Surgery Is Soon

* Picture of a butterfly that I took at the Boston Science Museum.

Tomorrow is my 31st Birthday and then Monday is the big surgery! If this surgery is successful that means I will be that much closer to being "normal" and recovering from my cancer. Let me explain....

I was misdiagnosed for a while. At first I misdiagnosed myself. I had spotting for about 8 months but thought it was simply stress. Law school was certainly stressful as was the day to day life as a young adult. Unfortunately I ignored the bleeding.

Then the pain began about 8 months into the spotting. A sharp pain in my left side, kinda like runners cramp. To help with the pain I took tylenol and eventually I was taking about 20 a day. The pain increased as did the bleeding. Finally I went to the doctor.

The first doctor actually gave me the correct diagnosis but I just couldn't believe it. Cancer....No way I thought. And that is what everyone else said too when i told them what the doctor had said. So, I got a second opinion.

The second opinion said no cancer. The PAP from the first doctor also came back negative for cancer. So I kept on going to school and trying to live life but the pain and blood kept on increasing. Finally I was bleeding so much I couldn't leave the house and the pain was so bad I stopped sleeping. Thats when I got a third opinion.

The third doctor said I was just extremely stressed. He gave me sleeping pills and psychotropic medication. Still I couldn't sleep.

Finally I brought myself to the ER, it had been 2 months since my first doctor appointment. At last I got a CT scan and the findings were not good. I did have a tumor and it was crushing my ureters which caused both my kidneys to swell. My left kidney had actually ripped open and the fluid was spilling into my gut. In short, I was dying.

The chemo, radiation and surgeries were successful and I am now cancer free. BUT, my ureters and kidney are still not well. I have stints in my ureters to keep them open, allowing fluid to flow freely from my kidney to my bladder. Unfortunately the stents are very painful and require surgery every three months. My previous doctor said that this was how I would live the rest of my life. However, my new doctor thinks the stents can be removed. If the surgery is not successful then the kidney is coming out.

We did try something like this last year and it was not successful. They took out 1 stent but I became very ill a few months later and they had to put it back in. Now we are taking BOTH out, im pretty nervous.

I will let everyone know how it works out and what my PET scan results are. Fingers crossed :)

16 comments:

Finding Liz said...

Best of luck to you...I will keep my fingers crossed and pray for you and a speedy recovery!

Juliana said...

Well Happy Birthday! I hope that you have a wonderful day and have a feeling your 31st year is going to be the best! I hope and pray that surgery goes well on Monday!

Also...I just got connected with a lady with stage 4 cervical cancer. I have been trying to help her out---but if you have any wisdom that you think most people do not know about or would like to contact her I will pass her info on.

Have a great weekend!

Tammy said...

Oh my goodness, you have been through so much! I hope this next surgery does the trick and you will be pain free.

Good luck and Happy Birthday!

Jonathan Jay said...

Happy Birthday tomorrow! I am sending good positive strong thoughts in your direction. I know the surgery will go good! Just remember to LIVESTRONG!!

BTW are Birthdays are very close!! Mine is on the 2nd =]

o2bhiking said...

Happy birthday, young lady! Many, many happy and healthy returns.

I pray that the surgery will correct this awful problem once and for all. Stay strong and positive. Art

Sandra said...

A multitude of prayer for you. xoxo

♥ Becky ♥ said...

First let me say Happy Birthday!!!!
Second let me say that you will fill my prayers during this time and the months after your surgery. I hope that it will all go the way you hope and that you won't get sick after!!!!!

Lauren Alexander said...

My fingers and toes are definitely crossed for you! You have such an amazing story.

Obsessedwithlife said...

sending prayers and lots of love and hugs!

Rachel

Jennifer said...

Have a happy birthday!! And good luck with the surgery - you'll be in my thoughts :)

KateB said...

Happy Birthday!! Hope all goes well for you on Monday.

Tami said...

Happy Birthday!!

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow!

Paige said...

Happy Birthday and you will be in my thoughts an prayers!

Sandi said...

oh how scary. I am praying and hoping for you girl. I honestly know the stress of it all is pretty much worse than just knowing. I'll be thinking of you.

Jenn M said...

Good luck. You will be in my thoughts.

Happy 31st birthday. It's a great year!

Chic Runner said...

Happy birthday and praying for your surgery and results. :)