Weekly Update, New Chemo and Fun Plans My Cancer Journey Vlog #19 November 2022

This week I’ve experienced ups and downs. I’ll be receiving a new chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine - Gemzar, discuss side effects and its impact on me so far. My blood work brought some surprises and I am so excited about some upcoming plans with me for the next couple days.
#cancer
#chemotherapy
#cancertreatment
#mycancerjourney
#ovariancancer

[@sylviagatterburg5318]

Embrace the sea its a gift for you this trip and also for Harley...

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I love that thought!

[@barbschneider755]

Have a wonderful trip making new memories

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

We will!

[@karenshady8129]

Sending love and light …. You are always in my thoughts.

[@myheartisinjapan3184]

Yayyy have fun!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m looking forward to it! Finally getting out and figuring out how it can be done safely!

[@marybeazley7741]

I hope you have a wonderful time you deserve it.....have fun...Mary from 🇨🇦. 💜💜🦋

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I will, thank you!

[@Moopotsmum]

Hi Maria, I felt so sorry for you when you were in pain, we’re not used to seeing you like that but this is the reality of battling cancer so it’s important that you show this, I was pleased to be see your pain meds were adjusted and you felt better while having chemo. You’re getting a pro at pronouncing the medication names 😂👏👏. I’m really happy for you going to the beach and Harley can go, she is beautiful by the way, she sounds like she’s really tuned into you with the way she whined while you were explaining your pain, Dogs are such great companions. Enjoy your vacation on the beach, sending lots of love from the uk 🇬🇧 xx

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I never thought I’d get some of these medications down, so thank you for noticing my hard work!

[@Moopotsmum]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria thank you for your reply, sending love ❤️

[@debmary2999]

It sounds like you had a rough week - sorry to hear that 🤗. I love the fire hose dream; great visualisation!! It looks like you live in a beautiful location every day but enjoy the beach; sounds great ❤.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

It was the oddest thing. It only started after the new chemo, so I’m taking it as a positive sign!

[@LorySuzanna]

Enjoy your trip. That sounds lovely.

[@c.c.6930]

Fingers crossed my dear Maria! Hang in there, sending love your way...💕

[@sparklecatcher1772]

Sending you love and prayers for healing from London, England. I think the visualisation dream is a very good sign! Blessings xx

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Me too!

[@kathyzager9426]

Have fun!

[@frokengron]

Oh Maria... i am so sorry for the pain you had to endure,but glad that you have switched to new pain meds. Harvey sure is a sweetheart,and he is going on "his own little adventure" seeing the ocean for the first time!(lol) The room with a beautiful view seem absolutely perfect ~ and a nice bonus that you still have warm temps, so doing small walks or sitting on the beach watching the waves and birds etc together with your loved ones sounds peaceful and calming for the soul.

[@justbecause11111]

So happy and excited for your upcoming beach trip. Gorgeous, sunny weather to boot. Something to look forward to. 🥰😍

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

It was perfect!

[@paulanewhouse4252]

I love your dog. Wishing you health all my love and prayers

[@traceythudin9364]

I hope your beach trip is wonderful, with no glitches! Enjoy every minute.

[@deborahwhitt4363]

Enjoy your trip, praying for you Maria.

[@mp-hc7uh]

Hang in there and never give up.

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

I hope the new treatment works well. Have a fabulous getaway!

[@jessicasteiner7298]

I'm glad you are doing better, my grandmother lived 10 plus years with ovarian cancer and went into remission a couple times so it is possible. I pray for you that the new chemo works for you and that you will become cancer free.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you!

[@kristimartinez7528]

Hey Maria! Thinking of you beautiful lady 💕. I hope you have such an amazing trip!!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I did, thank you!

[@marysaunders1770]

Still rooting for you all the way from UK 🇬🇧.

[@betsyslat7326]

I am so excited for you! Maine, the beach steps away, and Harley! Enjoy every moment!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Will do - nothing better!

[@BidenOwesMeGasMoney]

I hope your family is taking care your beautiful fur baby. Rip Maria 💔

[@tatumpiano8569]

Wishing you a beautiful time in Maine! It will be calming and that is so good for your immune system. Enjoy our summer weather, 76 here in NYC, wore a t shirt when just last week my down jacket! You will have a glorious time. Hi Harley, you are a cutie pie! See you on next update!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

The weather was simply perfect!

[@cindys6683]

Heartbreaking to see you in so much pain. The beach trip sounds like the perfect prescription for feeling a little better. Glad you can take Harley. Praying the new medication works for you. Enjoy your beach getaway!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much!

[@juliej5917]

A rollercoaster ride is bad enough, but the pain is just brutal. I feel for you. The trip to Maine seems perfect, or shall I say pawfect! 😎🥰🐾

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I love it!

[@gillsimpson4976]

Have a wonderful trip. The sunshine will be good for you. Xx

[@Sammy-il1qf]

I had fire dreams with my chemo too! They were full on wildfire dreams. Weird. Best wishes to you... I have recently discovered your channel and rooting for you. And I jealous of where you live!! My dream house! And I love the area. Always wanted to visit New England! Love from 🇦🇺

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

And I’ve always wanted to see Australia. New England is great - close to mountains, the ocean and four seasons. Thank you for your support!

[@irenedonohue1406]

Enjoy your mini vacation! Hope you able to have fun, and prayers that this chemo does amazing things.

[@helencygan452]

Wishing you a beautiful restful break .

[@mishloud4215]

I just found you. I live in MA and I realized you were close to me when you mentioned Milford Hospital. I am wishing you the best in your cancer journey and praying that you get well .

[@fran1395]

So very sorry for your pain praying for you !

[@heidi1651]

I'm so excited for you for your beach getaway! And Harley is so sweet! I'm sorry you had some bad pain... I hope it continues to ease up. Your dream is pretty powerful- I would trust it! 🙂💗

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

It’s what I’m going on right now!

[@joanbeach644]

Enjoy your trip. 🙏🏻❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I will, thank you!

[@maribethlowe8345]

Praying for you to stay as pain free as possible - thank you for sharing your journey.

[@rhondawhatley1591]

I hate that you are in so much pain hun I am still praying that God holds you closer than ever before n helps you through these difficult times

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@alisalavine1052]

Hi, Maria. I mentioned a couple of videos ago that I have several autoimmune diseases that I only recently received diagnoses for: Sjogren's, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and spondylitis. I've had the PsA and spondylitis for decades. This has resulted in 3 back surgeries and 32 years of unremitting back pain. I see you. I know the waking in the middle of the night because of the pain. It even invades my dreams. I know waiting 45 minutes for the pain pill to kick in and at least take the edge off. I know that feeling of just wanting to crawl out of my own skin. The pain is exquisite. Sjogren's attacks the moisture producing glands in the body. Most notable the ones for our eyes and mouths. But it also causes our skin to be unbelievably dry and only something a cancer patient would understand. I personally use 100% lanolin, cocoa butter and jojoba oil for my really dry skin. I currently take a low dose of a cancer medication to suppress my immune system and while I am not losing my hair, it is thinning. I don't understand chemo. I don't understand a cancer diagnosis and the fear that comes with it. But I do get you in so many ways. So my fellow warrior, we've got this. Sending you love.❤🤗

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@mo-anniemc8227]

Hi,Maria.Sorry you were having so much pain.Hopefully the adjustment in meds help and you and hubby can enjoy your vacay.I live just above Maine in Saint John,N.B.,Canada.We too,are experiencing beautiful 70 degree temps.Keep the faith,sweetheart.Big hugs❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I didn’t realize the warm weather extended so far north. Enjoy!

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

PS I’m so excited about your mini vacation. I’ve never been to Maine And I heard it’s beautiful. I lived near the beach and it’s like 75 all year around. But Most people like the seasons. I’m just a summer person, always was. And I love your dream too

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I definitely am a summer person as well but I’ve always lived in New England. It’s hard to move to a better climate when your family would be left behind. A trip to the beach is definitely what I needed!

[@lizprovo3906]

Following you from Massachusetts. It is hard to see the suffering you’re enduring but what strikes me more is your forward looking attitide excitement and anticipation of your trip to ogunquit. A beautiful destination right in your own back yard. You are blessed to have many people behind you but dare I say Harley is an unsung hero. She’s with you in such a special way and I’m glad you have that connection bless you bless you.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much. I agree, Harley is an unsung hero. I can’t imagine going through this without her.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Maria, breaks my heart to see you in pain. I’m glad that I saw the banner that says they changed your meds. I keep on praying for you and sending you healing vibes from Hawaii. Aloha

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much!

[@patsyanne8095]

Wow, Maria, going to the ocean in November is great! Enjoy your get away and don’t forget to keep on top of your pain. Sending you lots of positive thoughts from Northern Ontario🇨🇦. ⛱🩴

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I definitely learned my lesson- I need to keep on top of my pain!

[@wandadavis2468]

Enjoy your trip!

[@meshell1399]

I'm so sorry your going through this. I hope it gets better for you 🌱

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you ☺️

[@morganprecious51]

Praying for you,, keep the faith. Praying 🙏

[@compassionentheogen]

Enjoy your trip. Can't wait to see photos and video clips!

[@lynnmoreno6878]

Maria, I’m sorry to see you in so much pain and fear😢. We are all thinking about you!!!❤❤❤ You are such a brave warrior ! Love, from a sister attorney.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much Lynn. I just need to keep the faith that it will get better, eventually

[@bobs1356]

Awe sweetie, I know what pain is like, I never had cancer but I had sciatica nerve pain from doing garden work a couple of year ago. In emergency they put me on an IV of morphine that helped.

[@maryb6418]

Hi Maria! On the pain I have a suggestion. Palliative care isn’t just for dying people anymore. A nurse can come to you whenever and wherever you need emergency pain management. You look great. I love Harley. The beach trip sounds fantastic. Have a great time. Isn’t it funny how you can get used to leisure if you have to? Prayer, love, and hugs, Mary

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I do have an appointment with palliative care! Looking forward to working with them to figure it out.

[@deeeeeee988]

Oh baby ,🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@deeeeeee988]

I am glad to hear you mention your husband .. I was not sure if u had support around you. . We are here for you .any time .. doctors will fight to combat your cancer .. don't think you are doomed .. you are suffering and scared ,but there are lots of hope stories to read sweety ..even many of us.. post as much u feel if it helps .xox

[@serenadm6619]

Enjoy the beach, I can’t wait to see the video, you are looking good, this is obviously the one :)

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

New video will go live this morning and I definitely putting some clips of our adventure. I love the beach!

[@redhenful]

I'm so sorry you were in so much pain. Mass girl here too! ( I'm in Florida now, though) I just love Harley. 🥰 Just wanted to stop in to say that I'm thinking of you and you are so very strong. Best wishes! 💖

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much. I’m sure you wouldn’t be missing the snow, sleet and rain that we are getting today. I think I’d much rather the warmer weather on days like today!

[@donnamariedunn3944]

❤️

[@sylviarogier1]

Enjoy your mini holiday.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m looking forward to it!

[@jennyg4148]

I'm so glad you get to get away & enjoy a vacation! Make sure you get plenty of sun for vitamin D.. that is extremely important for battling cancer. Will be keeping you in prayer that you will be completely healed & be Blessed 🙏

[@ingevonschneider5100]

Do you have opioids? Make sure you have enough of these. In the ER they will give you the same. Fingers crossed and praying for your healing.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

They are really trying with the pain management and for now seems to be under control with it. I do have medications and I’m also going to be working with palliative care.

[@finnwiggles28]

I live in NH about an hour from DF where I'm starting treatment for Sarcoma as well. It's nice to hear familiar town names & know there's someone else close by I'm not alone.

[@mspolarbear2239]

So glad to see that big smile on your face. It is minus 18 where I live (Edmonton, AB) and I really miss the warm weather. Sounds like a great trip and the bonus is taking Harley. Can't wait to see video when you return home. Have an excellent trip and enjoy your summer like weather. Take Care!!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Minus 18 is way too cold for me!

[@ericablaschke3497]

Oh yes loved the 70 almost 80 degrees for three days. Awesome!! I’m from CT. Sounds like the marginal way in ocoquic Maine.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

It was amazing. I couldn’t physically do Marginal Way but we were very close to it!

[@susannechickenmom5621]

♥️🙏

[@blucky1250]

Dr Joe Dispenza has great visualization that has proven to be helpful with disease. It’s helped my RA. Michael Sealey on you tube has meditation videos I highly recommend to my clients with AUD /SUD. Enjoy Maine! I have a camp in Point Sebago but live in Kingston Mass in winters! If you ever want to use my camp in warm months you are welcome to it. The weather is stunning-I went to Bryant for my daughters senior game. Ogunquit is BEAUTIFUL! Bless your heart.

[@DR3itmatters]

Thinking of you. How are you feeling?

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’ve been fighting fatigue but am hoping that will turn around soon.

[@Sushi2735]

OMG! I’m so sorry! You need to go to the ER when you are this bad. You need your strength. Hate to see you in such pain. I went to the hospital six times and didn’t regret it. Drove myself as my husband had to work. Don’t be a hero. When you are doing hard chemo it just sucks. There is no getting around it. I never was a pill taker before cancer. When I finished, I had a bathroom full of pills. If I needed it, I took it. And I didn’t get hooked, and now just Tylenol. Damn, the CA-125, let’s hope the new chemo kicks it’s butt! Thinking of you and sending bundles of good wishes!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

As much medication I have, I can’t imagine getting hooked. Give me pain relief and I’m a happy girl!