Feeling undeservingly blessed...

Hi all,

So I met with both my oncologist and radiation oncologist today to go over the results of my scan after radiation for a second dx of anal cancer mets to my lung. 

"Previously measurable disease at the level of the left hilum is not currently measurable and there are no suspicious pulmonary findings, developing mediastinal adenopathy, or pleural effusions."

While there are still, a couple very small areas that have been there for a couple years and unchanged on the lung that we will be keeping a close eye on (as that is how this tumor behaved prior to this past summer before growing) as well as what they refer to as a small sliding type hiatal hernia, a benign cyst on my liver, and mild nodularity of the left adrenal gland...after being treated twice now for lung mets, this is a fabulous report!

My doctor had initially talked about following radiation with an immunotherapy drug but has decided to hold off on that at this time as he believes it not necessary based on scan, blood work, and overall health. Yay!!!! Also, some treatments and therapies can not be repeated and as good of news as this is, he was very clear about the potential for this to happen again being great now, as that is what this stage entails, and we need to use our options wisely.

Unless something comes up, I do not see him again for 3 months...believe me I'll be passing out sanitizer to all my little germy grandkids for Christmas as my lung is now considered weakened and it needs to once again rebuild...NOT with the flu!

Ironically, I recently learned of a good friends daughter (32 years old) sweetest kid ever, married, with two little ones who after a pain in her leg followed by vision problem was dx with non-small cell lung cancer that has metastasized throughout her body. The prognosis is very poor and they are celebrating the holidays next week! A couple months ago she had no worries! When I hear a story like hers, and I am almost twice her age with a full and happy life, I just don't know what I've done to deserve this blessing and my heart hurts for her and her family so much yet is bursting with joy for mine. I am grateful beyond words, but bewildered with God's plan.

Thank you all so much for the support, well wishes, and prayers, and know that I have you all in my thoughts and prayers for health and wellness always.

katheryn