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Good Afternoon Teal Sisters,
  We are now heading into February which brings for some the blahs and others some ahhs!  LOL
It can be a time when the winter drags on, its dreary out and feels like spring is not around the corner. This month brings Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day or Non Celebration of the Day and we have Family Day weekend coming up on us. This weekend brings the SuperBowl for those who are football fans or family traditions happen around the SuperBowl day.  For others, it is none of this. All in all, what you do, what you do or don't celebrate and how you spend your time with yourself and others, is your own and what fits for you.  Stay in your moments and how you feel at that time and find what is right for you.
 This week has brought many events to so many Teal Sisters. Some are newly diagnosed and coming to terms with that, some have started their first chemo treatments, for others it may be surgery dates or new/ongoing treatment regimes and for others, they are entering what we all think about but is a reality and are in the end stages of life.  In this group, we will never all be on the same page in our journeys. That is okay, in fact more than okay.  It is how we support others in this forum that matters. Some have good days and are able to support those down. Some have reached NED status and feel they don't have a place here anymore.  I would beg to disagree and feel they have a lot to offer those that aren't and can help support some who are struggling with some encouragement. Engagement on the site does not have to be a ritual for anyone or for anyone to feel obligated to participate on any given day.  This is for you and how you want to show up to this space and what you want to offer to others, to be honest with yourselves and express where you sit today and what is either happening to you mentally, emotionally or physically. It is a time to rejoice celebrations of many kinds and not just to do with this disease.  For it is in this space that many of us sought to help us and find support and like minded people who have walked the walk and befriend and lift up or get lifted up as we continue on our journeys. To share information that we come across and perhaps it may help a fellow Teal Sister.  To find this site a safe environment to share with others truly how we feel and what we may be going through as we struggle a little or a lot with our own journeys and where we sit today.  To ask what you need or what you might like to see on this site so we can continue to improve what this forum is so that it will continue on and on for years to come.
  Wherever you sit today, feel brave and courageous enough to share and open your hearts and souls to people who "get it" and who have "walked the walk" and will "be by your side until....they can't....".
  So where are you today and what would you like to share with all.......

Oh Wow @JoanEG  I recall waiting a long time for mine as well.  I  will be thinking of you and ready when you are, when you have digested the info and want to share. 

Well Ladies.  I saw my Oncologist today. If my CA 125 level comes back elevated in the next couple of days, it means it is trending upwards and we will be switching me to Tamoxifen.  If it remains the same as last time, I believe we are staying the course with Letrozole.  
As for surgery, Hamilton would refer me to a general surgeon and would see me there if I prefer BUT....since it is general surgery, it can be done locally as well.  I prefer this for the family and visiting etc.
I had asked if perhaps I would be able to see the general surgeon that was on the night I had my bowel obstruction last month but alas she does not have an office here yet. Big Sigh on my part....oh well, I tried.
I have been referred to a surgeon in Kitchener who is supposed to good and would do this type of surgery (a little more aggressive due to all involved) and will await an appt with them.  More waiting but that is okay. It gives me time to wrap my head around it all.  Either way and no matter what is done, from what I know now, I will ultimately come away from surgery with a bag (ostomy) of some sort.  I may know before surgery or more than likely not until they get in there and see what is going on.  It will be a challenge working with this and healing but am thankful it won't be recovery from debulking as well.  I will tackle it and do what I can to be prepared as I can be.  The greater risk is attempting this surgery in an emergency situation which is not ideal and way to high stress and risk for all.   I am thankful that I have been able to ward this off for over 2 years and if this is where it is at now, well, so be it.  That is my update for the week.
Had a great time with my parents and the drive we all took to Quebec on Saturday. A welcomed and nice change of scenery for sure!
No Superbowl for me last night....we watched the AKC Dog Show instead. 

@GloHo Thank you.....yes I have been quite diligent. Being re-assured by the dietician on Thursday that I was doing all the right things, helped. She thinks figuring out the laxative part is the key and I agree as well.  Having the NG tube scared me enough to not risk anything that may cause an obstruction for sure. 
Yes, emergency surgery comes with great risks and why this surgery can hopefully be done.  As for the actual procedure, I am unsure. I will find that out when I go.  I am hoping it is as minimally invasive as can be as getting used to an ostomy will have its own challenges.  Doing my best to stay level-headed and look at things day by day.  Like a turtle, I guess. 
As for switching the oral meds, I believe the side effects are the same as Letrozole with some added perks, less chance for osteoporosis which is good and less arthralgias.  I am for that.  Not that I feel or have any of it but good to know, just the same. 

Good Afternoon Ladies.  Here in Ontario we are expecting a bit of a weather system today.  Here, it is snowing and coming down nicely.  Supposed to start getting worse around rush hour.  Out in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland they are to get more. What is the weather like where you are?
  How is everyone doing today?  I am a little fatigued but overall doing well.  How are things going with treatments?  In general?

@melissa How beautiful!  

@GloHo Seems like you and I are sitting in some "stuff" together. Since my obstruction in January, and now all this talk about surgery and stomas etc, it has made me reflect more on where I am at in my journey as well.  I am glad you had the chat with your GP and were comfortable doing so. Making these decisions now and thinking through them rather than having someone else make an emotional decision in an emergency can be two totally different choices. Hard things to think about and to rationalize and put pen to paper so to speak.  Brave you are. 
  I am thankful that we do have a local Hospice and will be discussing things in more detail with my Palliative Doctor after I see the surgeon.  There are a lot of scenarios I want to discuss with her and work out what my wishes are and how we make sure they are facilitated at the time.  I, too, have heard that care at the Hospital at end of life is definitely not the care you receive at Hospice nor as welcoming, I would think.  Sometimes though, we have to do what works for us and our families. 
  I went to the funeral home last year and talked with someone. They gave me a booklet but I did not confirm nor pay anything at the time.  I am using the booklet to write down what I want and other things that I say "can be their decision" at the time.  I feel good about having it completed.  Full of emotions during it and after it for sure but that happens. 
  I have been on a mission to finish up the books I have for my hubby and boys and all the other projects I want completed for them.  Also wrapping up the gift I have for everyone.  I attach a card at the bottom of them for the person it is for. That way, the snoopers in my house don't know unless they look at the bottom.  
  I am with you as you face what you do and PFS.  I don't know how long it will take to have surgery and then the recovery.  Am concerned a little as I am loosing weight too which could be from the change of diet and nothing to do with end of life but don't know for sure.  When I am well, I try to be the best that I can be, in the meantime those thoughts roll around in my head of the "what ifs" or "is it coming soon".  I have more emotional moments than I used to and let it be what it will be. 
  So, my friend and fellow Teal Sister, you have me to walk beside you on this journey. We have others who are well into that part of their journey and I wish them all peace, comfort and love surrounding them.  May they go peacefully and pain-free knowing they are loved. 
  Yes, dark subject but a reality that faces many. Too important to not discuss. 

@JoanEG How are you doing with the news of having the BRCA2 gene?  So, Thurs next week you will find out a bit more.  That is good, not that long now.... 
I, agree, that waiting for the surgery is a good idea given what you experience post chemo.  You want to be at your best going into surgery.  Sorry that you have to go through more chemo when you were thinking you would be finished.  It must have been disheartening and disappointing to hear you would require more post surgery.  One good thing is that you know what you feel like after chemo now so that won't be an unknown for you.  How are you doing with prep work getting ready for your surgery.  How have you been emotionally with it all?
Yes, spring would be lovely to see the flowers and smell the fresh air and see things green up.  Does put a smile on one's face for sure.