So Far So Good

[milashka]

I just want to stop by to say hello and update everyone. I used to be a regular here in 2005/2006. OvCa stage 3c November 2005, surgery and 6 rounds of carbo/taxol, last chemo dose on March 30, 2006.

I feel blessed that as of right now, I am still in remission. I had a scare in April having a brain MRI due to headaches and fear the cancer had spread to the brain, but thankfully, it was a false alarm. Tumor marker still at 13, as it has been since chemo. I am checked every 3 months. Oncologist says if I am still clean next check-up in December, that would be my 3-year mark and follow up will be every 4-6 months after that.

Life has me back full force...I have since lost a dog, my chemo buddy, and moved on to a new puppy that is keeping me on my toe, and I work fulltime and pursue photography on the side, so I am very active, trying to make use of every day I am cancer and treatment free. When the cancer takes me down again, I want to be able to look back and think, well, I didn't waste any time lately :)

Will do some reading tomorrow. Hope you ladies are doing alright.

[milashka]

Janet535:  I remember when I was on this forum, good new was almost non-existence. I also always stop by the chemo suite after my check-ups, to make sure they see a survivor from time to time. A lot of ladies that started treatment with me are still there, some have passed away, some are doing well ... but it is the ones that are doing well, with long remissions, which we never hear from again, and we so much need to, for encouragement. That is why I posted.

dian07: Oh I remember you. Good to know you are still well. Remissions are great but I feel I still have cancer, first off, I may really still have it and it's dormant, but also, it rears its ugly head with every twinge or pain or thing one feels - headaches (which turned out for me to be mild migraines triggered by lack of sleep), constipation, UTI, a cough, no matter how simple, first thought is always: recurrence! So I always have cancer this way, but it sure won't have me!

[dian07]

Hey there, girl!  I am so pleased to learn you are doing so well these days......good news is always encouraging.
I also have been blessed so far.  My last chemo was in Oct. of 2005.....I continue my 6 month check up.......so far so good.  I was staged at IC .....on this past Monday I was diagnosed with a bladder/kidney infection......just like you, I was fearful it had something to do with ovc......so far my fears are baseless.
Anyway, it is nice to hear from you.  Take care and stay in touch!
Peace.
dian

[Janet535]

I'm so glad you decided to "stop by and say hello and share your story".

Thank you!!  I for one needed to hear some good news and your post was just exactly what I needed.

For me, it's both uplifting and inspiring to know there are people like you having long term remissions and having the chance to enjoy life again. I think your post will also bring some renewed hope to others that are feeling down and disillusioned as can be the case when faced with the endless rounds of chemo and the side affects associated with it.  

I hope you continue to have good health and enjoy the things you like doing. My very best wishes to you and yours.
Janet