I really don’t even know where to start with this. It’s been a while since I posted, almost 6 weeks and so much has happened. So I’ll just jump right in.
This whole past year, from way before I headed to the States in May, I’ve been plagued with little, niggling health issues, none of which made sense or seemed associated with any other. I thought I was maybe becoming a hypochondriac, or imagining the awful reflux, the debilitating fatigue and trouble breathing and other inconsistent, niggling issues and never considered tying them together. There was just too much to do to be slowed down by any of it.
Once there, I had the basic telehealth appointments that did nothing – sent me for colonoscopies and endoscopies but no in-person consultations and week-long waits for even a call with results. By this time, I was experiencing severe edema in my legs and feet and around my middle. I went from having a waist to having an innertube around me! I was losing weight (except around my middle) and could hardly eat.
I thought, “Screw this,” and made an appointment with my doctor back here in South Africa for the first day I could on my return
The flight back to South Africa, which should have been a pleasure in biz class on Emirates was so uncomfortable and I couldn’t get settled. Two days after landing, I was at the clinic, armed with prescriptions for blood tests and scripts for an ultrasound and X-rays. By the second day, Dr. Duvel had me on the phone, hooking me up with her specialist husband at the local hospital and the long journey began. I had abnormal cells, there was fluid in my lungs, a blood clot and so much fluid that the ultrasound was pretty much useless.
I was admitted to Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital and had to do the Covid thing for two days, waiting for authorizations from the medical aid, as health insurance is called here – and which fortunately, I signed up for the end of last year.
In the ward, I waited for insurance authorizations to come through which was a real hassle. But this is where I started to see how lucky I was to be where I was and to have the doctors I have. Dr. Vlok hassled the insurance to get it through (he claims he enjoys sparring with them!) Once the authorizations came through (2 days later) multiple blood tests and a CT scan happened in quick succession. The CT scan can see through the mass of fluids. Originally, it looked like there may be something on the pancreas and then that was dismissed when a mass was discovered on the ovary. And along with that, the ovarian tumor marker was discovered. A drain was inserted in my tummy and literally 6+ litres of fluid removed. No wonder I looked and felt like I was 6-months pregnant! They did take the drain out, thank goodness, as that was absolutely the most painful think I have ever experienced!
A day later Dr. Birdsey, the gynecologist, did laparoscopic surgery for a biopsy of the ovary, which was the final confirmation needed to seal the diagnosis.
These doctors were real medical sleuths, piecing together the weird and disparate symptoms that I had, but until they had that final confirmation from the biopsy, they did not completely commit to the diagnosis! Although the oncologist, Dr Wilson said he was jumping the gun to order the chemo ahead of time to avoid any waiting – and because he was going on leave. And I am grateful for that!
During all this, I met with my wonderful team of doctors. I am so impressed by these people. Not only are they good at what they do but they are so caring and empathetic. When young Dr. Laurence came to deliver the bad news, he didn’t just announce it. He stood beside my bed, took my hand and very gently told me what they had discovered. And all of them, the specialist, the gynecologist, oncologist, anesthesiologist – all of them are never rushed and let you talk and wonder of wonders, listen to what you need to ask or say.
This is not what happened – or happens – in the States, so as they say, timing is everything and I am so glad I am here for this.
And I can’t say enough about the nursing staff. What wonderful human beings they are. Kind, never hurried, ready to help. Although, as much as I enjoy a cup of tea first thing in the morning, 4:30 can feel just a bit too early!
I’m waiting for the authorization to start the chemo process next week. It will last 3 months, I believe and then a decision will be made to do a complete hysterectomy! I’d be happy for them to do it now – I certainly don’t need all those parts anymore! But will follow the process and do what I’m told.
Friends and family are being amazing, with offers of help and assistance coming out of the woodwork from all quarters. I’m staying in Durban with Jules at the moment. Once again, timing is everything as she would not normally be here, but in the Cape. Not that I am incapacitated but it’s really comforting having someone around as I am still feeling very slow. Everyone is being so supportive and thank goodness, no one is doing the pity party thing! I don’t think I could stand that.
All this has taken place within less than 3 weeks.
There is a 50% remission rate for this, using the standard protocol for ovarian cancer and the docs have asked for an additional medicine to take care of the ascites that is so uncomfortable. It is at stage 4 but I am feeling very confident that I can beat this and with all the support and care and love I am experiencing here and from around the world, how can I not?
It’s the weekend, so no progress from insurance of course, but am hoping for the authorization to come through tomorrow and the schedule set up so I can start on this journey I never, ever thought I would be on.