I was officially diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma on August 23, 2021. My cancer journey, however, started in June of 2021 when I went to my primary care physician because of bloating and a lack of appetite. This ended with me being admitted to the hospital, having nearly six liters of fluid drained from my abdomen and the possibility of my cancer diagnosis hanging over my head. I was “diagnosed” with cancer three times – in the emergency room, at a follow up appointment a week after my hospital visit, and then in August when I received my official diagnosis after a laparoscopic procedure confirmed it.
I have since undergone three rounds of chemo, which my body did not tolerate well. I lost nearly sixty pounds over the first four to six months of treatment and was nearly wheelchair bound. My doctors decided to switch me to immunotherapy, which has managed to keep the cancer from
spreading or growing. This stability is currently the best prognosis, since the cancer is in the lining of my abdomen and cannot be operated on or removed entirely. I am currently, and have been, working full time as a teacher despite my diagnosis. Immunotherapy has given me much of my independence back.
Heather’s LifeList:
-
Trip with her mom and brother