Stage IV Cancer - Update November 2018

[Strange Elf]

Today I am one year out from radiatoin and chemo. One whole year. Of course, the year hasn't been without its setback, with the met to the liver and subsiquent surgery, but so far, with good blood work results, I am not going back on the chemo.

My Oncologist is keeping a keen eye on me, and I get another CT scan next month. But he did say that he thinks it would be OK for me to book a trip to England. I haven't been home since this all began, and I am terribly homesick.

Here is a picture of me from last July, and one of me now.

[Ringwraith-Wife]

What a difference a year makes... You look absolutely Fabulous!!!!
( in BOTH photos! )

ROAD TRIP!!!!

[Ladyhawk Baggins]

You look wonderful! I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventure home.

[DoctorGamgee]

This is certainly news to celebrate!!!! Glad to hear things are looking up.

Jealous of your trip to England. Have some fish and chips for me!!!!

(in his best Gollum voice): Fisssssh so Juicy Sweeeeeeeeet!


Doc

[tinidril]

So glad to hear you get to travel again!!

[bregotamer]

I second, third, and fourths all of above comments! So beautiful you are, SE!

[Dínelleth]

*adds balloons and confetti falls to the celebration*

[daughter_of_kings]

This is an occasion to celebrate! One year out AND cleared to go home for a visit... YAY!

Have a safe and wonderful trip (I know you will).

[yaralindi]

The smile in both of those pictures says it all. I am so happy for you and so amazed that you would share something so intimate as these two pictures. Thank you for letting me see the true face of courage and the smile that goes with it. You are very, very amazing.

[Elvish_OBsession]

You look wonderful! I often think of you and say a prayer that all is well.

[Strange Elf]

Thank you, EO. I swear that it is all of the prayers that are keeping my head above water.

I have a CT Scan next week (Aug 14th), the first since the Liver Ablation, so fingers crossed

[Strange Elf]

So, I got my CT Scan done on Wednesday and the results today.

Three spots of interest on the liver. One they believe to be scar tissue from the Ablation. Another one looks allot like a hema - somthing. Some kind of blood flilled thingy. I'm usually better at getting information, but obviously not today. The third one they are really not too sure about. It is close to the pancreas.

So, what are they going to do? Chemo, surgery, no, they are going to keep an eye on them, and on my CEA. Right now my CEA has dropped down from 20 to 1.5 since the Ablation, and the Oncologist is happy with that.

I'm not bummed. I'm going to England and nothing short of something REALLY bad, is going to stop me. I have the blessing of my Oncologist too, and he would tell me if he thought I should not be going.

As I was driving the 160 miles home, all alone, I was thinking about life and death, and how blessed I feel to be alive. I will try my very, very best to not grumble over the simple things. The IV, Colonoscopy, drinking nasty liquid. In fact, when I was preparing for the CT Scan, every sip of that thick white stuff, I raised my cup to all of those from the ACS Colocrectal Cancer forum who have passed since I joined their ranks. I named a name for each sip, Dick, JBG, Sandi's hubby, Doc Hawk, Vicki, Judy, Ren, Buz, Bigman for Christ, Joemetz..... oh the list is too, too long because I know they would or their loved ones would give anything to be the one drinking the goop, having the IV, the scan.

So, I say happy day for me. I will go forward happy and live my life to the fullest, not matter how long it is going to be or what may be on the books in the future.

[Ladyhawk Baggins]

Thanks for the inspiring perspective. I'm more grateful for the day.

[daughter_of_kings]

Scar tissue is usually no big deal unless it keeps growing. Blood-filled thingies (hematoma?) usually go away eventually unless the blood flow is continuing. The other thingy... that bears watching. I'll say a prayer for that going away, too. Livers take a long time to heal, but they can do it.

Also, what Ladyhawk said... thanks for the perspective. It helps to be reminded of that sometimes.

[Strange Elf]

The blood filled thingy is a Hemangeoma.

I had my monthly blood work yesterday, and the Dr. called today to say my CEA is down again, to 1.2

Just a small drop, from 1.5, but it is still in range.

I leave for Engalnd on the 19th. Two weeks away.

WOOO HOOO!