PWW Captain's Blog. 02.10.15

Before going to the oncologist appointment I researched what to ask. I turned to my support groups for help. I am so glad I did. I took my trusted notebook and husband too, and we met with the medical oncologist for an hour. He gave us the big picture.. one of the things he said is that cancer CANNOT be diagnosed without tissue biopsy.. he said

"Tumor is rumor, tissue is issue!"

So, until more tests are done.. we do not know what we are fighting. For now.. I take one step at a time.

Yes. they did find a mass.


Yes. it is affecting other surrounding areas.


Next step:

Pick up film from urgent care (no, they did not send images)
Get blood draw for more tests, including the CA125 (may indicate o.c.)
Get vaginal ultrasound
Fly to Los Angeles to be with daughter (she is having surgery and needs to see her mommy)
Get unconventional ultrasound and biopsy of tissue.
See OHSU gynecological oncologist next week (19th)

to be continued....

PWW Captain's Blog, 02.06.2015

I had a lot of abdominal bloating and pain, I had seen several doctors and things were just not getting better. The pain was getting worse and I could barely stand up. I drove myself to the urgent care and they did some blood work and CT scan and told me that I had some issues with ketone and ketosis.. I shrugged my shoulders and thought it must have been the effects of a non carb liquid diet.

I was bloated. I was nauseated. I had pelvic pain. I had urinary urgency and bowel changes. I had back pain.

The doctor told me to make an appointment with a gastro specialist and said she would call with the results of the tests.

Little did I know...

A few hours late, my life turned upside down.

I got a call from the urgent care doctor telling me these words (I kid you not!)

"Valerie: I have some bad news for you, you have ovarian cancer and it has spread. You need to see an oncologist right away!"

I NEVER in a million years ever thought I would get cancer... it does not run in my family.. and then I found out that 15% of those that are diagnosed with O.C. do not have family history of cancer...

I then looked up the symptoms... and guess what? Yup.. I had the symptoms.

Next steps

1. make appointment with oncologist
2. stay calm
3. tell family
4. research
5. find support
6. breathe

I got on the phone and made an appointment for the 20th.. SEEMS LIKE FOREVER! 

I called a friend and work and asked.. "How do I tell my family"

I called/texted each of my family members.

I went online and found an ovarian cancer support group (was a great move)

I took time and laid down and did some meditation... 

I resolved to fight this.. whatever it was. 

Oh, yeah. I cried too. 

PWW Captain's Blog. 02.06.15

My newest passion... fighting against a tumor .. one suspected of being cancerous. Yes.. the BIG "C"

Not only Cancer, but most likely Ovarian Cancer... I got this! I am a Pirate Warrior Wench!

I have been fighting all my life, fought to leave the streets, fought against abuse, fought against muscular dystrophy.. and now, for the most likely biggest battle, I will fight this cancer.

Mote it be!
PWW
(Pirate Warrior Wench)

My life in music continued.

The year, 1955. I was one year old and my mom was most likely still recovering from the new surprise in her life. It was not the norm for a 35 year old woman to give birth. Usually they were done before they hit 30. My dad was winding down his career at the New York City fire department, he would have been there 23 years at that point.

My mom did give me the gift of music. She loved to play the old record player and would sing along to many a song. I wonder if she liked this song. Unchained Melody. I never knew that it was a big hit in 1955, my introduction to that song was much later, when it was the theme song for Ghost.

Unchained Melody by Les Baxter Orchestra

In 1955 I had a few older siblings, my sister Dale would have been 5, Ron would have been 13 and Cindy would have been in her mid teens. I am sure that Cindy was listening to rock and roll. She was such a rebel. One of Billboard's biggest hits that year was Rock around the Clock with Bill Haley and the Comets. I could just picture Cindy dancing around the house... and wonder what my mom and dad thought.

Rock around the Clock Bill Haley and the Comets

The year was 1954 and this was a big hit.. Mr. Sandman by the Chordettes. This was the year I was born. I wonder if my mom sang that song while she was pregnant, or if she sang it to me to try and soothe me if I was upset. I know I have always loved this song.. maybe it is buried in my memories of a time long ago.,..

Mr. Sandman by the Chordettes

In search of the perfect match... a professional one.

Building a website.. oh my!

I have a much greater respect for those that spend their lives building websites. I have been working on creating a professional site that resonates with me. Not an easy task. I am finding it difficult to give up perfectionism. Maybe that is why people hire others to do this?

For today I have a start. I have a new domain name.. in fact I think I have a half dozen. I could not settle on just one!

ValerieFriesWade.com

Has a ring to it.

Here is the rough draft:

Visit my new website

I am hoping I can migrate or feed or somehow connect everything in one place. Is that too much to ask?

Here are some images that did NOT make the cut for the sake of loading time

More to come!