Medical Update

     Most people are familiar with what cancer is physically. It is the loss of hair, the gaining of weight or the removal of a limb. What many people are unaware of is the emotional aspect of cancer. My blog explores my emotional journey with cancer, as a therapeutic way for me to find a little bit of peace in this world full of chaos. I do still want to update you fully on what is going on physically and medically. I was first diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing’s sarcoma on May 31, 2013 at the Grand River emergency room. Because of the location of the tumor, the doctors at Grand River Hospital were reluctant to do a biopsy due to their lack of experience and equipment. They sent my information to Hamilton in hopes of having more experienced doctors there take care of me. I awaited 2 weeks at home from my initial diagnosis to the biopsy. I can safely say that those two weeks were the most painful time of my life. I had a collapsed vertebrae on my spine which caused unimaginable amount of pain. My left leg was so tormenting that I was bedridden and could not move. I had to have my parents carry me to the bathroom. The only thing that got me through those days was the hope that someday, this was all going to be over. In the middle of June, I was finally admitted to the Juravinski Hospital under an amazing doctor, Dr. Tozer. He started me on an intense chemotherapy regiment that consists of vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and etoposide. The initial CT scan showed the primary tumor, which was around 9cm x 7cm with metastasis to the pelvic bones, spinal vertebras, rib bones, left humerus and to the left lung. After 2.5 rounds of chemotherapy, the primary tumor shrunk to 5cm x 4cm x 6cm, with the metastasis also shrinking. After another 1.5 rounds of chemo, I did another CT scan and this time, the scan showed that the primary tumor had grown by a centimeter. I spoke to Dr.Tozer and we both came to the conclusion that it was best for me to be transferred to Ottawa to be closer to my family, considering that my time could be limited. At Ottawa, my oncologist became Dr.Verma. After some discussion, we decided to give the chemotherapy another try because this could be my best option. This is why I am currently in the Ottawa General Hospital receiving my 5 day chemo regiment. The word ‘interesting’ could be used to describe my journey, or perhaps ‘terrifying’ or ‘painful’, but I’d rather stick to ‘interesting’. I’ve had to find out what a blood transfusion is, and how it feels to have almost all of mine white blood cells eradicated. For the future, my greatest hope is to not feel the physical pain that I felt during the first two weeks. I don’t think I’m asking for a lot, I just don’t want to be in that much pain anymore. Anyways, I will keep you updated on what goes on medically and hopefully things turn for the better!