I have enjoyed following the popularization of Stoicism by Ryan Holliday. I get the Daily Stoic email and follow his instagram. I have gotten a lot out of it. I haven't bought any of Ryan's books but I couldn't resist the little bust of Marcus Aurelius. I did buy a copy of Marcus Aurelius' meditations. My attitude towards philosophy was ruined by a friend in college who was a philosophy major. Conversations with him pretty much consisted of him saying "Do you think this? Do you think that? Well, you're stupid." I was a science major and his contention that you couldn't really know anything didn't sit right with me, because you could investigate and test things and draw conclusions. So I would never have considered taking any class in philosophy because it sounded like it was tedious. I wish I had discovered Stoicism a lot earlier, it might have saved me a lot of heartache over the years.

The oncologist was very happy with my scan and even used the word "remission". So I will keep up with 200 mg Zejula a day and a weekly Neupogen shot.

I go over what my symptoms were like. Started experiencing abdominal pain early in November 2018. Then there was getting full quickly from eating and fatigue. Finally went to the doctor before Christmas 2018, doctors ordered ultrasound. Only found fluid in my abdomen. Tried to order CT but was denied. They sent me to a gastroenterologist, who ordered endoscopy and colonoscopy. Colonoscopy could not be performed because the sigmoid colon was too kinky. I had colonoscopies before with no problems. Gastroenterologist ordered a CT, which insurance approved. Primary physician thought something might be going on in my uterus, sent me to oncological gynecologist. Gynecologist didn't like how my liver looked and he ordered a paracentesis. A few cancer cells of unknown origin were found. The gynecologist said he thought it's ovarian cancer. I was referred to an oncologist, who started chemo immediately in April 2019. After six rounds, I had a hysterectomy and they did find cancer on both ovaries. It was high grade serous ovarian cancer. Oncologist said it is stage 3. Gilda Radner went to many doctors complaining about not feeling well. By the time she was correctly diagnosed, it was too late. There have been many advances since the 70's and ovarian cancer is less of a death sentence than a chronic condition. If things don't feel right, see your doctor. The symptoms for me were changes in my bowel habits, bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. I also had shortness of breath from the ascites.

Had a bone mineral analysis today and got a diagnosis of osteoporosis and a prescription for Alendronate, which is Fosamax, 70 mg once a week. I had a bone scan years ago and they diagnosed osteopenia then, so this isn't much of a surprise, especially after going through chemo. Also having problems with nausea (from taking Zejula) in the last week. I'll be discussing these things at my appointment at the cancer center tomorrow after they do my blood draw.