Saturday, May 7, 2011

Results

Sorry it took so long for me to update.  I am not feeling well. I'll start from the beginning.  On Monday, I went to my OB as I had been experiencing abdominal bloating and pain.  We thought it was my IUD.  IUD was just placed as it was needed for me to qualify for clinical trial. OB couldn't locate IUD so she did an ultrasound (thank goodness it was Monday as their tech is there on Mondays). She found IUD, which was out of place, and she also found liquid and a mass. I then went to see Mr. Wonderful (Gordon) and he ordered an MRI of abdomen. His nurses are superwomen as they were able to get me in that day.  The MRI showed a 14 cen tumor along with other nodules.  I asked for a biopsy and with the magic of the supernurses, we did on Wednesday. My stomach was so bloated that I looked like I was about 8 months pregnant and I was in a lot of discomfort.  On Thursday I was able to have the fluid drained and we drained 7lbs of fluid! Results from biopsy came back on Thursday and it's melanoma.  I began chemo on Friday. The treatment is once every 3 weeks and I'm on it for as long as it is working. Best info I could find online:

 http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/GuidetoCancerDrugs/DACARBAZINE 

Side effects of the chemo are pretty manageable and I haven't experienced them that I know of.  I say that as for the past week I have been experiencing pain/discomfort in my abdomen due to the tumor and liquid, "heart burn" which is causing vomitting, slight nausea, no appetite and trouble sleeping. I have been a pretty sick lady.

During this time Todd was out of town for a work conference in Orlando.  Thank God for Cathy, Claudia and Annette. Cathy stayed with me all week with the exception of one, which Claudia came over and then took me to my biopsy appointment. I could not have made it through the week without them.  I was in so much pain and discomfort, I could barely walk and could not care for myself.  These ladies were the best care takers I could have had and words are good enough, but thanks ladies!  Annette picked up Teya everyday from school and kept her for a few hours.  This gave Teya much needed time away from sick momma. Again, words are not enough to express how much this helped, but Thanks Annette.  Todd got back Thursday night and my mom flew in Friay morning.  My dad comes out Tuesday afternoon.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying for you whole heartedly. God has surely blessed you with awesome friends. So glad that Todd, your Mom and soon your Dad will be with you. We love you so much.

Your Cuz
Carrie

Jon Martin said...

Tina Jo,

Always remember that you are not alone in your battle and that your family and friends will always be by your side ready to help you with anything and everything!

Nuttin but love!

Jon

OceanDesert said...

What Jon said! We are all here, whatever you need...

BIG hugs,
Sara

Anonymous said...

I would ditto what Jon said. We are all here for you. Anything you need just say the word.

And plenty of prayers and all positive vibes going your way too!

Anna

3eekids said...

Another ditto for Jon's comment...perfectly put!

Anonymous said...

OK enough with the ditto's, at some point someone has to tritto, or fourtto, even fitto works. But everyone is right, don't you dare not call someone to help, we are all here. Chelsea and Jaelyn would love to have Teya over for the weekend sleepover if you need a break. You've gotten this far because you are a good person and God takes care of good people. Stay positive.
Love, BM, Chels, & Jaelyn
P.S. I'm streaking CB's graduation, wanna come?

Erin May said...

Oh tina - sorry to hear it was confirmed melanoma! Thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

Tina - so sorry to hear of these results. Glad to hear you're already on treatment. You are such a figher and I know you can beat this too. At the risk of repeating everyone else, we are here for you anytime, anything. And we'd love to have Teya over for a sleepover too! Love, your Sutton family.

Anonymous said...

Tina, WE are so saddened to hear the news of your results; We too want you to know we would love to be there for you in any way possible. As always, you will be in our prayers! Love the Snows

Sharlene said...

I'm so glad you have amazing friends to help out when Todd was out of town. I'm sure it was hard for him to be so far away during everything!! I'm glad that he is home now and your mom is there, and your dad is on his way!!

I'm so sorry for your news!! I will keep praying my friend!!
Hugs, hope, and healing!
Love ya'
Sharlene

Anonymous said...

We have a friend who is surviving cancer and has a wonderful saying that has helped her through..."Strength for today, hope for tomorrow!" We are grateful that your doctor and nurses are so attentive and quick. Sending our prayers that you are feeling physically better today, so mentally you can kick some melanoma ass.

Mike and Kristin Myers

Chelsea said...

Oh, Tina...I hate to hear this. I am thinking of you, pulling for you, and sending up prayers.

Anonymous said...

Miss Tina
Sofia Obadic misses you so much at school. she wanted your number to call you. we are praying for you, and hope to see you soon.Get well.
Maria and sofia