My story began in February of this year. I was diagnosed with a localized, uterine cancer, that surgery should have taken care of.
Being New Englander’s, my husband and I get through the winter by making plans for summer fun. So that is what we were busy with. This surgery being anything but routine was the furthest thing from our minds.
April 13, 2023 arrived. By this point we were both just relieved to get it over with. A routine procedure, right? Nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to find out.
What should have been a 3-4 hour procedure went on for 6.5 hours. The next morning we learned that there were some unexpected findings. However, we would have to wait for the pathology to come back. Two weeks later, we got the diagnosis of Primary Peritoneal Cancer. My bladder was covered in pre-malignant cells. There were implants in the walls of my abdomen and a grape-sized tumor that was cancer. But on that awful day the surgeon looked at me and said; “someone is looking out for you.” Normally this cancer is discovered at an advanced state, with a grim prognosis. That would be my situation too if not for the timing of the diagnosis.
My situation is rare and as hard as the journey has been, I am extremely grateful for it. I have a fantastic medical team behind me and a never-ending supply of support an encouragement from family and friends.
I have learned a lot along the way. My hope is that a screening test can be developed for this cancer. Early detection would save many lives.
Clinically things are going well. My last round of chemo is a few weeks away, followed by scans. My future is uncertain. This cancer has a high rate of return. I will have to learn how to live with this new normal of mine. But I will do that, adapting will take time. I am emboldened by my medical and non-medical support teams. They literally held me up. My Catholic faith has been a very important factor as well.
The chemo is tough, the emotions are tough too. I just try to keep moving forward every day. And when nap time becomes mandatory, I curl up with my cats and escape for a bit.