I have yet to meet someone battling cancer that does not become anxious before a scan. Whether you are past the magical five year marker or not, the three, six or twelve month scans seem to drive us to “What if?” The scan is the exam you’ve been cramming for and desperately want to ace. Every time.
My six month scan was last Friday. This time around I had a PET scan vs a CT scan. This means I get to be a little radioactive but without the Spider-sense development. After having to reassure my newbie technician that my IV port can in fact be used, I lie in a dark room for about 40 minutes building up the suspense. Then I take a ride in a tube for 30 minutes and we’re done.
My doctor tells there is still no metastatic evidence. Six months clean! They should give out chips or gold stars.
I have potentially nine more rounds of Avastin treatments but if I keep getting clean scans, I’ll open-wide and take my medicine.
Far too many people I know and millions more I do not, are living with cancer. We take the chemo, the radiation, the surgeries, the trails whatever will give us a fighting chance for more sunny days. My mortality gets pushed to the forefront before and after the scans. Whether the outcome is positive or negative, I just want to focus on what’s important to me right now. And what’s most important is the happiness I share with those I love. Little and big joys that give any pain and uncertainty clarity.
“What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.”
cancer avenger 
Carol, I could NOT be more thrilled to hear your good news. Avastin is the wonder drug and has been keeping me going for these past few years. I pray that we can all brag one day that you are 20 years cancer free. Let’s make some coins girlfriend!!!
Yes, girlfriend! 20 more years!
Congratulations Carol and thank you for your open and sharing words here on your blog. You have given me the gift of my time – I now know how magical and miraculous it is.
“What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.” You have a wonderful way of touching everyone. Thank you, so much, for sharing your journey with us.
So happy to hear the good news Carol. You and Costa are living life as everyone should, enjoying each moment, spending time with those that matter, trying not to sweat the small stuff, sharing your positive energy with all that know and love you. I feel blessed to have you in my life! ❤ ❤ ❤
Yippee!!! Your posts are so spot on from a cancer survivor standpoint. You just reminded me that i need to get my scan. Much love to you and Pete! Look forward to seeing you guys soon!
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so, so thrilled to hear your fabulous, wonderful, beautiful news!!!!!
Smiling and full of joy at hearing your good news! Congrats Carol! You are never far from my thoughts or my heart!
In my field we have gold starts, stickers, stamps and other various awards and acknowledgements for a job well done. None, or even all, would be enough to express the joy I have in knowing you are giving your all to fight for life and happiness with and for those who adore you…and for YOU. However, I would be glad to fill a goodie bag and present it to you on any given day if it keeps that wonderful smile on your beautiful face! LOVE
It’s funny how insignificant the treatment is when you know it’s possibly saving your life. So many people feel sorry for the side effects we experience, but find it hard to relate to how willing we are to tolerate anything to have one more day. How it supports our hope and keeps us fighting.
Seems like last Friday was a great day for scans! Congratulations on your good news! Here’s to more clear scans for us both!
Indeed! Clear scans ahead 🙂
Beautifully. Said as always. We love you so much.
I am so happy to hear you are doing well and your scan was negative. Lots of love to you.
Oh, joy!! Such great news! I am so thrilled for both you and Pete!
and I love you more each day.