This was me, five years ago tonight. I am now an official five-year ovarian cancer survivor! These past five years have gone by fast. The fight isn't over. I still have to check in with my oncologist at least once a year. Not much chance for a recurrence, but I have to look out for secondary cancers. The average five-year survival rates for ovarian ( Read more... )

Five years ago yesterday, I spent a whole day in the ER, which led to my cancer diagnosis. Saturday night, I had terrible nightmares. I guess it was my subconscious reminding me what day was coming up. I missed church because I felt so bad. I kind of wanted to be alone. I felt better on the actual day ( Read more... )

My virtual follow-up with my oncologist ended up being a phone call due to some technical difficulties at the office. But it was a good phone call- everything is good! No new tumors, no problem with lymph nodes, hernia repairs still holding. Blood work was also good. He's very happy with my progress and has decided to go to once a year visits, ( Read more... )

I had a very last-minute adventure yesterday! Katie and her friends Regi and Lynda had tickets to see the 5th Dimension in Richmond last night. A couple of hours before Katie had to leave, Lynda had to cancel because she was sick. First Katie offered the extra ticket to our mom, a big fan of the group. Mom was too tired, so I got to go instead! The ( Read more... )

It was yesterday (the 4th). In five weeks, I can say I'm a cancer survivor!

I posted this throwback photo on Facebook and Tumblr of my cross stitched cancer journal cover and the socks that were a part of my chemo goody bag.


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My first finish of the year, not counting the tiny piece I did for church.


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My blood test results are in. If I read them right, my cancer antigens are in the normal range. The upper end of normal, but stable and shouldn't be a problem. They did go up slightly from my last screening, three years ago! The result was worth that nasty bruise on my arm!


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I'm not even going to say GTFO, 2022. It was a meh year, but not as horrible as the past six years ( Read more... )

My visit with my oncologist went fine. He decided to order a CT scan and blood test because it's been almost two years, and the fifth anniversary of my diagnosis is coming up. My scan was supposed to be next Friday, but there was a cancelation, and I had it today. I was able to have it done at my local hospital for a change ( Read more... )

Another lovely Christmas with my family. Dinner was terrific, lots of nice presents, and best of all, Sam was here. Can't really say he was "home" because his home is Brooklyn now with Devon (who was at her parents' house). Katie was happy to have him. Mom and I did most of the cooking and cleaning, so we're both exhausted. I spent most of today ( Read more... )