Results are in...

Praise the Lord!!

We went to see Dr. Q today to get the results of my tests. They all came back clear!! I had prepared myself just in case we received bad news, but was able to breathe an audible sigh of relief when we heard the results. Now I don't have to worry about cancer for another year (like that's realistic).

I also went to see my OB/GYN this week. He is running some bloodwork to find out if I am truly in menopause or not. I should get those results on Friday.

Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and I know many of you will rest easy tonight knowing that I am still "ok". I know we will.

Much love to everyone--
Fran

I'm nuclear again!

Yesterday I went for my battery of tests. I should find out the results next week.

I had a chest xray, CATscan of chest and abdomen and a bone scan. I came home feeling poorly yesterday afternoon. My head always hurts after they inject me with the radioactive isotope for the bone scan. In fact, it still hurts a bit this morning. I still find the great irony of modern medicine comical. They have to inject me with radioactive material to determine if I'm still healthy, but at what cost?? Radioactive isotopes pumping through my veins and organs can't be good for me. What is the "preventative medicine" doing to me in the meantime???

Oh and for the record, modern medicine still hasn't found a way to make 32oz. of barium sulfate palatable. Calling it "berry smoothie" doesn't help much either. I did the big gag and heave a few times while trying to get it all down in the 45 minutes they give you to drink it. I was successful in keeping it all down, but it was touch and go there for a few minutes. Ack--berrie smoothie. My gag reflex kicks in just thinking about it!!

I'll give you the results as we know more. Please keep us in your prayers for an "all clear" verdict.

What a difference a year makes

It's amazing the difference a year makes.












The day I was diagnosed.












A year later...

Thank you Lord for healing my body. I am going into this holiday season with much happier thoughts.

Just to update everyone, I am scheduled for a chest xray, bone scan and 2 CATscans next Wednesday. I'm not sure how long it will be before I get the results, but I will certainly keep everyone posted.

One Year Later

November 2, 2005..."You have cancer." This little sentence was said to me without much emotion. I did get an "I'm sorry" out of my doc, but I think it was more for lack of something to say than really being sincere. His bedside manner lacks a lot to be desired.

I can not believe that one year has passed. First and foremost, I am so thankful to be here one year later and in good health. I have been reflecting on my cancer journey for several days now. I still find it an interesting study in human emotion that while you go through cancer everyone wants in on ALL the details, but once you're "cured" people quickly put it behind them and don't think about it again. Maybe it is a coping mechanism...I'm not one to dwell on the past, but I don't think anyone will realize that it's been a year unless they read this blog. I doubt anyone will be concerned with how I'm coping . Maybe it's not for them to be concerned...maybe it's mine alone to deal with.

As I said before, I've been reflecting on this journey and I've learned a few things about myself along the way.

1. I am much stronger in mind and body than I ever thought.

2. I am pleased that I can comfortably rest in God's plan for my life and be content there even during times of heartache.

3. I want more children. Now with my ability to bear children gone, I am realizing that I am very open to adopting (even older children). I never had issues with adopting, I just didn't have the need. Now I realize there are so many children that just want a family. It's something we're exploring.

Life post-cancer is very similar to life pre-cancer. I was never one to sweat the small stuff, but I really am not concerned with it now. It's cliche, but life is short. Go out and live it! For me it's not about big houses and fancy cars...it's about loving my friends and family and enjoying each day for we aren't promised tomorrow.

Fund Free Mammograms

Here is a link to a website that helps women get mammograms that may not be able to afford it otherwise. All you have to do is go the the website and click the link. It doesn't cost you anything, you won't be put on some mailing list, it's just a second of your time each day to help fight this disease.

Fund Free Mammograms

Thanks!