I met with the Genetic Doc’s to discuss the entire process/probabilities, etc for the Genetic Testing.  It was like listening to an Advanced Math Instructor & way over my head!  For me, the test was just a blood draw.  However, the harder part was gathering the family history.  With 10 siblings & loads of aunts, uncles & cousins, it was a challenge.  In addition, the “rainbow of cancer flavors” on my Dad’s side of the family is incredible.  (prostate, brain, lung, bladder, blood, skin & the list goes on)  Quite a document I have compiled for my family & the nice thing is it’s done, if needed for the future.  Unfortunately, the genetic testing showed/proved nothing in my case.

Dr. Debra Frassica has been my Radiation Oncologist thru this entire process.  She is getting ready to “release” me from monitoring.  She feels that I am under enough SCRUTINY & TESTING by my Main Oncologist & the Orthopedic Oncologist.  It’s a good thing, however, she is the ONE DR who cares about me as a WHOLE PERSON – not just the area between my knee & hip.  She likes getting into MY Head to know what I am thinking to learn how my recovery is going.  As she reminded me today, I need more time to recover not only physically but mentally.  We reminisced about how sick I was & how far I have come.  She is the Doctor who got the ball rolling for me.  She saw how much pain I was in just trying to walk, move & sit.  She’s a GEM in my book!

Dr. Guintoli was very concerned that I had developed 2 unrelated & major cancers in a 3 year period.  He recommended that I consider Genetic testing to see if there was a reason for all that had happened.  I asked about the benefit of it.  He indicated if “something” were found in terms of my genes, it would be useful to my siblings & relatives in my blood line.  I was wondering if the Dr’s wanted to know for Scientific reasons about what was happening in my body & the fact that I am surviving … just a thought.

He also told me he had gotten calls & email from my TEAM of Sarcoma Doctors.   They wanted to know how I was doing.  He indicated they were very protective & territorial of me & my health.  I just smiled & said, “thanks”.

My hysterectomy was done on July 31, 2009.  I was thankful to have the cancer REMOVED.  However, this meant an entirely  new 5 year cancer “follow-up” schedule, oh joy.

I had a uterine biopsy done on July 12, 2009.  On the 26th, I met with my GYN only to learn I now have UTERINE CANCER.  I was referred to the Chief of Oncology/Gynecology at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Guintoli.  My initial visit with him was great, as he gets where I am MENTALLY.  It’s been a rough ride & I am scheduled for a complete hysterectomy on July 31.