On election day, four years ago, I had my first chemo treatment. We left the house too early to stop by the polls and returned too late. It was the first time I'd ever missed a chance to cast my vote in an election. I guess chemotherapy is a reasonable excuse.
But, today I vote, because I can.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Thursday, November 3, 2016
The good news just keeps on coming
Three and a half years ago, a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon performed a thoracotomy and separated two of my ribs to look for remaining signs of metastatic endometrial cancer. He found one last cancerous node and removed it. I've had PET scans every six month since then to check on my status.
I just got word that my latest PET scan is, once again, clear of any return of cancer. I continue to beat the odds. I was diagnosed with stage IV endometrial adenocarcinoma in May of 2012. A round of radiation and chemotherapy, along with two surgeries, and I remain cancer free.
A few weeks ago, I started a yoga class with my friend Lisa, and I've noticed, for the first time, I don't have to fight to forget my cancer while in class. I'm totally in the moment and free of worrying thoughts about cancer regrowth, PET scans, doctors' appointments, and the things in my life that I might miss if my prognosis turned downward. What freedom!
No, I'm not out of the woods yet, but with each additional clear scan, I get closer and closer to putting this stage of my life further in the back of my mind and concentrate instead on my family and my friends. It's nice to focus on things like vacation planning, college searches, and holiday get-togethers and not on the microscopic growth of those little nasty cancer cells.
Thanks to all of you who have made this journey with me. I couldn't have done it without you.
I just got word that my latest PET scan is, once again, clear of any return of cancer. I continue to beat the odds. I was diagnosed with stage IV endometrial adenocarcinoma in May of 2012. A round of radiation and chemotherapy, along with two surgeries, and I remain cancer free.
A few weeks ago, I started a yoga class with my friend Lisa, and I've noticed, for the first time, I don't have to fight to forget my cancer while in class. I'm totally in the moment and free of worrying thoughts about cancer regrowth, PET scans, doctors' appointments, and the things in my life that I might miss if my prognosis turned downward. What freedom!
No, I'm not out of the woods yet, but with each additional clear scan, I get closer and closer to putting this stage of my life further in the back of my mind and concentrate instead on my family and my friends. It's nice to focus on things like vacation planning, college searches, and holiday get-togethers and not on the microscopic growth of those little nasty cancer cells.
Thanks to all of you who have made this journey with me. I couldn't have done it without you.
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