The beginning of the journey

This is my very first blog - ever! But I figured this is easier than keeping track of all the email addresses and missing someone. I may have the strength and energy to do that at this minute but who knows about later.

First, I'd like to thank you all for the outpouring of love, good wishes, support and offers of help. I'm a little overwhelmed by it all, but it also makes me feel very good. I have an amazing group of friends and family in my life and I'm very, very blessed. So thank you.

Now on to the update. I have ovarian cancer, which has spread to the fatty lining in my abdomen (omentum for you technical folks). But my ovaries aren't too swollen and it doesn't seem to have spread to my lymph nodes. Instead of waiting weeks for surgery, (which could be anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks) I'm going to start on a couple of rounds of chemo, then do surgery and then have chemo again. Clinical trials determined there's no difference in success rate between the two approaches. I'd rather start chemo now so that I'm fighting the dastardly little cancer cells as quickly as possible. My first round of treatment is Friday.

With this chemotherapy, it's a 6 hour treatment every three weeks. I WILL lose my hair after the first treatment. So remember me with my long, flowing locks because they'll be gone as of Thursday night (I'm getting my hair cut short so I don't have really big clumps to deal with). And don't be surprised to see the hairless wonder when you come to visit. C'est la vie.

The surgery is going to be very invasive - a total hysterectomy and removal of the fatty tissue in my abdomen - maybe I'll finally get rid of that fat that never seems to go away regardless of how hard I work out! ;) Maybe I'll just ask for a tummy tuck while they're in there.

It's going to be a tough, long, tiring journey. But I'm ready. I can do this. I'm strong, young and hopeful. If you pray, keep me in your prayers. If not, send good karma my way. I can use all the help I can get.

I will welcome visitors when I'm not puking or too tired. Don't worry, I will not try to play hostess. I'm good with words and can tell you where to find your own drinks. Ignore my house if it's messy. Ignore my messy hair (oh, wait, I won't have any).

Love you all.
Tina