Today was the day I have been dreading yet NEEDING to know what the final results are of my PET CAT scan. This is a very important test for the oncologist to determine where, if any, there is anymore cancer spreading throughout my body. I've been trying to keep very busy and not think about it too much. But, since I'm a human being, of course I thought it about and played all the scenarios in my head yet again. But for the most part these past few days have been quite a growing experience for me. Wow, wow, wow!
So the appointment was at 10am. We sat there and sat there and sat there. We talked with the nurses for awhile, we made small talk about any other subject we could think of to keep ME from climbing out of my skin. My husband, Jim and oldest daughter, Ashley were there with me. They are quite the talkers when you put those two together -- dear gawd, they can talk about anything under the sun. Honestly, I didn't mind that the doc was taking his time with another patient, because they needed him. But then it was my turn around 11:15am. He brought in his lap top and started in on the "findings." This is there part where I'm still learning about SLOW, STEADY pacing. I'm one of those persons that I like to get right to the point and discuss the matter at hand. I am learning about the simmering process regarding my cancer. Needless to say, my doc is an extremely thorough and very methodical professional -- serious, yet very empathetic about his patient at hand. I actually was able to see my PET test result 3-D with my body completely transparent with my organs showing. The things that were highlighted for the most part was my cancer. I saw my breast, my axillary (armpit) nodes. And the greatest things of all -- NOTHING else was lit up! NO other major organs! NONE!!!!! I realized this and began to get very excited inside myself. But had to maintain while he went through every little detail as to what he was reading from the report as well as the visual display on the screen. We then looked at my body on the screen from the perspective as you would if you were slicing a loaf of bread. 1/8 cm at a time. It was very interesting to see my body from this point of view. So the long and the short of it is this: I'm at Stage 3. NOT 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I know how it works for a lot of people and they can get very preoccupied with the number game. The bottom line for me is this: The cancer has not spread to any other organs in my body! HUGE success! HUGE!!!! I feel like I have won the lottery!
Yes, this is still serious, but at least now I have a major league game plan that I CAN wrap my brain around.
I meet my new surgeon tomorrow at Scripp's Hospital out of La Jolla. An excellent surgeon with the knowledge I will need for the future. He will also place my "port" into my body soon for my next process which will be CHEMO. That will be within the next 7-10 days. I will be learning a lot more about the new poison/drug I will be entering into my body, but it's one I want. Crazy to think this, but I want it. I will be making other dietary choices as well as using Chemo for now. At a later date, I will have surgery to remove my breasts. Yes, bilateral -- both. I don't want to take a chance for this stuff to come back and take the other at a later time. I don't trust it. But it's also my choice. This may not work for others, but this is my body and that's what I want at this point.
Either way, my day was remarkable. It could have gone the other direction but it didn't. For this, I am eternally grateful!
For all that have been there and are supporting me, I thank you! Your continued prayers are always welcomed. I will sleep much better tonight oddly enough. I am blessed. I have the best and greatest family and friends!
Oh, yeah..............My cup's still half full believe it or not! WWWWHHHHHHHOOOOOAAAAAA!!!
