Well. . .
I had my oncology visit today and my PET scan was CLEAR!!
What a huge, huge load off!
My blood counts were good with the exception of my body still not having enough iron production (a problem found before chemo during my bone marrow biopsy). It is easily fixed with iron supplementation daily. Other that that, the nerve damage may resolve or what is left may be permanent--oh well. The swelling, that may or may not be permanent, but I will continue to take the diuretic for the next few months and discuss it at the 6 month check. As for the fatigue, the iron production is sure to have some to do with it, the after effects of chemo including fatigue can last up to one year or more, and they are checking a full panel on my thyroid to see if the chemo damaged it. All in all, not anything worth complaining about considering the intensity and length of the chemo that was used.
This morning was hard. Once we heard the good news--it was great, but sitting back in that chemo room, having my port accessed and flushed, and seeing all the nurses in that room brought back some terrible memories. No matter how hard I tried to push them back, some tears of fear did come. Sitting in a place where I got the worst news of my life and spent so much time so sick can serve as a reminder, in case I had forgotten, of just how blessed I am. As I walked out, I took a big breath of relief. I have learned to compartmentalize all of those feelings, emotions, and fears in order to move on. As I was telling Jason, in January, I got the all clear and made the three month appointment. For those months, other that the little reminders and occasional bad days, I was able to push it all out of my mind--until this week. Now, after this all clear, I have 4 months until my next PET and so much to look forward to. I will push it out of my mind for now. With each passing all clear, the times will get longer, until eventually, I think, things will be lessened. We are coming up rapidly on almost one year since all this started. What an interesting journey so far.
I have said it before, and I will say it again, Jason, Dylan, Kyndell, and I cannot and will not ever be able to say thank you enough for all of you who cared for us, loved us, prayed for us, and took care of us through the past almost year. You are our inspirations, and we would not have made it without you. I had thought about closing out this site, but we have decided to keep it active for at least this first year of follow ups because so many people continue to ask about it and check in (very humbling). So, check back if you want--my next doctor visit is in July, so for sure I will be updating it then.
Thank you again, and may the God who sustains us all bless and keep you!
