Cancer Warrior - Dancin’ in the Streets
I love it when good news come in on the same day. I just learned that my writing crit partner, Michelle Diener, got the “Call” and landed a two book deal. This is thrillin’ stuff.
Then yesterday I got a call as I was leaving the office from Dr. D that my tumor marker numbers have dropped to 207. Helllloooo — that’s 207, people. Woo Hoo! Down from an original 580 back in August. And only about 160 more points to go to get to my ideal level. Yep, this particular chemo cocktail has been a little rough, but this makes it all worth it.
One thing I found interesting during this Round is that despite the fact I know chemo is supposed to attack all cells — not just the cancer cells — my other blood work has been consistently average. I’d have thought that my white counts at the very least would have dropped, but nope … totally average. Not complainin’, just curious.
Well, the next move is that Dr. D wants me to take another CT scan so he can have a good look see at what’s happening and we’ll go on from there. Next week is a nurse’s visit and the following week will begin the seventh round of this regime. Counting back, I’ve been on this chemo on a weekly basis for about six months. Hmm, going in to the clinic on a weekly basis gets old really fast, but with these results, who’s complain’? Not me. Not anymore.
January 15th, 2010 at 5:14 am
Congrats to Michelle, but as exciting as that news is, the hoots and hollers and high fives go to you. Where are those rockin’ smilies when you need them?
Being sick sucks. I know. I’ve been there. You take your victories where you can find them.
Surround yourself with positive energy and continue writing. I bet you that your ability to focus on your characters and their worlds has kept your stress level down and helped your body in this fight.
I’m on the other side of the world, but I’ll be thinking of you and rooting for you!
January 15th, 2010 at 6:28 am
Thanx Gabriella. Wonderful advice if ever I heard it.
And you’re right. I am able to lose myself in my writing. A couple of people have asked why I don’t write a book in which cancer is main issue. Answer? Don’t know. Somehow I just feel this isn’t the time for me to do this. Perhaps someday in the future.
January 15th, 2010 at 7:09 am
I’m hooting and hollering and high fiving you too! This has been a great week for my CPs!
January 15th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Thanx, Edie. That’s pretty much how I’m feelin’ right now. Strangely enough, I didn’t even have a beer or a glass of wine to celebrate. Too busy playing a board game with the little darlin’.
January 15th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Woo hoo! Excellent! Let’s hope that number keeps going down down down down! Yay! You go, girl!
January 15th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Bettin’ on that, Dee. I figure at the rate I’m going, should be another two or three months. It seems to have slowed down a bit … but I ain’t complainin’.
January 17th, 2010 at 6:38 am
Oh sweetie — that is absolutely FANTASTIC! Love & miss you, babe!
January 17th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Liz, love your news, girl! That’s wonderful, and I’m smiling at those results. A great beginning to 2010. Whatever’s in that juice, it’s working.
January 18th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Thanx, Terri. it was wonderful news. And I miss ya as well. You gonna be at conference this year?
January 18th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Yep, that’s the type of news I want to hear for 2010, LaD. Here’s hopin’ the trend continues.