I know everyone was expecting an update after my last CT scan and follow up at Moffitt with the peritoneal surgeon. I expected to post an update right away. However, Mom and Andy were with me and we came away from this visit befuddled. It took a great deal of time to digest. Most honestly, we no longer had a clear plan to write about despite my CEA and Signatera tumor markers coming down.
The CT scan as hoped/expected showed that all three tumors had some decrease in size. We had been told that if they shrunk or stayed the same that I could go to surgery and get them cut out. We had a plan. A surprise showed up on the scan that I had a pulmonary embolism a/k/a blood clot in the left lower lobe of my lung. I had no other symptoms alerting us to this. The clot requires typically at least three months of blood thinners to break it up. There is no surgery while on blood thinners. Since you must stop chemo for four weeks before surgery, the “sweet spot” for when to operate is when the tumors are responding and are smallest. I was ready, except this clot wrecked everything! .
Currently I am taking the blood thinner Eloquis twice a day to rid myself of this clot and in hopes of moving forward!
In the meantime, this means continued chemo every other week on Wednesdays and then home with the remaining chemo on a pump thru Friday. On Friday I go to have the pump disconnect, receive a bag of IV fluids, and get a shot that helps my white cells overgrow.
After sitting with this news for days, I came to the conclusion that God gave me this extra time for more information/opinions! I scheduled a second opinion visit with University of Miami, Sylvester Cancer Center which turned into four visits with four specialists each providing different information and pieces to the puzzle! Dr Floriano Marchetti – Colon/Hipec, Dr A. Sinno – Gynecology/Oncology, Dr Anice Hester- Epigastric/Hipec, Dr Augustin Pimental – Medical oncology.
Miami was loud and clear that I need a serious surgery called CRS/HIPEC. It is the only surgery that I believe and they have confirmed will offer me a chance of cure. We will talk about the surgery in more detail another day. They have ordered scans sooner. Tomorrow, 7/11, I will have a PET scan. Friday 7/12 I will have MRI of abdomen and liver. I have flow ups with both Moffitt and Miami next week! Soooo much to do and to process!
Immediate need:
•Please pray for excellent outcomes on both of my scans!
•pray the clot is gone!
•Pray that both follow up visits are clear
•Pray that I will be able to discern my path and best surgeon selection
•Pray for me and my family as we navigate this unusual time
For those led to do something tangible, my needs have evolved.
I appreciate gift cards currently to restaurants and groceries that offer organic foods such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods etc. I am making a major effort for lifestyle change.
Amazon is still great for all of the monthly supplements I take. I love your calls, texts, cards. Opportunities to exercise together and/or to ground with nature. There are more sunrises and boat rides in my future! Sunshine8323801@yahoo.com
I am still out here being Angela, working full time, having fun when I feel well and can. Please know that Saying/doing the wrong thing is worse than being silent. Please never hesitate to call, text, email etc. I may be slow to reply but my heart is refueled by your support. 💕 Do not be afraid to message me more than once! I do “squirrel” and miss things! Lol
MOST IMPORTANTLY, GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY! Do NOT wait. Colon cancer is 100% avoidable! Please message me with any questions. I am happy to help.
Much love
Angela
! Love you. Praying for you every day ❤️
Many blessings to you Angela. I’m praying for you everyday and love getting these reports. Much love to you, your sweet Mom, Andy, and all of the family!
Ang-I love you-our prayers for you will continue without ceasing. I want to help! Please post your address and or your phone number( I don’t seem to have them) or just give me a call! I’d love to meet you out boating and /or send gift cards or help you in any way possible- I know God is using you in a mighty way through this – you are a. Mighty warrior princess for the kingdom of God and with you I am sure He is well pleased.
Michele
Beautiful, strong Baby Girl love you tons🙏🙏❤️ W hat an amazing, proactive patient you are. If anyone reading ever encounters something like this, you are leading the pack in engagement in your own healthcare! Angela full of life! 💪May the doctors be lead by the hands of God . May he give them wisdom and guide the surgeon s hands. to give you a full recovery ; Praying for you always. 🥰
I’m praying for you. I’m hoping that a plan for a cure can be hatched. Keep us updated.
Big prayers for you Angela! What address can I send a gift card to?
Angela, praying for you and sending good vibes. Sometimes I wonder why God makes you and my friend here in Mi go thu that. I admire you for your great attitude, that helps and I am glad you want a lifestyle change.
We all love you
Prayers and love your way! Fight like you have been! 🙏❤️🙏
Angela– you are amazing and beautiful. I’m sorry that you are going through all of this, but publishing your journey is such an inspiration. You are so strong and positive, and that will help you to get through this. I’m praying that your scans are good and the blood clot will be dissolved. Many prayers for you and your family.
Angela, you are on my prayer list daily. I was thinking about you the other day and how I hadn’t seen an update recently. I thought I just missed it. Sometimes there are so many inane things to go through on FB that I get fed up and stop scrolling. I pray that you get clear answers and a set plan to follow. Keep fighting… You can do this!
Prayers for you and your family for healing, strength and knowledge! We love you and hope you get more answers! Thank you for reminding us to address our health straight on and that you aren’t alone.
My heart is with you as you navigate this difficult path. I see you in the quantum field
(Drs Joe Dispenza, Bruce Lipton) healed and happy. Imagine your self there as often as you can. 🦋🙏🏻💐💝
Thoughts are with you Angela. Keep fighting!
Sweet Girl, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Hopefully we will actually get together in September but for now keep up the good fight. I’m glad you got some new input. As you know, some in the medical field get to entrenched in the way to do things. News eyes can be helpful. You will make the best decisions and come out of this stronger! Love, hugs and kisses!!!
Angela, I will continue to pray for healing and strength for you. You are a beautiful, amazing warrior! Thank you for always reminding us to get our colonoscopies. 🙏💙
This world needs Angela! God hear my prayers. Prayers that we have many sunrises together (and boat rides) Love you
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I’m truly sorry that you are faced with this journey. Your spirit and strength are inspiring to us all, Angela💕
Sending love and light. Prayers for full and complete healing!
God please bless you with a cure strength and peace. Love you and I’ll be praying for you.
Good morning Angela
I just found this update on my junk folder. Know that you are in my daily prayers . You are an amazing brave warrior who will succeed in your fight. Our Lord is always with us to give us strength and peace.
Sending love , hugs to you and your family
Praying for you classmate.
Hey Sis! So sorry you have all of this on your plate…. Sending you huge hugs and love. 💗
Angela, I just have a strong belief that have got this. I’m sorry you’re going through it but keep your chin up like you do❤️🙏🏻
Prayers for good scans and no blood clot! Love you! 😘🙏🏻❤️
I prayed for you from the first day I found out about your fight. I continue to pray even though I rarely see you any more. Please tell your Mom I send her my love— I remember how I instantly liked her when I met her at Ladies who lunch late— and you, too!!!!! I will never stop praying— and wishing you good health and strength and happiness.
God Bless you !!! Love, Diane Parisi
Praying without ceasing. Love and prayers. Gina
Hey beautiful lady, you never failed to inspire me!
Huge love and prayers coming your way.
Keep that sunny, joyful spirit and trust that God is going to see you through this.
God Bless You!! 😘
Sending healing thoughts and positive vibes into the universe for you. Though we’ve never really met I feel like I know you through some of our mutual friends. I’ve always felt you were a warrior and I admire your courage, attitude and overall persona. You are brave and strong and powerful. Keep up the fight and stay positive.
You continue to be amazing, Angela! Always inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for healing and guidance in the coming days! Praying for profound wisdom and clarity for the doctors treating you. Sending hugs your way.
Our prayers have been non-stop still you started this difficult journey. Your can count on them continuing as long as you need them!
Butterfly hugs,
Julie
Thank you so much, Angela, for updating us of your situation. You are always on my mind and in my prayers daily. You are so brave and such an inspiration to all of us!!! So glad you are seeking second opinions and striving for excellence in your health care needs. You will beat this, I have no doubt!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Angela, so many positive vibes coming your way, you are on my mind a lot. Best healing and I know God will guide you in the right direction for you and your family. We always had a great work connection and some of the same hopes and goals for patients and veterans, please reach out to me when you feel up to it. Would love to talk with you. 561-385-0299. Much love and prayers!!!! ❤️🥰😘❤️🩹
Oh Angela that is certainly not the news we all expected. Damn !!! I am totally praying and sending positive vibes to continue shrinking the tumors and getting the d of the clots. You are one incredible woman 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪