I have great news: the PET Scan shows that the cancer is in full remission.  The treatment worked and did what it intended.  I'm extremely grateful for all my doctors and all of your support.  

Current:  My healing from the treatment is slow and frustrating.  My blood work shows my immune system is not bouncing back as hoped.  I'm told it will just take more time.  Also, I have some lingering effects from the treatment that I'm working through.   My radiation oncologist has recommended that I be evaluated for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help my wound healing and immune system.  I'm seeing a heart doctor for lingering heart PVCs that that I'm experiencing.  And I have a few more issues that I'm working through.  I would also like to add high dose Vitamin C IV therapy if I can find a doctor to assist.  If anyone has one, please let me know. 

Future :  I will see my colorectal surgeon every three months for visual inspections for three years.  Then I will move to every 6 months, then annually forever.  My chemo oncologist said that there is a less than 25% chance of it coming back. Those are good odds, but I don't want to leave that to chance, so I will be doing the protocol I mentioned in my last post as soon as my bloodwork allows.

I hope this will be my last Caring Bridge post and that, over time, my body will heal and that this will become a faded nightmare.   I could not have done this without the support of my husband, my family, and all of you.  Thank you for all of your prayers, positive thoughts, assistance with meals and shopping, and generous Whole Food gift cards.  Words cannot express my gratitude for all of you.  I remain blessed!