POST-SCAN UPDATE

More of the same

Below is the text message I sent to a variety of friends/family (maybe you! I don’t know, it’s been one of those days and I’m sure I missed some of ya):

A quick update: Today’s scans showed just a slight change in the size of my lymph nodes but nothing that would warrant taking any action right now, so I continue doing surveillance. June 19 is the date of my next scans. The tumor board meets next week to discuss & give their official word on next steps but I don’t see that changing the results. Overall it’s a good result though I do still wish it were a little more definitive.

So that is sort of the long and short of it. I don’t have a lot of answers but my doctors feel pretty positive. It’s hard while under surveillance to feel like there’s an end in sight but I’m choosing to trust them and to continue to wait. And who knows, maybe this is the beginning of the end! But I’m left at the end of the day feeling a lot like I did before I went in for my appointment.

The difference is, the way I felt before is merely frustrating and not catastrophic and hopeless. While at the hospital, I met and talked with a family truly in a tough situation. They have dealt with years of cancer flare-ups, and they live a couple hours away but drive just to visit Vanderbilt for the quality care they provide. I am so fortunate to have this team so close to my home, and this was a great reminder.

I’m also thankful to have a good prognosis. That is a luxury not everyone with cancer enjoys. My goal moving forward remains the same, to keep a positive outlook as best I can (without ignoring my very real and very valid feelings of frustration, anger, guilt, pain, etc.) and share the message to all people - men and women alike - to be in tune with your bodies, and not only to recognize when things feel “off” but to take quick action when they do. AKA this blog will live on!

So thanks for reaching out to me today and giving me hope and encouragement. I still feel the after effects of it, and hope everyone is so fortunate in their lives to feel the love like I have. Stay tuned, there’s more to come, and as always thank you for taking the time to read my silly blog.