(This first post is written by Sara and approved by Terry)
Hello friends and family. Welcome to my first blog! I hope this will prove to be a good way to keep everyone informed.
Just a bit of background information to start. I was diagnosed with sarcoma Feb. 2012. A small potato sized mass was removed from my colon. After the surgery I had regular CT scans every 3 months. We were doing great, but unfortunately in January we could see that the sarcoma had returned. I was started on chemotherapy 2/7/2013, and I am now on day 4 in the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake City, UT. I am very fortunate to have my brother Dave as an influential advocate. He and Lorrie have been very kind and very hospitable through all of this. Tim has been a wonderful support and partner. Sara has also been able to visit, and she is helping me write this blog. On day 4 of chemotherapy, I am feeling quite tired.
A few answers to some possible questions:
What is sarcoma? Sarcoma is a type of rare cancer. I was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma meaning that the tumors arise from smooth muscle. Unfortunately the grade of my original tumor was high meaning that there were more risks for metastasis. High grade sarcomas generally need more aggressive therapies such as chemo and possibly radiation therapy. The good news is that chemotherapy has dramatically increased survival rates. For more information about Sarcoma, I find this website http://www.huntsmancancer.org/patient-care/clinics-and-programs/sarcoma-services/about-sarcoma and http://www.cancercenter.com/glossary/sarcoma.cfm to be informative.
What is chemotherapy like? This is day four of chemo for me. So far I've been fairly comfortable given the situation. This is not like chemo in the movies where someone sits for a few hours then goes home. I am staying in the hospital all 5 days. Despite some mild bloating due to all the fluids I am getting, so far my main symptom is fatigue. I am expecting to be very tired over the next few weeks.
Will you lose your hair? Yes. I plan on finding some nice wigs, scarves, and hats in the meantime. I will most likely begin to lose my hair in 3 weeks.
You may ask me questions as well, and I may or may not be able to answer them. For example we are unsure at this point in time how many chemo treatments I will need, but it will be at least 2.
Thank you for your prayers, optimistic thoughts, love, and support.
I'm so glad you are doing this as I know everyone will want to keep up with how things are going with you. I'm sorry I wasn't able to come tonight but I didn't want to share my cold - you have enough going on. Sending my love,
ReplyDeleteLorrie
Dinner was great! You live with a great chef! Hope you feel better. I am sure we will see you soon.
DeleteThank you for doing this. Loving and supporting you. Let us know what we can do.....you are a woman to admire
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteTerry,
ReplyDeleteBoth Lexi and I are sad to hear about the recent turn of events, but are happy to hear that your treatment is going as well as it possibly can. Hang in there, I'm sure you're in good hands.
We're just down the valley, so let us know if there is anything that we can do to help out when you are in SLC.
Andy and Lexi
I'm so very sorry to hear that the Sarcome has returned. But it sounds like you have started a very rigorous treatmeant that will nip this in the bum! You're very lucky to have Sara so close, I'm sure she is taking the best care of you :).
ReplyDeleteStay strong and positive and Keep up the Great Fight!
Christine Mueting
Terry, so sorry to hear about the reoccurence of the Sarcoma. I admire your spirit and wish you lots of strength, faith and perseverance. Good thoughts coming your way, keep up the good work and keep on fighting!
ReplyDeleteEsther Ryser
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Terry,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story. You are and will continue to be strength and inspiration for so many. And the miraculous power of love will surround you and your family as you travel this journey. I know you are a hard worker with commitment and great strength, and you will do this work with grace. I look forward to seeing you smile and say, I finished the chemo.
with love,
Sherry
I am glad that baby girl night night was there with you; can't knit, but I will b there, maybe even slog through mah jong. have a safe trip; anxious to talk to you when you feel like it. xxoo nb
ReplyDeleteHi Terry,
ReplyDeleteNice crossing paths in SLC with you and Tim. I hope the treatments are going well. Good thoughts and healing from Boulder.
Gordon
Tim and I enjoyed visiting with you and Sara. I hope you are getting some good weather for skiing. We will be back in Salt Lake in about a week.
DeleteThanks for the healing wishes,
Terry
Tim and I enjoyed visiting with you and Sara. I hope you are getting some good weather for skiing. We will be back in Salt Lake in about a week.
DeleteThanks for the healing wishes,
Terry
Tim and I enjoyed visiting with you and Sara. I hope you are getting some good weather for skiing. We will be back in Salt Lake in about a week.
DeleteThanks for the healing wishes,
Terry
Tim and I enjoyed visiting with you and Sara. I hope you are getting some good weather for skiing. We will be back in Salt Lake in about a week.
DeleteThanks for the healing wishes,
Terry
Tim and I enjoyed visiting with you and Sara. I hope you are getting some good weather for skiing. We will be back in Salt Lake in about a week.
DeleteThanks for the healing wishes,
Terry
Tim and I enjoyed visiting with you and Sara. I hope you are getting some good weather for skiing. We will be back in Salt Lake in about a week.
DeleteThanks for the healing wishes,
Terry