4 Years NED (no evidence of disease)

Hi to all you semi-colons!!!!

After a very tough several months of losing a few dear friends from this site, my father, and going through a few scares of my own I am pleased to be able to announce 4 years NED, a year behind one of my bestest buddies Kay.

I haven't updated my web page here yet but will soon, it is up to date for the most part if you want more specifics of a stage IV (mets to liver and left lung with no surgery options) survivor being at the 4 year non surgical remission mark.

I'll share my scares just so you all know that sometimes that is all they are. I had my semi-annual testing in June and was told I had a "new 4mm spot on the dome of my liver that we needed to keep an eye on so come back in 3 months for more testing". I did the first week of Sept. very nervous to say the least, to find out it was nothing, "probably just a blood vessel". I was happy but pissed a little too. Then I find out my CEA was the highest it had been in years, 3.5 up from 2.1, 3 months earlier (and yes CEA has always been a good indicator for me). So in a matter of days I go from relieved to worried again but at least this time I only had to wait 6 weeks to retest.

I went last week and it was down to 3.0 and my onc is no longer that concerned but I still am a little. Next testing is March 09'. I also had my annual colonoscopy last week and other then my first tiny benign polyp, it was very clean and almost enjoyable to witness (I don't like to be sedated for it so I watch).

I would also like to share that in July after my scare, my father's death, and the not good news about Kerry and Jana I knew I had to not let the negative energies get me down. I decided to sign up for a "coach potato to 5K" running school and to take ballroom and swing dancing lessons.

A few Saturdays ago I ran in my first 5K in 20 years and was very pleased with how I did. I have 2 more by New Years day (trust me Runner Z I am no threat, heh heh). My dancing lessons are going okay and now only have 1 and 1/2 left feet!!!

If you haven't gotten a healing bag from Kanort yet, get one, I swear by mine. I forgot to take it in June and think that is why I had my "scare".

Anyway, I am still pinching myself to make sure that my last chemo treatment was 4 years ago this week and things are going so well. I am very blessed, fortunate, and LUCKY. I am honored to be able to share it with you all.

Lisa P.