MRI and Consult Complete ... Great news!

The MRI.

I want to start off by saying the MRI was not a pleasant experience. It probably won't be the last time I say that something in this journey won't be pleasant... I am prepared for that. First of all, they never prepared me for what the MRI would entail and how long it would be. They should always assume that if you haven't had one before, so that you can arrive wearing the appropriate clothing, etc. I had metal clasps on my bra, so had to remove it, and didn't notice the little metal ends on the ties on my pants, so had to take them off, too. If they had told me that, I would've been better prepared.

The nurse that put in my IV was NOT gentle. She stuck the needle in and didn't seem to care if it felt okay. It didn't ... it was uncomfortable the entire time. Conversely, I didn't feel the IV for the CT at all, and the doctor was very quick to ask if it felt okay. Such a different experience.

Also, I thought it would be as quick as the CT. Boy, was I mistaken! I was probably in the machine for about 30 to 40 minutes. You lose track of time because of the discomfort. They tell you not to move, I naively I thought that I would have to stay still for about 5 minutes. No big deal. Had I known it would be MUCH MUCH longer, then I would've paid closer attention to my position. After about 15 to 20 minutes, my leg and bottom were numb, and my back started to ache from not moving. Plus, they have a large, heavy shield restricting your breathing, which doesn't help. They gave me no indication how long the scan would take, so after each round of loud pulsating noises, I kept thinking it was over. Nope. Then there would be more. Again with the communication issues, which seems to be the trend.

Now for the news I've been waiting a month to hear.

I went to BCCA in Victoria, and I have to say that the support you get there is pretty amazing. There are volunteers who offer to escort you to where you're going, and offer you refreshments - tea, herbal teas, coffee, water. The facility itself is beautiful and bright. Everyone goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable.

When they called me to give me instructions, I was told I would have a consult with the medical oncologist and the radiation oncologist, and then afterwards, I would be having another scan so I needed to drink a lot of water before the appointment.

So when I got into the room for the consultation, the nurse took my blood pressure and checked my oxygen levels. They also took my height and weight. I filled out a form that had all the medications I was currently taking, and any vitamins or natural supplements. I didn't have anything except the CBD oil. The doctor seemed surprised that I had no history of any illnesses, no surgeries, and wasn't taking anything. I am also a healthy weight and have no other apparent health issues. That all works in my favour.

After collecting all the information on my health, he tells me that the two options are a radical hysterectomy or radiation therapy. They don't like to do 2 radical treatments, so he was leaning towards surgery. He said my margins were good and the tumour seemed to be encapsulated in a small area. He said that he would track down the radiation oncologist and they would both conduct a more thorough exam before they make a decision. So I stripped down, and got a full exam - breasts, lymph nodes... and of course, cervix.

Without sharing too much detail, I can tell you that I had a lot of hands in a lot of areas today! It was a THOROUGH exam. HAHA. Anyway, the two doctors leave the room while I get myself together. When the medical oncologist comes back, he tells me that they agreed that surgery would be the best option, and radiation would only be necessary if they find something during surgery that they didn't see on the scans. He discussed all my risks and options with the surgery. I could request a vaginal hysterectomy or laproscopic hysterectomy, but would have to have the procedure done in Vancouver and would have to wait longer to have it done. Plus, they would require more exams first. Either way, I would be in the hospital for 3 days.  He said I could also choose to have it done in Victoria, and it might be scheduled as soon as 2 weeks, but he said likely 4 weeks. The only downside is that he doesn't like to do laproscopic hysterectomies, and prefers to do an incision because he likes to make sure he accesses enough of the area to ensure he gets enough of the margins. The downside is that with this type, my recovery time would be 6 weeks instead of 4 or less.

Finally, he said I would need to make a decision about taking out the sentinel nodes because it's hard to capture a malignancy on a scan. If he takes them out, to be on the safe side, then I have a 20-30% chance of developing lymphadema - a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. This would mean swelling in the legs and an ongoing issue for the rest of my life. However, if he leaves the lymph nodes, then I would have a 4-7% chance of having a malignancy show up. He said I could let him know my decision the day of the surgery... he also said that I could tell him to leave the nodes, and only take them if he sees an issue during the surgery.

So, I'm opting for the surgery in Victoria. Get 'er done, I say! 

I could not have imagined such a positive outcome to this consultation. I was expecting a stage 2 or even higher diagnosis. When I finally asked him about what stage it was, he said probably 1B1 ... that means:

The cancer can be seen but it is not larger than 4 cm (about 1 3/5 inches) (T1b1).
It might or might not have not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0).
It has not spread to distant sites (M0).

The gynaecologist said I was at least stage 2, maybe more, and I would likely need the hysterectomy and 5 weeks of radiation ... but that was 3 weeks ago. I am not saying that this improvement was down to the CBD oil or my new eating regimen, but something happened over the past 3 weeks. I am grateful and lucky, regardless.

Thank you to all of you for your ongoing support and love. I think the positive energy has helped me immensely!

And to make this week even better .... spring has sprung! Some amazing places from around Port Alberni that I took this week when I was there for work: