Yesterday was my big appointment and everything looked good; the metabolic rate in the two known tumors has reduced and the spot on my shoulder blade was no longer there. All of this points to the treatment working, which is the best news possible. 

As thrilled as I am that the treatment is working, it has not come without some significant and harsh side effects, some may be life long…time will tell. Given my tumor burden is low and the immunotherapy will continue to work for some time, the team feels it is best to continue taking a break from more treatment. My body needs time to get back to a new baseline. This is another hard thing with cancer…always weighing the risk/benefit and sometimes feeling like you are making an impossible decision on what is best. I am relieved that they feel I can continue on this break and I feel so blessed to have a team that considers me as a whole person and not just treating the cancer. 

So what’s next…

I am so excited to finally be returning to work this coming Monday, April 15th. I had to postpone my original date due to the cold I picked up several weeks ago (side note: I now have a keen understanding of what a little cold will do to someone who is immunocompromised…it’s not fun!) I will continue working from home for a couple weeks as I ease back in, but I can’t wait to be back in person. 

For the next eight weeks I will continue letting my body recover. I will have another scan at the end of eight weeks to check up on everything and  we will use the data to help us decide next steps. A few years ago, I had a scare that put me on a three month surveillance plan and I HATED it…could not wait to go back to six months. Funny how things change…I am so excited that I don’t have to go back for two months…I feel like I won the lottery. Changed perspective…this is one of the silver linings of cancer. 

Over the next two months I would love prayers that my body continues to heal from the damage done by immunotherapy and that I can get back to my original baseline. Also, that I can successfully get and stay off the steroids. I am so close!! 

Thank you to everyone who has sent me cards, texts, called, stopped by and supported me. You will never know how it has carried me through some of the hardest days. 

Sharing a few fun pics from the past month that have brought me joy!