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murcy
climber
sanfrancisco
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Oct 24, 2010 - 01:10am PT
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My mom is now 22 years after diagnosis of stage 3-something ovarian cancer (and three years after diagnosis of end-stage--bye-bye--pancreatic, but that's another story). My dad made sure she had the latest, most promising treatment. Nothing against those who opt for homeopathic therapies or whatever, but scientific medicine is getting so much better with ovarian cancers than they used to be (not so much for pancreatic).
You have done great spotting this early. Your fitness was crucial to that.
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Topic Author's Reply - Oct 25, 2010 - 12:15am PT
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Aw gee thanks Sully...you've been great to climb with. The best help will be getting M out to the gym!
A little set back today...my left leg started to swell some, a CT scan showed some early blood clot formation....now I am on daily injections of a blood thinner for the next few months. Geez will the fun ever end?
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nita
Social climber
chica from chico.. I shall call you..mini moo.
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Oct 25, 2010 - 12:44am PT
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Susan,
I guess it's time to elevate your leg and rest for a bit more... Bummer, but..this too shall pass.
sending love..and light..
Saludos..
Salud..
xoxo
nita
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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Oct 25, 2010 - 01:44am PT
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Susan
Happy and quick healing vibes from the Cruz.
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Disaster Master
Social climber
Born in So-Cal, left my soul in far Nor-Cal.
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Nov 22, 2010 - 01:59pm PT
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Susan,
How are you doing lately?
-Paul
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Nov 22, 2010 - 03:13pm PT
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hey SCseagoat, great to meet you at the Facelift, sorry it wasn't less hectic so that we could have talked a bit more... crush that curve ball over the centerfield wall girl! we're rooting for you!
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 22, 2010 - 06:01pm PT
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Doing well...just as the "owees" from the surgery have subsided I started my first chemo. The anti nausea meds really do their thing...now third day out I have the expected muscle aches...which is supposed to last only a few days. I still have my hair but will cut it next week before it goes on its own. Appetite very good. I've been very mobile, lots of walking. Light hand weight workouts. I got back to PA to visit my elderly Dad...that was the hardest...telling him what's up. Spending time on our boat (at dock)...the sea air is very restorative. We may do a run down to Joshua Tree before my next chemo. Although I can't climb just walking around in a different environment will be wonderful. Also planning on being at the Donni event on the 5th. Although I know the chemo effects will be cumulative just getting past that first one was a big relief. Now just 5 more to go! (They are every three weeks).
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 11, 2010 - 05:25pm PT
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2nd chemo 12-10-10. Premeds, all the good stuff legally before they make you a toxic waste dump; chemo takes 8 hours, wore my running tights and top and did laps (sorta) around the chemo ward...CANNOT sit for 8 hours. So far so good! Hair is mostly gone but the drive to get well is in high gear! 2 down 4 to go. (Yeah yeah yeah, I know Teal is the Ovarian Cancer color...my teal running top was bought many years ago.)
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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Dec 11, 2010 - 05:28pm PT
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Where is my 'like' button for you on this thread? :)
You rock! Stay strong. Looking forward to getting together sometime in 2011 - we'll make it happen!
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Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
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Dec 11, 2010 - 05:46pm PT
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Susan,
You're looking great and I admire your awesome attitude!
Take care,
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Disaster Master
Social climber
Born in So-Cal, left my soul in far Nor-Cal.
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Dec 11, 2010 - 06:30pm PT
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Hi, Paul here.
Keep on going, and sharing with us on ST if you want to. It's a mutual support circle here.
I was downest of the down today, but have screwed my head back on now, I hope.
Remember, even in the hard parts, everything changes, often for the best eventually.
Master on, CRAC member!
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nita
Social climber
chica from chico..waiting on spring days..
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Miss Susan,
It's been a couple of days since your last zap...I have been thinking about you, and i hope you are feeling better.. Sending you healing thoughts , prayers..and..Love.
Salud..
xoxo
nita..
ps..mebmgettingatinybetter.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Susan, I hadn't picked up this thread till this morning. Sorry to hear of your ordeal just when you were starting your new life. Life has it's unexpected trials and you'll get through this one. Your positive 'tude is inspiring.
Fred
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blackbird
Trad climber
the flat water trails...
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Three years ago I had to make a similar adjustment, from the certain knowledge that I was in great shape and excellent health to the understanding that my life could end shortly or I might, perhaps, recover
Sounds ironically familiar, right down to the time frame, K. ...
Susan, the thing I"ve found out about these curve balls it that over time, ya get to be darned good at whackin' 'em outta the park!!
My first surgery three years ago (uterine cancer) was certainly a curve ball; the second one (one year agon on the 13th of this month - ovarian cancer) was just a spit ball...
Each day right now may seem like eternity sometimes, but it's not. The slow, dragging days can merely be opportunities to smile some more, see more beauty, revel in the moments that you have, and find joy and peace and yes, even sorrow. They can also be more time to sleep (always nice!!!)
In all of that, I have found that I've come back different, certainly, but with a more healthy outlook on life in general, and absolutely a more appreciative view of both the good and the bad.
I'm sure that there's a caucophony of thoughts and feelings swirling in your head and your heart... It will sort itself out. For me, there was (and honestly, sometimes still is) depression, anger, resentment, even shame. Oddly, there's also relief. Can't explain it...
I guess everyone has a different opinion of what it is to knock one out of the park. I have no doubt that you'll find your definition over time...
In the meantime, know that you are not alone out there in this. Sending you many thoughts and prayers for speedy recovery, peace and acceptance,
bb
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Disaster Master
Social climber
Born in So-Cal, left my soul in far Nor-Cal.
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SUSAN,
How goes it? Good to see more folks picking up the thread for you, so to speak.
How's your New Year, feeling strong, or wrong? Likely a mixed bag. Me too. On we go, though.
I thought of you while in J-Tree. Wish you and Blackbird and all the rest of the survivor / thrivers in the Cancer sub-set of ST all the greatest that can be.
Climbers Rise Above Cancer. Even when we feel like we fail to red-point, let alone on-site, we WILL try again. That is the difference between a soul who collapses and a soul who soars. I know I feel less than best, but I (and you ) are climbing on.
Keep letting us know what's up when you can.
-Disaster Master
(Paul)
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Topic Author's Reply - Jan 3, 2011 - 10:50pm PT
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Happy New Year everyone, thanks for warms thoughts. Third of six chemos was New Year's Eve day...yeah, why hang out at a bar when I could sit in a cozy recliner and just mainline?!!! Doing well, considering I look more like an alien...bald, no eyebrows, no eyelashes! All the "labs" indicate that everything is moving in the right direction. I usually get long walks in every day and to the gym a couple times a week. Michael (Ferretlegger) and I made it up to Kirkwood last week. He got some skiing in, I got to pick up my season pass (purchased prior to getting ill and didn't buy "insurance") and think about how next year will be different.
All the struggles we endure as climbers, hikers, mountaineers, or just hard core outdoors people has been an invaluable preparation for this journey.
I think alot about seeing everyone next year at Facelift when I should have most of my strength back, if not much hair!
Paul, so glad you got down to JT, any relief from the side effects of your clinical trial meds?
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SCseagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz
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Topic Author's Reply - Jan 22, 2011 - 12:48am PT
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Crux is reached, chemo 4 of 6 completed today. I've been feeling pretty good, even though I look like an alien...should have seen me the day I got my eyes dilated...whoa then I REALLY did look bizarre...if only the pupils had been vertical instead of round! That would have freaked out everyone. Picture taken about 4 days ago.
Trying to keep my strength up! I'm not allowed to climb (not because of chemo but I am on blood thinners so I can't risk bumps and knocks) but I do get to the regular gym as much as possible to work out. Keeping my fingers crossed that when I'm done with chemo I will go into a forever remission.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Jan 22, 2011 - 12:57am PT
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Good luck with it all!
When are sessions 5 and 6? Hopefully soon, and successful.
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nita
Social climber
chica from chico..waiting on spring days..
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Jan 22, 2011 - 01:01am PT
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Miss Susan,
Keeping my fingers crossed that when Your done with chemo you will go into a forever remission.
Yep, Positive vibes and wishes for you.. my Sister Susan..
Sending you *much Love...(-:
Saludos..
Salud..
xoxo
nita
ps. Back to work for me...
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Disaster Master
Social climber
Born in So-Cal, left my soul in far Nor-Cal.
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Jan 22, 2011 - 11:46am PT
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forever remission Bingo!
That's what I will call the next route I put up!
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