Where'd They Go??

Hi everyone.  Apparently my blog has learned magic, because I am certain I have been writing and logging in here, but a few have magically disappeared.  *poof*gone*  Go figure.

Well, surely there is no way I can regroup what is lost, but I can tell you that my PET scan was indeed negative and I danced around the same office where I first found out about the cancer.  I will make  three years NED and I have no doubt that I will see four and five years too!  What a weight off my shoulders!  I didn't realize how concerned I was until the phone rang and I picked it up. Once I hung up, it was like someone lifted a boulder off of my chest. 

My boys have been in Jamaica for this last week celebrating their daddy's 50th birthday with him.  It brings me great joy and peace to see the wonderful relationship our family has maintained even though we have been divorced for more than 20 years.  Way back then I knew by maintaining "friendly fire" it would be in their best interest long term, and now they not only reap the rewards, but the entire family does and I thank God for his whispers to me even when I wanted to scream.

On another note, one thing we as cancer patients know is that life is very short.  This morning I learned of the passing of a nice lady who was loved by so many people here in Melbourne. She was not a cancer patient. Her death was tragic and completely unexpected.  I only met her a few times and she was so nice to me each time.  So today, my thoughts and my heart are with each of these folks and the family members who lost her.  Michelle, you left your footprint on many and I'm sure they will carry your memory with them always. Thank you for sharing yourself with so many. You will be greatly missed.

Take time today to hug someone or tell them you love them.  These are what make up such special moments in life and when you have the opportunity - don't let it slip by!! You know what they say about physics, right?  In the one second you touch something hot and burn your hand - it can feel like an eternity. But in the second you've lost someone you love, it seems like they've only been here mere minutes and gone way too soon.  Don't miss any special minute today.

You are loved.  Hugs.

Regarding PET Scans

Hello everyone. I've been away for a little while.  Busy, but not; exhausted, but energetic.  I was actually just taking some selfish "me" time by going on an amazing cruise! I went to St Thomas and St. Maarten Islands, which I recommend, and since my return, I have been working and napping and playing with my dogs, and so on.

I went in and had a PET Scan on Friday.  I've had some issues with lymph nodes in my arm where the cancer was, and it is painful. My shoulder gives me a fit occasionally, but this was different, so the doc is investigating.  Safety - I prefer that.  As a TN, I'm keeping my fingers crossed because June will be that three year critical point I need to reach being NED.  I believe I remain cancer free and so I hope to hear that from the doctor today.

Regarding PET Scans, I thought I may be able to re-share/refresh the information on them.  What they can do.  PET Scans provide critical information to help physicians locate and determine size of a cancer, distinguish benign from malignant, determine aggression or invasion (has the cancer spread?), type of treatment, and follow up / recurrences.

Some one million new cancers will be diagnosed in 2012 - this includes most cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 570,000 Americans are expected to die of cancer this year, more than 1,560 people per day.  Through the use of the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, doctors can detect and evaluate the extent of cancer.

So now that you know what it CAN do, just how is it done? I will do my best to explain in words I understand it to be. If I am wrong, please feel free to correct me as I want everyone to have the best information.

Well, it can be time consuming, but it really isn't a difficult test. Upon arrival at the imaging center or hospital, you will have an injection that contains minute radioactive glucose particles designed to "make the cancer glow" if you will. For some reason, the cancer is attracted to the sugary substance of it.  The hardest part of the test comes in two parts.  The first part is in remaining very still and quiet. You know how it is, as soon as you are requested not to move or don't have a free hand - your nose itches. Guaranteed every time, right? The second hardest part is the waiting on the results.  The specialists that review the tests know how important it is to get your results right the first time, so you can expect to wait three days.  And, if you are like me, five days as my test was on a Friday.  Patience is a plus.  Anyway, my therapy in waiting comes in my writing this for you and booking my next cruise to the western Caribbean with my son (yayness!).

If you can sit down and look at your results, good or bad, with your doctor, you get a fine opportunity to learn a little more about your body.  How cool is that?  Have an awesome week, and a very blessed Easter.