This summer, we lost my cousin Karol to cancer. She fought a valiant fight and insprired me tremendously as my cancer fighting partner. I feel tremendous sadness that she didn't win her fight as I always expected that she would. I know she is in a better place now and free from pain, but I miss her and I know her passing has been such a loss for all of her family and friends.
At the end of August, I had another scan. It had been 4.5 months since the last one and because I am still feeling so good, I didn't have the anxiety that preceded all of the previous scans. I was thrilled to hear from my oncologist that this scan also showed NO EVIDENCE OF METABOLIC ACTIVITY. YAY! Another fantastic report! I think it goes without saying that I am still walking on air with this result!
I have my last surgery in two weeks - on October 6 - to replace the expanders with permanent implants. It should be a pretty straightforward surgery and I should be home that evening. I'm looking forward to it because it signifies the end of "treatment" and moving on to just being on "maintenance." It's been such a journey and I feel so fortunate to have such great results, despite the rocky road and many hills and valleys traveled.
I do still want to celebrate the completion of my treatment and my success in ridding my body of the invader. In thinking about it, I think one of the best ways to celebrate is to find a way to give back and support others in their fight. So, I'm hoping that everyone will join me in July 2012 by participating in Relay for Life here in Napa. Relay is a 24 hour event to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society. I participated in 2010 during chemo and it was a transformative experience. So, I'm going to captain a team next year and I hope you will come and join me to celebrate my health while supporting this great cause. Check back here for more information. It will be quite a party!
