Wednesday, February 8, 2012

February 8, 2012

GREAT NEWS!  I met with my oncologist yesterday and got the results of the PET scan.  The cancer is no longer active!!  After these past six months of chemo and all its side effects, I was so relieved to know that it did exactly what it was supposed to do. 

There is still one matter that is not settled yet. Even though the cancer is no longer active, the tumor itself [although greatly reduced in size] is still there.  So . . . I meet with the radiologist Tuesday to see if she recommends some radiation or radiation/chemo.  The chemo would not be harsh and should not make me feel bad/awful/terrible as before.  Still . . . what I want to hear is that radiation would not be helpful and, based on the major side effects, is not recommended.

You'd think that I would be satisfied with my good news and I am.  I just want it to be OVER!!  I don't want to be faced with four weeks of fatigue, diarrhea, and not being able to sit down!!  Call me crazy, but that doesn't sound like fun to me.

As it stands now, I am on "maintenance" for the rest of forever.  That means that every three weeks I go to the clinic for a quick IV drip of an amazing medicine that keeps the tumor inactive.  The best thing about this is that the medicine has no side effects and will not make me sick.  I know I can do that!  My doctor and all the nurses at the clinic are wonderful.  They are so caring and supportive and encouraging.

The radiologist will have to give me some really major reasons to have the radiation.  I am anxious to hear what she says.  At this point, I don't think I'll consent.  Guess I'll wait until Tuesday to make an informed decision.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and good wishes.

Sandra