Would you Want to Know Everything?

Would you want to know all of the details of your cancer prognosis ..... every little detail, no matter how devastating? According to this article, that might not be what you get from your doctor.

My gynecologist/surgeon was very forthcoming with every detail of my condition, both before and after my first surgery. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. By knowing all the details, I was able to educate myself and, hopefully, ask better questions the second and third time I went under the knife. 

Would I want to know if I had only months to live? You betcha. Because I would make the most of every last minute that I had remaining. Gory? I don't think so. It's the real deal. We're all going to go sometime. 

Tim McGraw says it best ...... Live Like you were Dying

Until next time .......

~B-Optimistic~

Focus Switched for Ovarian Cancer Research

“Put bluntly, we had the name wrong, the staging wrong, and the diagnostic testing wrong. It is no wonder we have lost so many lives to this disease.” (Dr. Lucy Gilbert, director of gynecologic oncology at the McGill University Health Centre)


Read the entire article here ......
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/02/09/ovarian-cancer-fallopian-tubes.html?cmp=rss


Another quote from this article brings better news ...... "Based on the four-year research project called the Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer Early (DOvE) study, the McGill centre is opening 12 satellite clinics in Montreal to make it easier for women who are experiencing symptoms to get tested."

On a personal note, I realize that there is nothing that can be done for mistakes of the past, but going forward, let's hope that this present theory is correct and that more lives will be saved. (Note: nothing in the article indicates that anyone can be referred to the clinic or just women in Quebec. I would assume, however, that the facility will be open to anyone with a doctor's referral).


Until next time .......
~B-Optimistic~

OVARIAN CANCER SYMPTOMS

Pay attention to these symptoms because they could be the heralding signs of ovarian cancer!


I personally had ALL of these symptoms ..... and neither a pap test, pelvic exam, or ultrasound found the tumour. It took a CT Scan to discover my cancer.


It will be 10 years this spring since I was first diagnosed and I thank Dr. Robert Thompson, my family doctor, for recognizing the need to delve further into the symptoms. A gynecologist, an intern, and 2 surgeons examined me and did not recognize them. 


It's up to you to be aware .... keep a journal of changes that your body is going through and list any symptoms that are not usual. Above all, be informed!!! And if you have a combination any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor. Don't hesitate to demand that he/she sends you for a Scan. Hopefully it will be nothing.

Update - Three cancer treatment drugs may have potentially fatal side effects

Read this for more information. This warning was posted on the GCT Facebook page and it appears that these drugs might be considered by some doctors for the treatment GCT. Be aware and be informed!

An Uneventful Year – Gotta Luv it!!

I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since I posted in my blog. Time to remedy that!!

For the record, my cancer remains at bay – no symptoms to indicate that it has returned and I am praying that it stays that way for many, many years.

I’m still struggling with my efforts to change my eating habits and lose weight – not an easy feat when faced with an addiction to sweets that has plagued me since I was young. It’s on my mind every day. Each morning I wake up full of ambition and motivation; by early afternoon I have given in to the temptations of sugars and the carbs that bring on the cravings.

I know that low carb is the way to go for me. I know because it has worked. I have never felt better than when potatoes and breads have been eliminated from my diet - more energy, better skin, no sugar cravings, and more! It’s time I get my act together. I have too many things on my Bucket List to accomplish, but I need the energy to get them done!!

“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd druther not.” ~Mark Twain

I hear ya Mark! But I think I can find a way to keep my health and enjoy it too!

Stay tuned and remember to .....

~ B-Optimistic! ~