Good for today.....and thats ok!

eihtak

Hi everyone,

For those who don't know me......

(I was initially dx with Stage 3 anal cancer in 1-2011 and treated with chemo/rad and what was meant to be reversable ostomy surgery but due to excess scaring the ostomy became permanent.  In 3-2012 I was dx with a rare breast cancer (unrelated to the anal ca) and treated with double mastectomy and daily med for 7+ yrs. Then, 1-2015 I was dx with mets of anal ca to my lung and treated with a thoracotomy followed by chemo.  Upon follow-up in 6-2015 found a blood clot on other lung, treated with daily blood thinner.  My scan in 10-2015 revealed a cluster of nodes that appeared enlarged in the thoractic cavity area but was recommended to watch/wait).

Last week I was scanned once again, as this does seem to be necessary follow-up under my circumstances.......

Results yesterday were great! The enlarged nodes near my heart/lung are much reduced and the clot is almost non-existent as well as NO new areas of concern.  Blood work was at or near normal range, and my good cholesterol was so good that it put me at a lower than normal risk for heart disease, which is something else we all need to consider as we age.  I will continue to be watched closely and need to see my oncologist again in 3 months just as a consult and to discuss future scans etc.

None of us know what tomorrow will bring, but for me, today, I'm doing just great.  In the middle of all this I went back to college and will graduate in May, (although I was just considering adding to my program this summer) so may push graduation to next Dec.  I have been busy chasing my 7 grandsons around and loving things like hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, and other fun kid stuff.  My daughter recently found out her baby due in May is a girl!!!! A nice addition to our family of little boys. I live in Wi. and although it has not been our worst winter, it is still cold and snowy here, but our whole family, 5 of my children, 3 spouses, a boyfriend, and 7 grandchildren, as well as my husband and self will be renting a beach house in the Gulf of Mexico in April for which I can't wait!

I just wanted to share my good report, as I have always found others good news to be encouraging during the times that were not so good....(and there will always be those days)....but for now, I'm hoping we all have more good than not!

katheryn

 

RoseC

Congratulations katheryn!!!

So happy for you. You've been through a lot and have always been so upbeat, helpful, and kind.

Congratulations - and enjoy!

mp327

katheryn

This is the most awesome news I've heard in awhile and I am thrilled beyond words for you!  You certainly have been through the wringer, but your strength and determination has won over all of these bumps in the road.  You are such an inspiration!  And on top of that, you have gone back to school, cared for your family, and given so much support to all of us here.  I admire you and am so thankful that you are part of this group.  Your great news will, indeed, be great encouragement for others.  I wish you continued good news on the health front and I congratulate you on your upcoming graduation and new addition to your family!  May you all have a wonderful vacation--you have certainly earned it!  Hugs!

Martha

Phoebesnow

mp327 said:

katheryn

This is the most awesome news I've heard in awhile and I am thrilled beyond words for you!  You certainly have been through the wringer, but your strength and determination has won over all of these bumps in the road.  You are such an inspiration!  And on top of that, you have gone back to school, cared for your family, and given so much support to all of us here.  I admire you and am so thankful that you are part of this group.  Your great news will, indeed, be great encouragement for others.  I wish you continued good news on the health front and I congratulate you on your upcoming graduation and new addition to your family!  May you all have a wonderful vacation--you have certainly earned it!  Hugs!

Martha

Congratulations

thanks for putting a huge smile on my face!  have a wonderful holiday!

pializ

Phoebesnow said:

Congratulations

thanks for putting a huge smile on my face!  have a wonderful holiday!

Eithak

Wonderful news! absolutely wonderful! I am so thrilled for you & I am so pleased to hear about your family & your soon holiday plans.

I think we can all help you celebrate

Kind regards

Liz

jcruz

katheryn

I'm so happy for your good news!  I really appreciate that you share your medical updates and your happy family news with us.  Good luck with finishing college and I hope you have a fantastic graduation party whether it's in May or December.  And enjoy your family vaction.

Janet

TraceyUSA

AWESOME NEWS!

I am so happy for you Katheryn!  You continue to inspire me.  I admire you positive attitdue and ability to see the good in things. 

Continued wellness to you,

Tracey

eihtak

Thank you

Thank you all so much for the congratulations and continued well wishes. 

While at this point for me I will always remain a somewhat high risk to be staring this beast down again, I am hopeful that day will be far enough in the future that progress will be made in successful treatment, and I am not letting that worry take up space in my head until I need to.

We are all so fortunate to have this place to discuss openly some of our most private concerns in getting through this journey and to have people to make us feel not alone because they've been there too and know exactly what we're talking about. I can't imagine not having you all.

Thank you again and I'm wishing us all many years of healing and wellness.

katheryn