All Clear!
Sound the sirens, we got the good news yesterday that all my scans came back clear: CT, PET and Bone Scan all clear of any signs of breast cancer! What a relief! We are very excited that after nearly 11 months of doctors and treatments my body is free of cancer! Whew!
The next step is for me to begin taking Tamoxifin, a drug that interferes with estrogen production. As adjuvant therapy (treatment given after the primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure), tamoxifen helps prevent the original breast cancer from returning and also helps prevent the development of new cancers in the other breast. Typically a patient takes this for 5 years. As far as check-ups, I will start by going back to see my oncologist every 2 months, and as things progress we will stretch to every 3 months and eventually every 6 months!
So how do I feel? Well as I have said to pretty much every health care professional who has asked me, "I am in excellent health, except for breast cancer." Now I can just leave it at "I'm in excellent health!"
So what's next? I have already started trying to pass on the same words of comfort and wisdom that others passed on to me. That is a gift in itself, looking back on the treatments, sifting through what really helped get me through, and passing that nugget on to someone else in the hope it will help them also.
I know life will be different now but I truly believe, as my friend Mary so vehemently told me, that it will be better! My life, our lives, are already richer because of all of you. We have been supported by the love and faith of our family and friends. We have rekindled bonds with past friends. And importantly, we have forged new ties with new friends. Nothing gives me more joy than sorting through my box (both online and off) of cards, notes and letters and remembering each kindness from everyone.
Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIqLsGT2wbQ
Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIqLsGT2wbQ
