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It is really unnverving :-( Dancing with OVCA
Jan 23, 2009 01:42PM
- 9 comments
My mum had a low grade fever for 2 days. And she also found that there is a lump near her groin which she feels it is swollen. She always has 2 hernia lumps which comes and goes. Sometimes, it take a few days, but eventually the lump would be pushed back. As she started her fever, we got worried because according to most patients, having fever is one of the signs of recurrence of cancer. I got her to see the family GP when her fever did not subside. The doctor was alarmed at the hernia 'lump' and suspected it may be tumour.
There are so many little signs to indicate that something may not be right - 1) that little 0.5 cm 'indeterminate' lump in my mum's breast; 2) her CA-125 creeped to 18 when her 'normal' range is between 12-15; 3)a fever that does not go away for 2 days (yes, I know there is a flu bug going around....but still) and 4) that hernia 'lump' seemed to be hard and swollen.
Thank goodness the GP has the good sense to persuade my mum to go for CT scan and a re-testing of CA-125. ASAP despite my mum's reluctance because she has a series of activities planned for Chinese New Year. The GP got on the phone and managed to get the hospital to re-schedule her CA-125 test and CT scan from 11 Feb to 28 Jan (next Wednesday). It is the 3rd day of Chinese New Year but I am glad that the GP has managed to persuade my mum to go for an early test. To put it bluntly, he suspected that the lump may not be a simple hernia lump and is something sinister. This GP is super-alert because he was really upset that he did not detect my mum have ovarian cancer and that when it was discovered, my mum's cancer had already progressed to 4th stage. I could still remember his strickened face when I told him that my mum had ovarian cancer after a routine check in the hospital. When I broke the news to him, he was lost for words and he looked so guilty because my mum seen him regularly. I can only hope that this time he is jumping the gun because he is watching out for my mother because of the first 'miss'.
The upcoming medical check-up has thrown a damper to the Chinese New Year mood in my house. My mum kept asking me whether her cacner came back and it is something that I could not answer. It is also really so not 'auspicious' as her ex-chemo buddy suffered a relapse and told my mum that she knew her cancer came back when she started to have a fever that did not go away.
For bad or for worse, we would know the outcome next Wednesday. I am crossing my fingers that everything would turn out well.
There are so many little signs to indicate that something may not be right - 1) that little 0.5 cm 'indeterminate' lump in my mum's breast; 2) her CA-125 creeped to 18 when her 'normal' range is between 12-15; 3)a fever that does not go away for 2 days (yes, I know there is a flu bug going around....but still) and 4) that hernia 'lump' seemed to be hard and swollen.
Thank goodness the GP has the good sense to persuade my mum to go for CT scan and a re-testing of CA-125. ASAP despite my mum's reluctance because she has a series of activities planned for Chinese New Year. The GP got on the phone and managed to get the hospital to re-schedule her CA-125 test and CT scan from 11 Feb to 28 Jan (next Wednesday). It is the 3rd day of Chinese New Year but I am glad that the GP has managed to persuade my mum to go for an early test. To put it bluntly, he suspected that the lump may not be a simple hernia lump and is something sinister. This GP is super-alert because he was really upset that he did not detect my mum have ovarian cancer and that when it was discovered, my mum's cancer had already progressed to 4th stage. I could still remember his strickened face when I told him that my mum had ovarian cancer after a routine check in the hospital. When I broke the news to him, he was lost for words and he looked so guilty because my mum seen him regularly. I can only hope that this time he is jumping the gun because he is watching out for my mother because of the first 'miss'.
The upcoming medical check-up has thrown a damper to the Chinese New Year mood in my house. My mum kept asking me whether her cacner came back and it is something that I could not answer. It is also really so not 'auspicious' as her ex-chemo buddy suffered a relapse and told my mum that she knew her cancer came back when she started to have a fever that did not go away.
For bad or for worse, we would know the outcome next Wednesday. I am crossing my fingers that everything would turn out well.
Try to enjoy your holiday with mum and family. You will be making unforgettable memories.
I know what you mean about the "guilty" look on GP's face. I have seen it, too. Hoping for a positive outcome for your dear mum,
Sharon
I know what you mean about the "guilty" look on GP's face. I have seen it, too. Hoping for a positive outcome for your dear mum,
Sharon
Thanks. I am trying to put this behind. This is actually quite a big blow to our family. Last year this time, my mum had 3 chemos and was getting ready for the surgery. Last year's Chinese New Year was a sad event because we kept wondering whehter there would be another Chinese New Year to celebrate together and it was the first time we had a Chinese New Year without my father who had passed away from cancer months before my mum's diagnosis. This coming Chinese New Year is supposed to be a milestone for my mum and a celebration of life. We even planned a big party which I guess may not take place depending on the outcome of the medical check-up,
Interesting, my dad died on this day in 1980, my grandmother died on Jan. 20 several years ago and I have a cousin and dear uncle who also passed away at this time of year. Maybe you should continue with the party plans, perhaps scaled down a notch or two. She will appreciate it, I'm sure.
PInk, so sorry she is going through this. Try and get her to have fun and enjoy the new year. She needs to spit at cancer and mock it at every opportunity. My prayers are with you.
Im sorry that you are going through this uncertainty at the moment , sending prayers to your mum and you too . I hope she gets a good outcome from her medical tests on Wednesday.
Love Angie
Love Angie
Please let us know how the tests turn out. I am thinking about you and your Mum.
Teresa
Teresa
Hey Pink. I'm sorry your mom (and you) are going through this. Glad the tests got bumped up a bit. I really hope there is no recurrence. Keeping fingers crossed as well.
Happy New Year.
~L
Happy New Year.
~L
Pink,
I understand completely how you are feeling. Continue to enjoy each day and as difficult as it is, continue to maintain hope. Feel free to PM me at anytime as you know that as the prior caregiver for my mom, I can relate.
Prayers to you and yours!
Karen
I understand completely how you are feeling. Continue to enjoy each day and as difficult as it is, continue to maintain hope. Feel free to PM me at anytime as you know that as the prior caregiver for my mom, I can relate.
Prayers to you and yours!
Karen
Thank you for all your kind comments. My mum's hernia lump seemed to be getting bigger by the day! We are debating whether to go to the hospital Emergency Department or to wait for another 3 days the appointment. It is really bad timing - everything is closed during Chinese New Year and the only medical help we can get is unless my mum goes to the Emergency Department.
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