Exciting day

[HVAC]

I spent the day at UNC Hospital. I met with the oncology surgeons. Apparently what has been making me so sick for so long is a big pelvic mass. I am having surgery on the 28th. They will know until they get in there if it is malignant. Hopefully it is not be. It now obstructing my bowel which kinda hurts. At least Oncologist work way faster than Neurologists.

Alex

[tjlmoo]

Alex,
Keeping you in prayer and especially for Monday!
Hugs and God speed on all of this!
Tammy:)

[Lulu54]

You continue to make me smile and laugh!  Thanks for the biblical reference.

[HVAC]

Thanks everyone I am going riding tomorrow since it will be out for at least six weeks after surgery. I have good friends here. I think I will set up one of those calendars where people can sign up locally to do things like walk the Grady beast or do errands etc. A friend did one it was cool I signed up when she was in rehab and visited. I am not sure what I will need yet. I have a literal army of friends between the art world, the barn, the MS Society, neighbors, dog people, cyclists, old friends, and the MS Society.

I also have my Forum friends.

I always like the punchline to the Job ( from the Hebrew Scriptures ) joke. When everything bad has happened he says "Why me God?" and God says "I don't know Job there is just something about you that p-sses me off".

Alex

[anon07072023]

I do remember you making several posts on here about your diaphram spasms and your bowel / digestion issues.  With the amount of issues that you've had with obstuctions, I cannot believe that they hadn't done any imaging on you sooner.  Or if they have, I wish they would have seen this pelvic mass before now.  

At least they're all moving forward very quickly.  I can already see that you have a good team on your side that's really listening.  There definitely is an urgency on your part & now theirs.

I'm sending positive thoughts & prayers for a smooth surgery and for good news after the surgery.

Hugs,
Kelly    

[sandythegeek2]

Alex, I love the way you advocate for yourself. I sure hope it's not ovarian cancer. You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Keep loved ones around you as much as possible.

Gentle hugs
Sandy

[rendean]

Alex,

I am so happy you advocated for yourself (nothing new) and got your surgery moved up, as I was thinking ovarian cancer all along. Your symptoms fit the profile to a T.

I surely hope they can get all  of the mass removed and any and all things possibly in contact with the mass as we had discussed last night.

You and DH are both in my thoughts for a good outcome and prayers to give you both the strength to make it through the next couple of rocky weeks!!

Many gentle hugs,
ren

[tingletingle]

You just amaze me Alex!

The doctors hate us Googling stuff because we can easily get confused and jump to the wrong conclusions. But you are proof that it helps to 'keep the ba$tards honest'.

I can only imagine how frustrated you must have been with the doctors after complaining of the diaphram pain for two years.

Thinking, praying and wishing you a safe return.
Blessings
Alex

[debgen]

God bless you Alex. I am glad they moved up your surgery and I pray everything goes well. As Lulu said, surround yourself with the people you love and be filled with positive energy :)
My thoughts and prayers are with you
(((hugs)))
Deb

[Dagun]

Alex, I´m so glad that they moved the surgery forward, it must be diffucult enaugh to wait for it and waiting to know more. You´re such a brave person and I need more English words to say what I think. But Lulu said it all so well, and you should gather your dearest around you for this waiting time.

Lots of hugs and my thoughts are with you,
Dagun

[twopack]

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are recognized as some of the vaguest in the world of medical diagnostics.  I'm sure it even crosses the finish line ahead of MS.  Even so, I'm glad you picked up the phone and got the green flag for Monday.

You'll be in my thoughts all the while.  I know you'll keep us updated here as you can.

Mary

[Lulu54]

You are such a strong advocate and I am thrilled beyond words to know you are continuing to be that way and not waiting for them to make the next move in taking care of you.

This must be mind numbing or at least frightening to think of all the possibilities, but I hope you can turn your brain off and find ways to relax until Monday arrives.

I am so glad that you are perhaps getting answers to all your recent problems.  You may be our new posted girl of why we can't assume everything is our MS and that other problems can and do occur in our bodies.

Gather your friends around you this weekend as well as your hubby and let them pamper you and entertain you while you wait for Monday.

Hugs and lots more hugs to you, Alex.
~L

[HVAC]

I looked up Ovarian cancer last night and found the three most common symptoms are bloating, diaphragm pain, and partial bowel or bladder blockage. I have had all these symptoms and gone to Specialists of all kinds for two years. I called the surgeon's office and said I did not know if it is important but I have had diaphragm pain as well as the other for two years. They rescheduled the surgery for Monday.

[twopack]

Hey Alex. So this is twice in two weeks that I’m surprised and subdued upon hearing news that I think I should have been more prepared for.  I guess if any of us had clearly contemplated the possibility of a mass we would have shared it with you.  I can’t imagine the ups and downs and busyness as you prepare for the 28th.  I’m holding onto thoughts that this surgery will give you long-term relief from some of your most life altering symptoms.

As I’ve shared before, I believe it is a good thing when we know the name and character of our opponent.  Good thoughts and all the healing energy I can muster are being sent your way.  I know Polly and Grady are standing close in service and in heart.

Love ya girl.
Mary

[Mike_Shuswap]

Hoping for the very best outcome for you!

Mike

[Jacksmom516]

Alex

I will be thinking of you as you go through this newest hurdle - I am positive it will be a good outcome.  keep us posted!

Tracy

[kwarendorf]

It's amazing how the definition of good news changes :-) Yesterday a friend had a softball sized tumor removed from her abdomen. They didn't know beforehand whether it was benign or malignant. It was benign! Here's wishing you the same outcome!

Kyle

[tjlmoo]

Alex,
I will be lifting you in prayer and for all the steps that are still ahead before surgery May 28th.
I pray the Lord will give you strength and endurance and the continued positive attitude and sense of humor that you always unselfishly share with others.
Hugs and blessings,
Tammy:)

[HVAC]

I just had all the markers done yesterday so I do not know. The CT scan is tomorrow.

I have to call my GP today and see what can be done about the poison ivy. I do not want to go into the hospital with all these open sores. I am blistering all over. I thought she called in steroids but I guess not.

Alex

[michelleric]

Lordy Alex!!

So shocked to read this.  My thoughts and prayers r with you, please update us with everything.

Thinking of you my friend...
Michelle

[anon07072023]

Wow Alex, this is exciting news. ;-)  And to think that just a couple of days ago you thought it was a kidney stone.  

You've been thru so much in the last months.  I have to say that I really hope that it turns out to be benign. At least they're moving fast.  This will be the fastest and slowest 3 or so wks for you until your surgery.  I'm sorry that you have had to spend so much money on your healthcare to add to your stress.

Please let us know what they find. Are all of your labs OK so far?  

[HVAC]

Dennis,
  The only difference in my health care seems to be I am paying through the nose for it. I will certainly hit my $10.000 out of pocket costs this year. Luckily unlike Duke UNC lets you make payments forever.

Alex

[ku111]

I am glad they have found it and I hope you have relief soon!  Thoughts n prayers are with you!  Just sorry it took so long.  Better late than never, right?LOL

[Sailorsong]

Are you sure you have not been going to the VA for medical care....It sure sounds like it for you to been having all of these problems for such a long time with something so obvious being the cause.

I hope things come out OK with the surgery ( no pun intended ).

Dennis

[HVAC]

I did have to laugh because this surgeon says "have you noticed your waste band of your pants too tight lately from this think pressing on it?" This has been going on so long the pants I was wearing made me look like one of those guys in the great depression with the baggy pants and the belt cinched up to keep them on. I have not bought new clothes because I am shrinking fast.

The Doctors just said it is okay you are losing weight you were over weight to begin with you look great.

The surgeons will not know until they get in there. This could be my diaphragm pain.

This thing is like the MS diagnosis. I am okay then freaked out. I do not look forward to being split open and gutted like a fish.

Thanks for the support.

Alex