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thelifeofkatie2 · 11 months

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Hello Cancer:

I was enjoying life on my own at SEMO taking 18 hrs of classes, field teaching, working part-time and sorority life when pain in my left leg began getting worse. In October 2021 I saw Pain Management and Orthopedic doctors, had several MRIs of my leg and back and still had no definite answers. I finally was referred to the Spine Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital as orthopedics could do nothing more for me. I was given an appointment date for December 21, 2021.

My pain continued getting worse and I began using crutches as I continued going to class. Other activities began to suffer as it got harder and harder for me to get around. Finally, after much pleading, the neurosurgeon/spine doctor moved my appointment to Tuesday, November 16, 2021. At this appointment, I was told that I had a 2 1/2 " tumor on my spine which was causing the pain in my leg and would require surgery to remove.

On Friday, November 19, 2021, I had a PET Scan to verify if the tumor was benign before surgery. On the way home, we were called and told to get me to the ER ASAP as my bladder was distended. I ended up being admitted and on Monday, November 22, 2021, I underwent an eight-hour surgery as the doctor was worried I was losing bladder function and feeling to my legs. The surgery was a huge success with the tumor and part of the nerve being removed and a rod and screws inserted. When I woke up in the ICU, I had instant pain relief in my leg. We were also told that the tumor was benign...yay!

Two weeks later, sadly we were told the removed tumor was malignant. I then began endless appointments with radiation, oncology, and orthopedic doctors. I was also told I have another tumor in my left thigh that looked suspicious. After a biopsy, it cannot be confirmed if the tumor is benign or malignant, so that also will need to be removed.

I began radiation on my spine Monday, January 3, 2022, every day for five days. I then will have surgery to remove the tumor from my left leg on Thursday, January 13, 2022. We have been told the surgery will be involved as the tumor is on and around the sciatic nerve, which will also need to be removed. This most likely will cause me to lose feeling from my knee down. After I am completely healed from surgery, I will then begin six rounds of chemo (one week of chemo, two weeks off).

Fast Forward to August 2022I was able to go back to school for my semester before student teaching. I was able to get through 15 credits and have all A’s and a B making the Deans list. In January right before student teaching I took a fall after teaching for a couple weeks it was decided for me to stop and take a break for my health. I took a total of six falls over two and a half months. Ive started physical therapy and have recently had my scans I had them re-do because of all my pain that has been back. We got results and had a immediate PET scan done, recently we got noticed that the tumor is back and was lighting up a lot. This meaning it is cancerous. I was told it is fast growing and in a bad place to get rid of meaning no chemo or radiation bc radiation would damage my spinal cord. So we are waiting for results as to what to do.

UPDATE: I had my surgery to remove the tumor on May 16th. The next step is clinical trials. This is supposed to stop the spreading of the tumor up my spine and possibly shrink the tumor.

#Cancer #cancersucks #cancerawarenessmatters #cancerawareness #fuck cancer

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virtualelectronicshub · 11 months

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Cervical Cancer: Understanding the Disease, Prevention, and Treatment

Introduction:

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern affecting women worldwide. It is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of cervical cancer, including its causes, risk factors, prevention strategies, early detection methods, and treatment options.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Other risk factors include smoking, a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, multiple sexual partners, and a history of sexually transmitted infections. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals make informed choices to reduce their chances of developing cervical cancer.

Prevention Strategies:

Prevention is key when it comes to cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV is a crucial preventive measure and is recommended for both males and females before they become sexually active. Regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, are vital for early detection and intervention. Practising safe sex, maintaining good sexual health, and quitting smoking are additional preventive strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Early Detection and Screening:

Regular cervical cancer screenings are essential for early detection and treatment. Pap tests, also known as Pap smears, involve collecting cells from the cervix and examining them for abnormal changes. HPV tests detect the presence of high-risk HPV strains in cervical cells. These screenings can identify precancerous changes or early-stage cervical cancer when it is most treatable.

Treatment Options:

The choice of treatment for cervical cancer depends on various factors, such as the stage of cancer, the individual's age, and overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these modalities. Surgery aims to remove the cancerous tissue, while radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy employs drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. The treatment plan is personalised to each individual's unique situation and is determined by a team of healthcare professionals specialising in gynecologic oncology.

Conclusion:

Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease when detected early. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and preventive strategies are crucial steps in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Regular screenings and vaccinations are fundamental in early detection and intervention. If diagnosed, various treatment options are available to manage the disease effectively. By raising awareness, promoting preventive measures, and encouraging regular screenings, we can strive towards a future where cervical cancer becomes a rarity. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against cervical cancer and improve women's health worldwide.

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