Life in the Slow Lane

Life in the Slow Lane

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

An Update: In Case You Were Wondering

So Yoshi seems to have bounced back from her tummy bug and is almost back to eating normal amounts. Sadly, my paper towel supply is sorely depleted and my carpet will never be the same again. Thanks for all your get well wishes.

You may have noticed that I twittered that I was off to the cancer clinic for an appointment. I am still going every 3 months for check-ups and so far they seem very happy with my progress. I found out something interesting as far as how they calculate survivorship, though. I’ve been counting my cancer-free status since I got the all-clear pathology test after my mastectomy in Feb. 2006. It turns out they start your cancer free countdown from your very first cancer positive biopsy test. Makes no sense to me but that is how they roll in Cancerland. So according to them I’ve actually been cancer-free (or whatever they call it) for 3 years. I thought it was 2 years next week. Hmmmm…3 years works for me!

Anyway, I think I posted a TMI list a few weeks back stating that Christmas not only brought me yummy food and great gifts but also a very grinchy bowel. I’m still trying to inspire, um, generosity in that area so I’ve been scheduled for a CT scan in a few weeks to check out all those important bits in my tummy. Nobody expects nastiness there (my blood tests came back normal) but once you’ve had cancer these everyday aches and pains cause worry and stress and, very rarely, might mean something more serious. So I have that to look forward to. It means a very early morning, large amounts of water to consume and a lot of waiting around. Well worth the peace of mind.

And thanks for all your good luck wishes to me too. Yoshi and I are so lucky to have you.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

They only make you drink water for your CT scans? I have to drink that nasty barium crap. And I'm having one in a few weeks too (routine).

I'm sure it's nothing scary, but I know how it is--you'll sleep better at night knowing it's nothing.

Glad Ms. Y is feeling better!

Anonymous said...

No kiddo, we are all lucky to know you and yoshi.
Best of luck with the tummy test

KatieC

east village idiot said...

Three down and a hundred more years to go!

Kranki that is GREAT news.

Don't worry about your GI system sometimes it can just be stress. I'll be thinking of you.

Calamity Jen said...

I hope your bowel shirks its grinchiness very soon.

HAR said...

I am happy that your tests/ exams came back good. Can you say..... stressful?

Anonymous said...

Hugs to you and air smooches to Yoshi.

Anonymous said...

(I know she doesn't like stranger-on-cat contact.)

lawyerchik said...

Glad to hear Yoshi is feeling better - hope all goes well at the doctor's for you. :)

Squirl said...

I'm so glad Yoshi's doing better. Even better is your all-clear on the breast cancer front.

Good luck on the GI scan. Like everyone else, I'm sure it'll be okay. But if it were me I'd be checking it out, too.

Love and hugs to both of you. :-)

alan said...

May the Grinch find somewhere else to dwell soon!

Glad Yoshi is better...sorry about the carpet!

Thank you for sharing the good news about your check-up! I need you around for another 100 years or so!

alan

Robin said...

CONGRATS on the 3 years!! Sounds great to me!

i'm thinking of doing a colon cleanse soon - oddly, several people have mentioned it to me lately. i'm taking that as a sign I should do it. I've heard really good things about it (okay, nasty things but GOOD) so it's worth a try. don't know if it would help you or not, or if you can even do it before or after that test. just thought i'd give you something else to think about. :-)

i had to drink the barium stuff too. i'm pretty sure i permanently glow on the inside.

JP said...

3 Years cancer free is HUGE!! Congrats! You've come a long way BABY!! That's just awesome!