Still can’t manage to make the stairs all the way to my office in one go without getting winded and having to rest. And the muscles in my legs are sore from a brief afternoon excursion on Saturday with Matthew to run some errands–nothing more arduous than walking up and down some aisles and waiting in line. I suppose it’s a good sign that I’m so impatient with the speed of my recovery. But that doesn’t help the impatience.
Tomorrow I go in to Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute for an early morning PET scan to see what the status is of my tumor, followed by labwork, my fourth and final lumbar puncture chemo infusion, and an appointment with my oncologist to discuss next steps–notably the timing for my radiation treatments.
Busy day.
I haven’t seen a scan since the first CT showed the 6cm tumor in my sinuses. My oncologist thinks it’s very likely that six rounds of chemo got all the cancer cells, but I can still feel a minor swelling in the right side of the roof of my mouth. It’s invisible to the naked eye, so much smaller than it was last October, negligible even. And my doctor says it’s most likely scar tissue, dead cells, not the remnants of a still-kicking tumor biding its time and waiting to start this whole nightmare over again. But I want to see proof of that on the screen.
And even if it’s not completely gone, I know Round 2: Radiation will likely stomp out the last malingering cancer cells. But I’d feel so much better if the radiation could be “just in case” versus “we need to do this ’cause it ain’t dead yet.”
I’m hoping it is a just in case too!
Hopefully chemo has annihilated every last cell, and radiation will get any stragglers if it hasn’t. On the plus side, long-term prospects for cancer survivors are improving daily because of the new immune system-harnessing treatment that are being developed. Hopefully you’re already completely cured or will be after radiation. But even if worst case you knocked it back for 5-7 years, by then we may have a radically improved arsenal for any future rematch.
I didn’t have chemo, just surgery and radiation. Those I know who had both say radiation is almost a picnic in comparison. Still no fun, but at this point, you’re winning.
take no prisoners!!!
As always, wishing strength to you ♥
Impatience is probably a good sign. The mind is ready to go, go, go and the body is doing its best to catch up. I’m looking forward to good news from your checkup.
Very best wishes. T had a remaining lump, but it was indeed scar tissue and disappeared quickly.
Keep on kickin’
You are so amazing. KICKING ASS for sure!!! I’ll be thinking of you, hoping also for “just in case,” and increased energy soon.
Good attitude!