Diagnosis: Details of Maria's Condition

A list written by Rocky from the recorded conversation on May 5, 2010 with Dr. Lim:
>
> * Mom's condition is cancer, specifically Ovarian Cancer and Primary Peritoneal Cancer.
> * The cancer has spread through the soft tissues of her entire abdomen and implanted itself in her diaphragm. In the CT scans, her abdomen looks as if it's full of gravel, the dark masses are too numerous to count. Her Gyno Oncologist, Dr. Lim, expects remove a larger amount of material in surgery, compared to what the CT scans indicate.
> * If she hadn't elected to have the surgery, her life expectancy is under 6 months.
> * The surgery is extensive. The surgery is very risky. It hasn't been an easy decision for my mom or the rest of us to make. But she will go through with it.
> * The surgery entails the full removal of her ovaries, tubes, uterus, a partial colectomy, removal of abdominal tissues and parts of her diaphragm. There is a chance that a full colostomy may be needed after the surgery, depending on the risk of infection during her recovery.
> * Post-surgery recovery of at least 14 days in hospital. We are praying that there are no complications or infections in the interim that would affect this timeline.
> * And then there's the chemotherapy treatment after the surgery – weekly treatments for the next 1 1/2 years. The effects will weaken immunity, make all her hair fall out, etc.
> * All of this, and there's still only a 50% chance that if she does survive this grueling regimen - she may live another 5 years or so.
>

The News

On Monday, April 19th, 2010 our family was given some shocking news.

Over the course of about one week Maria's, mother of the family, stomach had gone from post-menopausal to "[looking] like she's 8 months pregnant," said Ron, father of the family. She was admitted to Concord Hospital in New Hampshire where "they took great care of [us]," reflected Maria.

After a CT Scan (I think that's what it was - I am slowly learning all the terminology for everything) and draining of over a half gallon of fluids (pretty sure a laparotomy but could have been laparoscopy) from her tiny little 5'1", normally 110 pound body, the doctors were convinced it is cancer. The biopsy is still in progress so we do not yet have a precise diagnosis.

After reading forums on cancer online and realizing how empowering, settling, enlightening, heartwarming and real they can make the situation for you, which helps one deal and cope with the situation:

I, Monica, daughter of Maria, am creating this blog as an outlet for each member of our family, if they choose, to submit writings on their experience throughout the process.

It is my hope that this blog will not only help all of us bond together by processing our feelings together but also will help other families and patients diagnosed with cancer.

Together, we shall persevere. Thank you everyone for your support throughout this process.

Gosh, mom, Monday seems like 2 months ago after everything that I've experienced this week. I wonder what it must feel like for you?

We love you so much, mom.