Yesterday my dad called me and asked me to go the hospital. After I got off the phone with him I talked to the Rheumatologists office. They spoke with the doctor and called me back to tell me that he too suggested I go into the ER. My appearance had changed so much in a week that it was obvious something was bad. When I got to the ER and back to be seen, the PA began feeling my abdomen. She asked me if I still had my Uterus, Ovaries and Gall Bladder. I told her that yes, I had all my parts still.
She said she was going to have a CatScan done to see what was going on in there. I am allergic to contrast dye so they had to do a dry scan. In the ER I was in a room that had a curtain instead of a door. I heard all the calls going in and out of different results of labs on the people in the ER. I then heard the PA answer the phone and say some words I did not want to hear. I heard her say 16 (that was my number) and say “Ovarian Cancer, I knew it!”.
Moments later she was in my room telling me I had a mass that appeared to be attached to my Ovary and that the doctor would be in to see me. Just a few minutes later he arrived and told me that I had a mass the size of a volley ball that appeared to be attached to my ovary. I asked him if the pregnancy look I had and the pressure on my ribs was my internal organs and he said yes, that the organs are all compressed and pushed up into my ribs. He said that with a mass this size that was growing so rapidly that it could be cancer and that he wanted me to see a Doctor that was a specialist of gynecologic oncology. He said that most likely I will be having a complete hysterectomy. They wrote me a RX for pain and sent me on my way.
I’ve been sick this past year with all sorts of strange things…could it all be caused from this? My sed rates keep climbing. Monday I call the specialist and then find out where I go from here. Surgery will be very soon and then I will find out afterward if it is indeed cancer. If it is cancer then I will begin chemotherapy after the surgery. I’m going to continue to blog. I was asked if I was going to share this new news and I said yes. If anything, maybe this journey of the past year could help someone else. So many strangers have become friends through all of this and I appreciate each and every one of you. I ask that you pray for me and my family to help us get through this time. I will be attempting to keep up with my blogging obligations. I will most likely joke about this ordeal. Please know that is my way of dealing with it.
One thing that is scary is the mass is pressing on my Vena Cava. This is why for the past week I have had to sleep pretty much sitting up. When I lay in bed on my back, the mass is pressing on my Vena Cava and restricting the blood flow to my heart and makes breathing difficult. They told me that is crucial that I do not lay on my back. I also start vomiting if I lay on side. So bedtime for me is semi sitting up on the couch. Today I began having pain in my kidneys. I think this mass is on steroids…
I’m weaning off the Amitriptyline so that I will be able to take the medications I will need during and after surgery. This is a difficult thing to do. I may seem ditzy and make little sense during this time. I will also be continuing my 365 project through this. It’s things to keep my mind occupied and busy, not to mention the documentation of my year.
I also am looking into getting womens health care to help cover the expenses of surgery. The expense is weighing heavily on me and I know we just have to do what we have to do. My family is strong. Thank you all.
Girl on Fire
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Shan shared this scary news with us on the forum; I am PRAYING like crazy for you and hope that this is just some benign tumor just showing off.
{{hugs}}
.-= Rachel — Following In My Shoes´s last blog ..Dear Face … =-.
Hugs Brandy! I know you are strong and will get through this. I’m glad they finally found something but not glad that it is or might be what they think it is.
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..My fitness activity =-.
Oh hunny, you know I am hear for you for whatever you need. You WILL beat this. And maybe, just maybe, it isn’t cancer. ANYTHING can happen. Maybe it’s just a fibroid on steroids. LOL
I love ya and I’m here for you, my friend.
.-= Shan @ Last Shreds Of Sanity´s last blog ..You Almost Named Your Kid What??: MomDot’s Small Talk Six =-.
You’re a strong woman. You have a great family. You WILL get thru this.
.-= Tori´s last blog ..Updates =-.
Your strength and will power will get you through this. You are from a family of fighters! Who would have known your dad could make it through this past 8 months of hell and will make the journey with me to be with you, hold your hand, make you laugh and give your whatever strength he has. This too shall pass. Hang in there, we will be there soon. luv ya
I can’t imagine how scary this is for you and your family. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping this resolves with minimal pain. ((((HUGS))))
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Dreams and Nightmares =-.
Thoughts and Prayers are with you. You WILL prevail.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
.-= Tanya @ Mommy Goggles´s last blog ..Kids Crooked House and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Team for Kids =-.
Brandy, you are such a strong and tough woman. I know you will get through this. I just wish you didn’t have to be in pain while waiting to get things situated. Don’t worry about money, you have plenty behind you that will find a way to make this work. You focus on getting healthy. I luv ya girl and I’m here for anything you need.
.-= Jenna @ For The Love of Baby!´s last blog ..Freschetta Flatbread Pizza! =-.
Ohhh goodness! I wish you well:-)
I’m praying for you and your family. Thankful you have some answers but sad it is what it is.
-Amanda
Thinking of you. Sending you all my love, Susan
I am so very sorry that you are going through this, but I am glad that you have answers. You, Jeremy and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if you need anything.
Right now praying that it’s NOT cancer. Take care of yourself and know that there are plenty of strangers out there thinking and praying for you. I’m one of them!
.-= Debra @ A Frugal Friend´s last blog ..Hot Freebie: South Beach Living Fiber Fit Smore’s Bar =-.
OMGoodness Brandi! i just recently found your blog again, and was so thrilled to see what you’ve been up to…was not expecting to read this! Lots of thoughts, prayers, strength and healing energies being sent your way. (((Brandi)))
.-= tree´s last blog ..Mermaid tales. 🙂 =-.
Hugs n prayers
I’m praying for you and your family and hope all goes well.
.-= Cathi´s last blog ..Pink Saturday – Amish Quilt =-.
Praying for you Brandy. Maybe we could do a fundraiser/benefit?! I know a pretty good band 😉
Brandy, lots of p&pt’s coming your way. Staying calm, focused and positive has a tremendous affect on the outcome. Rely on the strength of your friends and family and know that we’re all here for you.
Brandy, I will continue to pray. It is a good thing that you are on the path of getting this figured out… finally. It has been a long road for you. My prayers for you include blessings of comfort and peace, relief from physical and emotional pain and stress, restful sleep, and a fighting spirit that will see you through this. Love you – sending you hugs and love from afar!!!
I am so sorry you are going thru this. My thoughts are with you – hang in there. Prayers and hugs.
I am so sorry this was the kind of news that you were presented. We will pray for you & your family. I know you have a strong group of family & friends to help get you through this. I want you to know I am here as well. If you need anything at all…. dinner cooked, house cleaned, child care, grocery shopping…. just let me know.
Prayers are on their way! You are strong and in HIM we can do anything!
OMG brandy I just found out from Lori (MyKindaRain) and I am in shock. I am definitely praying for you. I wish I could be there to do more to help. Love ya girl!! Big Big prayers going up for you.
Praying for you and your family.
(((big fat healing hugs))) Brandy!
I am so sorry you are having to go through this and at such a young age. You are strong and have lots of support & you have a family that loves You & needs you, as well as friends!
holler if you need someone to talk too. I can call you anytime. we will find a way!
hugs
.-= Faythe´s last blog ..Wondering wizards… the mystery goes on! =-.
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers as well. You can kick this things butt!
.-= Henrietta ´s last blog ..H2Organics Nutrient Enhanced Water Review =-.
This has to be a hard thing to go through, I can’t even imagine. My prayers are with you
Sending thoughts and prayers your way, you are a strong person, lean on your family, you need them now,please keep us informed.
Sending my thoughts and prayers yourway! I’ll also add you to my church prayer list, as well as everyone I know! Please keep us informed.
Sending love and prayers from NC
Shelly
.-= Shelly @ shellys bits and pieces´s last blog ..My Top 10 Creative and Affordable Vacation Ideas =-.
Thinking of you and hoping the best.
.-= Lisa Mom of 2 Boys´s last blog ..Top 10 Creative and Affordable Vacation Ideas =-.
Wow. Who would’ve ever guessed all your symptoms this last year would lead to this? I’m here if you need anything. ANYTHING. I’m thinking about you. (((HUGS)))
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Kid’s With Asperger’s ARE Different =-.
brandy, you are so very courageous. And a strong woman. I will be puttin all my energy to you during this time. And loveto your family. Hang in there mama….youll do great! <3 healing vibes your way.
Thinking and praying for you!
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and hang in there. I’m around if you want to talk.
.-= Janessa´s last blog ..Random Thursday Thoughts =-.
I am thinking of you Brandy. Let me know if you need anything. (((HUGS)))
.-= Lori @ My Kinda Rain´s last blog ..3 Kids =-.
Brandy I am so sorry you are going through this. Please know you and your family are in my prayers.
.-= Karla Bond´s last blog ..Zen Meditation =-.
Thinking of you and praying. Also praying for a way to financially help. I would love to help with putting an auction together. Anyone interested in maybe doing an auction with me please email me.
mainlandmama at gmail dot com.
lots of prayers for you, Brandy.
i just heard about this Brandy. Is it related to your arm pain? You are an amazing, strong, wonderful woman and you’re in my heart and on my mind.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’ll be praying for you and thinking of you and your family.
Oh Brandy, I’m so so sorry you are having to deal with this. I have been thinking about you a lot this weekend. Many ((HUGS)) and prayers coming your way.
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Nerf Super Soaker Hydro Fury Giveaway =-.
If there is one thing I know about you is your “never back down” attitude. You will kick this volley ball mass thing in it’s a$$
I’m thinking of you and if there is ever anything that you need please let me know. You were always there in my dark times no matter how much I pushed you and everyone else away.
Hugs and Prayers!
OH – and FYI – seriously AWESOME photo above the way you did the formatting it really looks like a old time doc office 🙂
Came over from the 365 blog. You have a lot to deal with right now. I am praying for His strength and wisdom to carry you and your family through all of this and provide all you need.
You’re definitely in my prayers. May God Bless And Keep You and your family at this time. Joking is good, humor is a good warrior against cancer cells.
((hugs)) I am so sorry this happened to you! I’m thinking about you and sending all the prayers your way!
.-= Firefly´s last blog ..Firefly Blog Community =-.
You should talk to Stephanie Pinche @keypractices. She used to be the person behind the @momtv account before she started up Mingle Media. She is a breast cancer survivor and kicked cancer’s butt and a friend of mine.
I’ll send you my prayers darling XXOO
.-= Leah @Bookieboo´s last blog ..Mamavation Mondays: Pregnant Fitness =-.
I’m praying for you.
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..Rayovac Powers Your Vacation- Magic Wand Sweepstakes & Twitter Event =-.
I just got back into town and read this in the forum. I wanted you to know you are in my prayers and thoughts. I am so sorry this is happening to you.
P.S. Your photo is striking, I love photograpy too. You are a Talented lady:)
.-= tracy@bookroomreviews´s last blog ..Asperger’s Play Guide: Step 2 Sand and Water Table =-.
I’m so sorry this is happening. You will be in my prayers.
.-= yvonne´s last blog ..CRAZY BUT IN A GOOD WAY =-.
Brandy, I am so sorry about all you are going through. I hadn’t seen this post until today, and I’m so sorry to be out of touch with all you are enduring. Everything will work out and you will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Sending prayers your way Brandy! xoxoxo, Sarah
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Nominate Ohana Mama for Nickelodeon’s Best Parenting Blog =-.
Wow. I am so sorry. I just found your blog. I will keep reading to hear about your journey.
Oh wow, I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this. You’re in our thoughts and I am praying for you and your girls, that everything will be okay.
Brandy, I will be saying a prayer for you during this time. I know you have a tight family so hopefully you all can help one another during this trial. 🙂
.-= Melanie B´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-Mother’s Day 2010 =-.
Staying busy is very important. I know it is nice to know that you are finally getting answers, even if they are scary, it’s better to know and begin moving forward from there.
You and your family are in my prayers. You are a very courageous woman for wanting to share such a scary time. I know it helps though. Whatever you need, ASK!