Checkup went well

I went in for my 1 year anniversary. Xrays, blood work and exam were all good. There is no sign that I have any more cancer. So we have come a long way. I will still be followed every 6 months because it can recur in the first 5 years.   So we don't say cured yet. But we say we are good for now.

And with that, I will sign off from the blog. Peace, love, and the biggest thank-you in the world to all those who really carried me to here with their support, kindness, soup, flowers, patience, humor, and empathy. 

check up Monday

I return to the oncologist Monday for my 1 year anniverary appointment. I get a chest xray, liver checking blood work. This is where we see if it is gone. I am at significant rist for recurrence in the lst 5 years. And the oncologist said that if it comes back, it will be metastatic (probably in lungs, brain or liver). So the good news is that I don't need a bunch of scans, and no mammograms. Just the chest xray, liver blood tests, and exam. The bad news would be if it came back. So we just wait and see, and try to handle whatever comes.

For today, just clearing out the attic in a garage sale. We cleared about $120. After 2 weeks of sweat, dust, heart wrenching separation from things like my son's lamby (don't worry, we had 2, we just got rid of one), we are rich. I did have to pull back at the last minute the Peter Pan DVD, book of fairy poems. Some guy bought my Hank Williams, Sr. CD before I could get it back. The rest went to Cause for Paws resale shop. Which is where I get all my formal attire anyway.

Almost 1 year

As I approach the 1 year anniversary of my diagnosis, I am thankful for for what I am getting back. Swimming for example.

swimming and eating gravel

Things here are going just fine, we think. I have had a few bumps, had to have another drain placed, then got it out. A little fluid has come back, but the ostrich approach seems to be successful so far. 

Sunday, went into a pool for the lst time since diagnosis. Chemo makes you not allowed to go in the pool, and then there was surgery and the drains.  It was cold, but good.  I have a little hair now, and it is constantly misbehaving. So I covered it in a sun hat.

Today, I went jogging. So happy to do this again, in the sun, with the dog, listening to a good beat. When all of a sudden, this concrete thing was on my face with a thud. I realized it was the ground, and that I had tripped and fallen so fast that I couldn't process all that. I hit my chin, my knees and hands. I had just enough blood dripping to gross out my child when I arrived at the house. But not enough to connotate a real injury. 

resting

After returning to full time work for 2 days, and getting my son's virus, I am wiped out. Today will just be lounging and writing thank-yous.  I have searched my house, car, office up and down trying to find my secret stash of extra energy.  Ah well.

One step forward...

So I think the surgery part is going well.  But I got my child's bug, and I am wiped out from it. Could hardly finish clinic today.  I was in bed yesterday from 7pm -6am. And I may do that again.  My xray tech drove me home, and I sure was grateful.

But, overall, I cannot complain. It is not as bad as chemo. And this too, will pass.

On the mend

 
The family is doing well. We went to bagels, PetSmart, Endless Grind, a hike through Reedy Creek.  I still have this wrap, and the drains in. But they are tolerable.  I put the guinea pig out in front yard for some green grass, and did laundry. Last night we watched Driving Mrs. Daisy. Tonight, the Jeff Corwin Experience.

Monday drains come out at 8:30 and I return to seeing my own patients at 9:30am.  I cannot wait until I can jog again.  But I ain't complainin' for today.