Health issues seem resolved. Now a cancer survivor.

[TommieAnne]

I met with my general practitioner in May, because I was having some abdominal "discomfort", told the doctor something just didn't feel right.

so I was scheduled for a colonoscopy, edoscopy, CAT scan, kidney ultrasound, plus lots of bloodwork.

I am 7 weeks out of surgery that removed a cancerous (low grade thank goodness) tumor in my stomach. While Oncology will be my follow up friend forever after, I'm considered cancer free.

Since my therapist/gender counselor had insisted we wait til issues were resolved before meeting with the docs to go forward with HRT, I will be set to move forward in late October.

Hurray.

Bottom line, if something doesn't feel right, pay attention!

[VickySGV]

Looks like you are on the way!   I had a cancer scare a few months after my GCS, but luckily not the real thing so I have a small idea of how you must feel about this.

[MiraM]

I'm glad that they were able to get it all and you are now Cancer free.  That has to be a wonderful feeling.  I was diagnosed in March with Hurthle Cell Cancer of the Thyroid, and had a total thyroidectomy.  while my lab work is all normal, my latest ultrasound showed several lymph nodes in my neck that they suspect may have metastatic cancer in them.  At this point, my doctors are taking a watch and see approach, as they don't seem to be growing at the moment.  They say I am a Cancer Survivor, but won't declare me as 'cancer free'  yet.  Maybe one day.

 

Again, I am so happy that they have said you are cancer free.  A cancer diagnosis is a very traumatic thing and is life changing.

[TommieAnne]

It's been a rollercoaster ride for sure.

Thank you both for the encouragement - for a while I was afraid of all sorts of possible disasters. But now that I'm over the hump, I'm starting to feel brave in all areas of my life.

Late October sees a series of doctor appointments with primary care, oncology & therapy. I expect to get my hormone panel workup then. My informed consent statement was completed in April, but everything had been on hold pending surgery.

I'm on vacation until mid-October.

But my heart has been searching out its path, and my comfort level with myself has grown.

(Insert happy dance here!)

[Jani]

19 minutes ago, TammyAnne said:

It's been a rollercoaster ride for sure.

Oh Yes!  I had cancer and so has my spouse.  The whole process from finding out to surgery to healing can be draining emotionally as well as physically.  I am glad to hear you are considered cancer free.  So now you should be able to pursue HRT which is great news.  Enjoy your vacation! 

Jani

[TommieAnne]

5 hours ago, Jani said:

Oh Yes!  I had cancer and so has my spouse.  The whole process from finding out to surgery to healing can be draining emotionally as well as physically.  I am glad to hear you are considered cancer free.  So now you should be able to pursue HRT which is great news.  Enjoy your vacation! 

Jani

Although the VA often has a questionable track record for care, with me they were very prompt, flexible to accommodate my travel plans, and very sweet to me. Made me feel very reassured.

I am so thankful.

Also glad to hear that you and your spouse are on the other side of that ordeal.

When medical people start dodging around the "c" word, it certainly raises the fear level.

Paying attention to your body is so important. If something doesn't feel right, it's very important to get it checked out. Avoiding the doctors can be fatal!