Cancer free!

Hey, the scan came back "all clear -- no cancer!" -- so I'm on cloud 9!

During my visit today, I asked my oncologist, Dr. W-G, if this means that there's a chance I could be cancer-free for the rest of my life, and she said, and I quote, "there's a GREAT possibility."

So, of course, I'm ecstatic beyond belief, and of course, how did I react to the fantastic news in my doctor's office? I cried ... But they were tears of pure joy, and a release of all the tension and uncertainty I've held inside for a long, long time.

So, praise God, and thanks to all of you for your support! It's been a long -- and "interesting" -- year, and I'm glad it's finally over.

Until next time,
P

Pre-scan jitters

OK, so this Wednesday is my CT scan, to see if everything looks good after my six months of post-surgery chemo. I'm a little nervous about it, just because I want it to be "all clear" SO badly. I'll find out the results the next day, Thursday, when I see my oncologist, Dr. W-G.

So, say a prayer for me if you're so inclined, and I'll fill you in when I know something. (I've still got the numb fingers and toes, but, like I've said before, they are getting better with each passing week.)

Until next time ...
P

Back to the real (cold) world

So, I've spent a solid week (eight days, in fact) in Venice, Florida, where sunshine was a daily occurrence and the temp ranged from low 90s in the day to 70s in the evening -- in other words, SUMMERTIME ...

Yesterday afternoon I was in the pool, enjoying an adult beverage while basking in the glorious sunshine, and a couple of hours later I was standing outside the airport in St. Louis, waiting for my ride, and it was so cold I could see my breath. In other words, WINTER ... It was a shock.

The good news is, I got to get away for awhile, and let me tell you, it was simply wonderful. Warm sunshine EVERY DAY, a refreshing pool a short walk from our villa, 84-degree Gulf water that was hard to leave, award-winning clam chowder, yet another "drum circle" on the beach at sunset (and yes, I beat a drum!), lots and lots of wine, delicious grilled grouper, seafood lasagna, breakfast casserole, coconut shrimp, wine of all kinds, LOTS of laughs with my Psycho Sis and other three roomies, did I mention all the wine?, french silk icecream at 3 a.m., watching the nightly "bird show" -- and stars, and sunsets -- from the lanai, Rosie-the-bartender's killer Cosmopolitans -- I could go on and on. It was a fantastic getaway and I feel SO fortunate to have been able to go (thanks Linda and Laura for including me!) ...

In the top photo, I'm posing with a few seashells and sharks teeth on Manasota Beach. Lovely day. The bottom photo shows the Venice gang that shared the villa: me, Rose, Angie, Laura, and Linda. What a bunch of fun gals!

When I got home and opened all my mail, I found out that the mammogram I had last week came back "all clear," so hallelujah and thank you, God!

Life has been exceptionally good lately, and I feel truly blessed.

Until next time ...
P

Ditto

As in, "New doctor, new trip," same headline as last time (I know what you're thinking: "This girl is so dull sometimes").

Anyway, Dr. K was fine, a sort of serious fellow, and he checked me over pretty thoroughly and pronounced that everything looked "good." He asked me what the oncologist had planned, scan-wise, so I told him a CT on Oct. 28. He decided that a PET scan (better picture) was in order, so he ordered that, too, for the same day. So, if there's anything ominous going on, we'll find it ...

I'll see Dr. K again in three months, late December, for follow-up. In today's "numbness report," the fingers and toes are still a bit numb, but I'd say I'm maybe three-quarters of the way back to normal now, as they're getting a tad better with each passing week. But it's a very slow process.

In other news, I'm getting a flu shot tomorrow, and then getting the heck out of Dodge on Wednesday morning for a week of rest and relaxation (and plenty of Vitamin D!) at my Psycho Sister's villa in Venice, Fla. I really wasn't planning a second Florida getaway for this year, but this sort of fell into my lap, so I decided it's my destiny and who can say no to that?

We won't have a computer at the villa, so -- unless we decide to stop by the local library to use theirs -- I'm thinking I may not post anything until after I get back on Oct. 14.

So, hasta la vista, babies, and I'll see you when I see you!

Until next time ...
P

New doctor, new trip

So, today I want to mention two things:

* I'm seeing a new doctor Wednesday instead of my main surgeon. It seems that when you're six months past your surgery, they switch you to a different doctor, a sort of "maintenance" guy (even though he's a well-known surgeon, too). This new guy, Dr. K, is in his 60s and so I'm thinking he does more of these "maintenance" things now instead of surgeries, but he's "up there," as far as world-class skill and knowledge. So, while at first I was disappointed to not be seeing my usual doc, I'm now thinking it doesn't hurt to have more brains on my side. So I'll let you know what I think after I've met with him on Wednesday.

* I've got another "getaway" planned for mid-October, thanks to my Psycho Sister! Remember how she bought that adorable villa in Venice, Fla., last February? Well, her daughter and a couple of friends want to visit Florida and stay at the house -- and since Linda and her husband had to "close it up" when they returned home in May, she sort of has to go to open it back up (take down the hurricane shutters, etc.) for her guests. And, since she has to go, she asked if I wanted to go, too, and we all know what the answer to that was! So I'm looking forward to my second trip to the villa -- and a lot of laughs with the girls!

So, hurray for new doctors and impending vacations! Life can be so great!

Until next time ...

P

P.S. Yes, the fingers and toes are STILL numb-ish, but not as much. They are getting better, but it's a darn slow process ...

Still doing fine

So, here we are, SEVEN-AND-A-HALF WEEKS post-chemo, and things are fine. I've got a cat stretched out on the shelf right above my keyboard (prior to me taking this photo, she was watching a squirrel through the window), and it's been a fun (although rainy) weekend, lunching with the "First Friday" girls, hanging out with my Psycho Sister (I came THISCLOSE to beating her in ping-pong!), and, finally, having a nice visit with my parents.

And now it's time for the "I work full time so I have to clean and grocery-shop on weekends" routine, so what am I doing on the computer?

Anyway, I'm feeling fine, but still have the numb/tingly fingers and toes, but they ARE getting better, slowly, so there is light at the end of the tunnel ...

Until next time ...
P

Six weeks post-chemo

I was reminded by my Psycho Sister that I haven't updated the blog lately, sheesh, you would have thought I'd committed a crime or something ... So, here goes ...

It's going on six weeks since my last chemo and I've gotta say, I don't miss it at all! That really hit home for me today because I used my lunch hour to stop by Siteman West County (where I got the chemo) to get my port "flushed," which you have to do every 4 to 6 weeks so it doesn't get clogged. It was sorta nice to park in a "patient" spot close to the door, even though I wasn't exactly getting treatment, and stroll inside with a more carefree attitude than before.

Flushing doesn't really take much time -- less than a minute, I'd say -- plus a minute or two in prep time, so it went fast. But still, it jolted me a bit when the needle went in -- yikes! I'm not used to that anymore! But I'd much rather go in for a flush than a three-hour-plus treatment, so who's complaining?

Anyway, the fingers and toes are still numb and tingly, but they do feel a teensy bit better with each passing post-chemo week, so I know this is only temporary and I can handle it.

In addition to walking two or more miles a day, I've also started working out on a stationary bike several times a week. I'm trying to get my bum left leg -- where they took out all the lymph nodes -- back to normal, and thought maybe it would help to work some other muscles. And, even though it's only been a week or so, I think it is helping.

So, that's about it, as far as how I'm doing. Thanks for checking on me!

Until next time,
P