The CT scan showed that all that remains of the tumors are a couple of tiny blips. These are most likely scar tissue, but they might be cancer cells. This is the best possible outcome anyone could have hoped for: "excellent," in the words of my plain-spoken radiation oncologist. The official report won't be ready until tomorrow, but I saw the photos.
I am teary eyed as I type this. I think I am structured for delayed reaction - at the time I saw the pix I was pretty numb, in fact all day until just a few minutes ago I've been pretty numb. In fact I've been pretty numb, or else teary, for weeks now. For this reason I have been referred to a psychologist. Apparently it is quite normal for patients to be depressed at this stage of the game, the "Now what" phase. The active fight against the cancer is over; now and for the next two years I will get a scan every three months and watch to see if there's any change. They say most people need help with this transition, so I am going to go ahead and see if any of these psychologists is in my insurance plan, and then take it from there.
In short, the word for today is "shrinkage."
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I'm sorry to say I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer on December 7, 2007. This journal is to update family, friends and loved ones as this new experience unfolds.
Where do we go from here?
Valjean is gone, but her blog remains. For now, I'll use it to post, one by one, the wonderful eulogies we heard at her memorial mass. After that...who knows?
In lieu of flowers
You are welcome to make a contribution to one of Valjean's favorite not-for-profits: St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago, IL; the Delta Institute in Chicago, IL; the Prairie Zen Center in Champaign, IL; or Knox College in Galesburg, IL.
In lieu of flowers
You are welcome to make a contribution to one of Valjean's favorite not-for-profits: St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago, IL; the Delta Institute in Chicago, IL; the Prairie Zen Center in Champaign, IL; or Knox College in Galesburg, IL.
8 comments:
BEST POSSIBLE NEWS EVERY! GREAT NEWS.
WHO WOULDN'T CRY!
LOVE SALLIE
Yeah!!! Yahoo!!!
Stephanie
Woo-hoo! I can't help feeling like you made this good news happen, with your strength, determination and spirit. No doubt you'll feel a mix of emotions moving forward -- what a wild ride.
I'll call you soon to see when you can come up to Evanston for a little R&R (lunch and walk along the beach). We love you, Valjean!!
Betsy, Chris, Nick & Alice
all i can say is, "I TOLD YOU SO." this is totally thrilling--although i knew cancer cells wouldn't be any match for you. you really combined the best of two worlds--taking advantage of the best of modern medicine while not ignoring all the other things that we all can do in a situation like this.... and you, my dear, did it all perfectly!!! i am so happy for you i can't describe it!! love, b
Valjean,
Very happy for you! Now for the Memorial Day sesshin! :-)
xox
shm
and one more good thing--it looks like mugabe has lost control of the parliament in zim--based on the recount so far, according to this morning's news.. that should make you feel good, too!! love, b
I am glad that keeping my fingers crossed seems to have helped.
VIS
Wow! Great news. I've heard reports through Sally H, and this sounds like the best. Those cells are no match for your strenght+docs.
Sometimes the bumps in the road... are the road.
Bob Schneiger
(cancer-free 8 years)
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