Conquering Cancer

I really apologize for the long hiatus but have some pretty amazing news to share! Based on my pet scan last week (Oct 25, 2010), the assessment is “there is no definite evidence of active malignancy at any site on this current exam.”  While the Pet scan isn’t as detailed as some other scans and doesn’t include the brain, this is really exciting news and per my oncologist is “incredible.” Wow!

Apparently, newly cancer free areas which are recovering can be pretty raw and painful. I’ve had some back pain down my spine for parts of the last three weeks and was very concerned that it was an escalation of the intermittent cancer seen in my spine in the Spring.  As a result, the Pet scans showing no cancer in the back came as a genuine and complete surprise. The next MRI in January will provide another chance to see results and ensure that the brain is clear of all tumors as has been expected — a reminder that the left side tumor in the brain is gone, the right less than halved in size and expected to disappear after the stereotactic radiation in September.

In the meantime, I am down to just the herceptin once every three weeks with zometa every four weeks to help with the leaching of calcium. The diagnostics continue but this is MUCH easier than what I’ve had to deal with so far. Jeremy will now get some freedom as he has diligently come to nearly every chemo appointment with me.

I do need to say that my one month at the Federal Executive Institute for the Leadership in a Democratic Society training was incredible. Such wonderful people, amazing classes and lots of opportunities for learning and self reflection. It was a once in a life time opportunity and I LOVED it! Thank you EPA! I also attended (gulp) my 25th year college reunion at Earlham College in Indiana at the end of October. How amazing to see so many familiar faces after so  long. Everyone looked so darn good and is doing such interesting things. Go Earlhamites!

I promise to write more regularly, but am very happy to share the no visible cancer news! We’re all still a little stunned with the news and I feel more humbled and grateful (and a little skittish about it) rather than wanting to scream and shout yet. Don’t want to do anything to offend the cancer spirits, if you know what I mean. However, I hope you’ll feel free to say a little “yahoo!” in your heart with me! Thank you for your on-going support and for continuing to read this blog! Wow, this has all been so unexpected.

With more soon!! xxoo, Constie