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I wasn’t ready to share my story until now. Read part 1part 2part 3. (Check back for updates and to follow my story.)Learning about Ovarian Cancer

I am in Houston. I am so glad to be here. My hometown, surrounded by family and friends. I brought my boxes knowing that I would not be going back to Louisiana. We are moving back to Houston! Lord willing, we will be back in our real home soon! It is what we need to do. I need to get my treatment here and I WANT my family with me. So many blessings have made this move back possible!

Now, here is an update on my journey…(In case you missed it, here is part 1 and  part 2 of my story. They explain how we got to this point.)

My doctor called a while back with the results from my tumor marker blood work. They confirmed cancer. But we knew they would. The CA 125 test is what they call the screening test for ovarian cancer. But the problem is, it is made for older, post menopausal women. That is the high risk category so that is who they made it for. For a premenopausal woman, like me, many things can make the test positive. 

Well how about that?

Cancer: I am learning that it doesn’t have to be a dirty word. I am going to prove it is it NOT.

Enough wondering and waiting! The day had finally arrived to meet my Oncologist! My mom went with me. Thank the Lord for that! If you ever have to visit a specialist like this I highly encourage you to take someone with you to take notes and support you. It made the day so much better to have her with me! She heard things I didn’t and was comforting to have. A hand to hold. No matter how strong you are, this is scary!

The day of my first appointment, so much happened. It is hard to remember each piece of it. I was at the hospital all day!

One thing that stuck out to me was the variety of people at the hospital. All colors, ages, sizes, shapes, lifestyles, etc. One thing everyone had in common was this: all of the patients there, did NOT WANT to be there. We were all brought together by a common problem. Cancer had shown it’s ugly face in our lives.

M D Anderson Cancer Center is HUGE. I am SO THANKFUL that I am going to get treated at this facility! The patient care team is incredible!

This post is all over the place. That is because, well I am all over the place. My week has been full of information, peeing in cups, being poked, pinched, photographed, in pain, answering questions, and asking questions.

What I learned:

  1. Ovarian Cancer can not be biopsied. It can expose the cancer and spread it.
  2. Uterus/Endometrial biopsies HURT!
  3. You will lose all pride and learn to walk from room to room in a gown that shows your bottom as you walk. Yes it happens often and everyone else is doing it too.
  4. Everyone needs to see your girl parts. Again, no more pride or being private.
  5. I have to get over words like vagina. They say that A LOT! This southern girl hates body part words.
  6. You’ll need lots of tests that do not involve that area of concern.
  7. You’ll experience EVERY single emotion but it will not all happen at once.
  8. You NEED a support system when going through this.
  9. Trans vaginal Ultrasounds are evil.
  10. Sometimes you have to let people help. They need it. You need it. Let them help!
  11. ASK for help!
  12. ASK for prayers. People can not pray or witness the miracle if you do not include them!
  13. Take it one step at a time! Don’t fast forward in your head. It is very scary and easy to do. Don’t do it!
  14. LAUGH as much as you can and make others do the same.

The Oncologist performed and ordered more tests to get a better idea of what to expect when she opens me up. All the test do show that I have Cancer. BUT Ovarian Cancer is tricky. They can not stage this cancer until they do the surgery. They can not test the ovaries without removing them. There are still so many unknowns.

Based on my test results and pain the doctor wants to do a full hysterectomy. I am ok with that. I want it ALL out! I am done making babies. They can not do non invasive on my masses. They’ll open me up and test the tissues while I am in surgery. If she needs to remove more, she will. I am ok with that too.

I asked about hormones, but we can’t think about that step yet. Hormones depend on what they find. I didn’t know that. Treatment, including chemotherapy, can not be determined yet either.

ONE step at a time!

Here is what I KNOW: God is the great physician. He can heal this! PRAYER WORKS. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing these very private things with everyone because I need God to work. I need and want prayers. People can not pray or witness the miracle if you do not include them in the journey. So welcome to my journey!

I am going to kick some CANCER booty!!!! I promise! With God on my side…it will happen!

Heather Brummett

I am Heather Brummett . I'm just a real mom, sharing my real life experiences with the world. Thank you for being a part of my world. Here you will find recipes, crafts, fun ideas for the kids, how to work at home, encouragement, inspiration, and the latest news in and around Houston. To be featured or for information on freelance work contact me at [email protected].

12 Comments

  1. I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. Prayers will be going up for you. Our Ladies Bible Class will be praying all so. I am sorry we didn’t get to know each other better while you were here in La. Heather yu know God is the Great Physician. I will be following your blog.. Nita, New Iberia Church of Christ. <3

  2. I enjoyed reading your story, iam proud of the courage you have to let us see what you are growing through you are a remarkable lady to wright a story so to the point.. Iam sending prayers every night to you and family my god be with you and if I can help pleas just ask…

  3. Heather you will make it to the other side of this! The one thing I’ve learned with my grandparents cancer, and then my father’s was that we all had to stay positive. You’re at an amazing place with awesome doctors! I’ll tell you what we tell Dad all the time, take care of yourself first and do everything they say to keep as healthy as possible through the process. I will be praying and I sure miss seeing you here.

  4. You have a massive support system that is here for you and loves you. You are a strong, positive woman, but it’s OK to break down if you need too. XXXX

  5. Love and prayers coming your way, now and always, Heather. I’m glad you’re sharing your story. Your strength will not only heal you, but possibly help someone else struggling and trying to find strength right now.

  6. I just wanted to let you know, I am saying a prayer for you. You don’t know me. I lost my mom to ovarian cancer. I read all parts of the story and I will be following along with you and cheering you on. I am glad for you that you got back to Houston. If there is a place to have cancer treated, it is here. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~Lanie J.

  7. Heather, I’m so sad reading this news. You are being so strong but I know there is a completely different side to that as well. My husband works at Hologic, a women’s healthcare company. They make cancer detection equipment, provide educational materials, and research. Ovarian cancer is a highly talked about topic in our home. I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this but happy you are near family and have a great support system. We are all here for you!

  8. Heather, I will be praying for you, Friend! Your positive outlook and strength are sure to be blessings blessings throughout this ordeal, BUT…you still need people. I am here for you. WE are here for you! <3

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