard of PPC until I was diagnosed and most of the people I talk with have not heard of it either. I have been trying to get the word out to women in the area about this ugly aggressive cancer. I talked to a group of sorority sisters, and there is going to be a health fair the end of May that I hope to be at.
The Primary Peritoneal Cancer Foundation web-site is the best one I have found. It is so
informative and easy to understand. I will recommend women visit it and learn all they can from it.
Josephine
