Hi all,
Over the last 3 days I have been extremely ill with a stomach virus of some sort. I ended up at the Austin Hospital on Sunday Morning 26 Feb as I was unable to keep anything in my system.
I was treated for extremely low blood pressure and rehydrated. The Doctors wanted me to stay in hospital so I stayed in overnight. I was also able to see one of my Peter Mac Doctors who happened to be at the Austin Hospital Oncology Ward while I was in Emergency. I complied with all advice, saw an Oncologist the next day and had my results confirmed as unlikely to be related to my cancer.My bloods have come up as being very stable, with my white blood cell count in the normal range.
I also obtained information via the Doctors that my CT scan based at Peter Mac 23 Feb on my neck region got the all clear as well! This is an added bonus to me being in hospital over the weekend.
I was allowed to go home under the proviso that I continue to take time off work this week. This is frustrating beyond belief, but I will stay put till I can actually eat something....At the moment I am managing to keep some rehydration up, but don't feel ready to eat as yet. I am feeling weak, but pleased to be home rather than in hospital.
Also, tomorrow is Rare Disease Day. If you are interested, I will include a link to a website that I have contributed my information about my Sarcoma condition to.
http://www.rarediseaseday.org/
Take care,
Georgia
Monday, 27 February 2012
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Great News Today
We went in to Peter Mac today to see the specialist. We received confirmation of my stable status based on the CT scan in January. Hooray!
I discussed some side-effects of chemo and some symptoms I am still experiencing.
As a precaution, I have been scheduled for an extra scan next week - Thursday 23 Feb to check some issues I am having around my Neck/Shoulder region. As a norm, this area is not usually checked out as my diagnosis is based around Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. The focus of scans tends to concentrate on the abdominal/lung area.
If all is well, I won't be called in the following week for a consultation. I will then wait for my next scheduled every 8 week CT scan. This is scheduled for Tuesday 20 March. I will definitely return again to Peter Mac on 28 March for a consultation about the Abdominal/Lung CT scan.
I feel very well-looked after. This is a very intensive checking schedule that has been put in place as a follow-up to the trial I participated in last year. If in any way my illness progresses, I will be advised and supported by Sarcoma specialists and provided with the best care available in Australia.
So for now, I remain treatment-free. So for now, no side-effects of medication to worry about. So for now, I continue to work full-time as an Assistant Principal in a Secondary School. Who would have thought this possible? It is amazing and I am not taking it for granted, I can assure you!
My short-term goal is to:
increase my fitness and wellness and build my capacity and strength, keep my mind and spirit well and full of faith, hope and love,
My medium goal is to:
be able to work effectively throughout 2012,
My long-term goal is to:
survive beyond my 50th Year!
Love Your Life,
Georgia
I discussed some side-effects of chemo and some symptoms I am still experiencing.
As a precaution, I have been scheduled for an extra scan next week - Thursday 23 Feb to check some issues I am having around my Neck/Shoulder region. As a norm, this area is not usually checked out as my diagnosis is based around Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. The focus of scans tends to concentrate on the abdominal/lung area.
If all is well, I won't be called in the following week for a consultation. I will then wait for my next scheduled every 8 week CT scan. This is scheduled for Tuesday 20 March. I will definitely return again to Peter Mac on 28 March for a consultation about the Abdominal/Lung CT scan.
I feel very well-looked after. This is a very intensive checking schedule that has been put in place as a follow-up to the trial I participated in last year. If in any way my illness progresses, I will be advised and supported by Sarcoma specialists and provided with the best care available in Australia.
So for now, I remain treatment-free. So for now, no side-effects of medication to worry about. So for now, I continue to work full-time as an Assistant Principal in a Secondary School. Who would have thought this possible? It is amazing and I am not taking it for granted, I can assure you!
My short-term goal is to:
increase my fitness and wellness and build my capacity and strength, keep my mind and spirit well and full of faith, hope and love,
My medium goal is to:
be able to work effectively throughout 2012,
My long-term goal is to:
survive beyond my 50th Year!
Love Your Life,
Georgia
Monday, 30 January 2012
CT Results 31 January
Hi folks,
This is just a quick update on my post-chemo trial CT scan from 24 January.
The analysis of the scan is that there are no new lesions and that the tumours have remained stable since chemotherapy ended 9 weeks ago (Nov 2011). This is a minor miracle and for this we are truly grateful!
However, one tumour has slightly increased and is located on the left side of my abdomen. Radiologists need to clarify recess critieria to ensure that the increase is under 30 percent growth. The specialist will obtain clarification on this and my next appointment is in two weeks 15 Feb). This will provide me with a definitive comparison and probably confirm the "STABLE" rating. If growth of this one tumour is above 30 percent , a treatment regime will be discussed.
I am back at work and enjoying the distraction!
Thanks to all blog followers for your encouragement.
Love Your Life,
Georgia
This is just a quick update on my post-chemo trial CT scan from 24 January.
The analysis of the scan is that there are no new lesions and that the tumours have remained stable since chemotherapy ended 9 weeks ago (Nov 2011). This is a minor miracle and for this we are truly grateful!
However, one tumour has slightly increased and is located on the left side of my abdomen. Radiologists need to clarify recess critieria to ensure that the increase is under 30 percent growth. The specialist will obtain clarification on this and my next appointment is in two weeks 15 Feb). This will provide me with a definitive comparison and probably confirm the "STABLE" rating. If growth of this one tumour is above 30 percent , a treatment regime will be discussed.
I am back at work and enjoying the distraction!
Thanks to all blog followers for your encouragement.
Love Your Life,
Georgia
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Good times since chemo in November
Happy New Year to all,
It has been 2 months since my last round of chemotherapy and I am feeling well. I still have some side-effects occuring so I am pleased to have had this break from treatment.
I returned to work on 1 December 2011 and felt more like myself than I had for a long, long time!
I had a fantastic Christmas Day with all my family members - all 29 of us; with lots of noise, fun and food!
We travelled in the 'leap of faith', across Victoria and landed in Robe South Australia and had a lovely, sun-filled beach getaway for 6 days in early January 2012.
I had a wonderful day out at the Australian Tennis Open in Hisense Arena for some of the Round 2 matches.
However, I am now getting a little twitchy about the CT scan sceduled for 24 January. These tests always make me feel exposed, vulnerable and more emotional than usual. Prior to Chemotherapy last year, the tumours had grown fairly rapidly post-operation so I am apprehensive about the possibilities. I accept that this is beyond my control but I don't feel equipped for a bad result. One day at a time, we shall see...
Lots of Love,
Georgia
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| kd at Myer Music Bowl |
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| First day on beach at Robe |
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| Walking around Beachport (near Robe) |
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| With sisters cruising around at the tennis |
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| Hisense Arena watching No.1 Women's player |
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| G posing again |
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| Outdoor bar at the Australian Tennis Open |
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Back to work: December
Why celebrate going to work........?
On 1 December, I returned to work and I cannot begin to explain how good it felt. The school holidays actually begin on 23 December, then I will have a long break again until late January.
I had a blood test today 21 December, and discussed my progress with my doctor. I am doing very well, but need to watch my iron levels and some side-effects.
Why did it feel so good to go back to work....?
Because I could!
Because I wasn't on my way to hospital!
Because I wasn't having chemotherapy!
Because I wasn't lying in bed feeling sick with side-effects!
Because I was driving to work in the "Leap of Faith"!
Because I got to sit in my office again and at one stage I didnt know if that was a possibility!!!
Because I felt connected when I got there!
Because I feel healthy and great to be alive!
What happens next year?
On 24 January I have my next CT scan.
I go to work for the 2012 start to the school year!
On 31 January I see the Doctor to check the results- is the cancer still stabilised or have the tumors grown since chemotherapy ended in November? The answer to this question will determine the next step in treatment. It is possible that treatment will remain on hold if the tumours remain stable.If so, I will continue to be monitored via regular CT scans.It is possible that the cancer has been active and that my team of doctors will then need to meet in February to discuss my next treatment regime. We shall wait and see!
In the meantime, we will have a wonderful holiday season!
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all at Team Georgia
Love Your Life
On 1 December, I returned to work and I cannot begin to explain how good it felt. The school holidays actually begin on 23 December, then I will have a long break again until late January.
I had a blood test today 21 December, and discussed my progress with my doctor. I am doing very well, but need to watch my iron levels and some side-effects.
Why did it feel so good to go back to work....?
Because I could!
Because I wasn't on my way to hospital!
Because I wasn't having chemotherapy!
Because I wasn't lying in bed feeling sick with side-effects!
Because I was driving to work in the "Leap of Faith"!
Because I got to sit in my office again and at one stage I didnt know if that was a possibility!!!
Because I felt connected when I got there!
Because I feel healthy and great to be alive!
What happens next year?
On 24 January I have my next CT scan.
I go to work for the 2012 start to the school year!
On 31 January I see the Doctor to check the results- is the cancer still stabilised or have the tumors grown since chemotherapy ended in November? The answer to this question will determine the next step in treatment. It is possible that treatment will remain on hold if the tumours remain stable.If so, I will continue to be monitored via regular CT scans.It is possible that the cancer has been active and that my team of doctors will then need to meet in February to discuss my next treatment regime. We shall wait and see!
In the meantime, we will have a wonderful holiday season!
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all at Team Georgia
Love Your Life
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Looking to the future: December, January and Beyond!
It's been a busy month. The past week has seen me in and out of Peter Mac Hospital. I have needle marks all down my arms from doing bloods, CT scans, heart tests, and more!
My results are in from the end of Picasso III Chemotherapy. The overall result shows that the cancer has stabilised and has been Progression Free (PF), for the duration of the trial. This is a very good result according to my doctor.
I am disappointed in one sense, as it leaves me basically where I started at the beginning of July. Healthwise, I am better than I was pre-operation as I was experiencing debilitating pain throughout April and May 2011 (Hysterectomy to remove a cancer-ridden uterus on 25 May 2011.)
I have been experiencing an array of Chemo side-effects from the accumulation of 6 rounds of therapy, but am told over the next few weeks these should gradually become more manageable. I am starting to regain my energy levels and am feeling positive about getting out more often.
Today, 30 November 2011, I had bloods done and met with the specialist to discuss my progress and future treatment. A return to work is to occur (finally!!!!!) and further blood tests and consultations will occur on 21 December to check my heamoglobin levels and general health. I will have a two month break from treatment with my next CT scan scheduled for the end of January to check on the tumors. From there, new treatments will be introduced based on these 2012 results.
For now, I am grateful for what I have and look to the future.
Love your Life,
Georgia
My results are in from the end of Picasso III Chemotherapy. The overall result shows that the cancer has stabilised and has been Progression Free (PF), for the duration of the trial. This is a very good result according to my doctor.
I am disappointed in one sense, as it leaves me basically where I started at the beginning of July. Healthwise, I am better than I was pre-operation as I was experiencing debilitating pain throughout April and May 2011 (Hysterectomy to remove a cancer-ridden uterus on 25 May 2011.)
I have been experiencing an array of Chemo side-effects from the accumulation of 6 rounds of therapy, but am told over the next few weeks these should gradually become more manageable. I am starting to regain my energy levels and am feeling positive about getting out more often.
Today, 30 November 2011, I had bloods done and met with the specialist to discuss my progress and future treatment. A return to work is to occur (finally!!!!!) and further blood tests and consultations will occur on 21 December to check my heamoglobin levels and general health. I will have a two month break from treatment with my next CT scan scheduled for the end of January to check on the tumors. From there, new treatments will be introduced based on these 2012 results.
For now, I am grateful for what I have and look to the future.
Love your Life,
Georgia
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Cycle 6 Chemo: All done for the time being!
On Rememberance Day, 11-11-11, I am happy to announce I have now gone through the 6 chemo applications for the Picasso III Trial! It is now time for a small break in treatment. YEY!!!!!!!
It means I will now still have a series of very important tests over the next 3 weeks on my major organs to ensure all are functioning properly. Even more vital, I will have a CT scan to again assess the effectiveness of the treatment delivered in this trial. This will all be followed up by monthly checks and surveys over the course of 2012.
Following the final CT scan at the end of November, a team of specialists will meet and assess my progress and decide the next course of treatment as we head into 2012.
For the future, chemotherapy is definitely on the table; Ifosfomide is the next standard treatment, and this typically requires a stay in hospital as it has highly toxic side-effects. Another possibility is a hot off the press medication which is an alternative to chemotherapy and is given orally in tablet form. It is called PAZOPANIB. It would mean having a longer break (potentially), from chemotherapy. It is a treatment in the USA, but not currently available in Australia. My specialist may be able to apply for it on compassionate grounds.
For now, I need to continue to manage the known side-effects from my latest chemo and still avoid contact with infection. Thanks for your understanding by staying away when illness has struck. Remember, Skype is a fantastic form of contact and I am loving it when some of you folk get in touch. Cycle 5 was rough and I am expecting the same for this one.
A special thanks to our wonderful friends who visited from Adelaide for my chemo session at Peter Mac today- you know who you are. It was such a treat, and the Movido lunch afterwards capped it all off!
Love your life,
Georgia
It means I will now still have a series of very important tests over the next 3 weeks on my major organs to ensure all are functioning properly. Even more vital, I will have a CT scan to again assess the effectiveness of the treatment delivered in this trial. This will all be followed up by monthly checks and surveys over the course of 2012.
Following the final CT scan at the end of November, a team of specialists will meet and assess my progress and decide the next course of treatment as we head into 2012.
For the future, chemotherapy is definitely on the table; Ifosfomide is the next standard treatment, and this typically requires a stay in hospital as it has highly toxic side-effects. Another possibility is a hot off the press medication which is an alternative to chemotherapy and is given orally in tablet form. It is called PAZOPANIB. It would mean having a longer break (potentially), from chemotherapy. It is a treatment in the USA, but not currently available in Australia. My specialist may be able to apply for it on compassionate grounds.
For now, I need to continue to manage the known side-effects from my latest chemo and still avoid contact with infection. Thanks for your understanding by staying away when illness has struck. Remember, Skype is a fantastic form of contact and I am loving it when some of you folk get in touch. Cycle 5 was rough and I am expecting the same for this one.
A special thanks to our wonderful friends who visited from Adelaide for my chemo session at Peter Mac today- you know who you are. It was such a treat, and the Movido lunch afterwards capped it all off!
Love your life,
Georgia
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