Jason and I went to see my gynecological oncologist on January 11th. It rained (poured) all the way to this appointment and Jason commented on the weather by saying, "Why is the weather always like this on days like this?". We had no idea what to expect here and were still at our lowest low.
This oncologist was an answered prayer! Some of the first words out of his mouth were, "You are going to be fine. You will have babies in a year if you want too." So of course, this made me cry. Unfortunately, I had never quite grasped the idea that life is temporary. When you are 29 you really doubt that you'll face your mortality short of an accident. It appeared that I could begin planning my future again (or at least think about it).
My oncologist seemed to believe that I had what is called a mixed germ cell tumor, likely malignant. He believed that it contained a yolk sac component capable of rapid replication and spread. He recommended laparoscopic surgery to remove my left ovary and Fallopian tube, as well as the tumor. He prepared us for the need for Chemotherapy following surgery. Apparently, this type of tumor is highly responsive to Chemo so he treats all germ cell tumors with It. He does not stage this type of cancer because he treats it all the same.
This mixed germ cell tumor is quite rare in females and is the female equivalent of a testicular cancer. Also, this female version of a malignant germ cell tumor is actually more common in the pediatric population. Amazingly, there should be about a 95-100% survival rate at 5 years following chemo. Praise God!!
We left this appointment with a surgery scheduled for 5 days later and hope.
Wednesday, January 16th 2013
Surgery day. Terrified but trusting in The Lord. My life is His and I vowed to have Him use me as a vessel for His glory. I have had some other surgeries in the past but I can't remember being quite as scared. I have had a Mark Schultz song run through my head through this whole thing thing called "All Things Possible". Wow. It amazes me where God chooses to be to provide you comfort. The chorus of this song was repeated at least 50 times while I was waiting for my surgery:
"My God is strong and mighty,
My God is faithful.
My hope is in The Lord,
For he is able."
He did comfort me. He did bring me peace. He did perform a miracle. I made it through surgery fine. No complications. Took 1 hour and 1 minute. My oncologist said that there was no obvious evidence of spread in my abdomen and my right ovary looked good. The tumor did appear to be malignant. Now we wait for pathology and heal up.
My oncologist called on Friday, January 18th. Pathologist reported that the tumor was an immature teratoma/mixed germ cell tumor that contained 5% yolk sac components and 5% dysgerminoma components. The oncologist practically nailed it. Waiting patiently for next Friday, January 25th for my post op appointment and to discuss chemo.
Just an aside, it had been raining practically non stop in the Tri-Cities since Friday the 11th. It finally stopped on Thursday, January 17th and snowed 4-5 inches. I chose to believe and trust that the snow is a new beginning after the storm.
These have been some of the hardest days of our lives but He is faithful. He provides. My life is His and I am blessed to be His vessel.
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