Tue (2/24) I went to MD Anderson for my 6-month liver cancer checkup. Usual tests – CT scan, chest x-ray, blood work. Wed (2/25) and Thu (2/26) reviewed with doctors. Results were excellent! No signs of metastic/recurring cancer. No new masses found.
That was great to hear, and the doctors were real pleased too. But better news, they said with this check-up I was basically at the "5-Year Mark". Meaning I’m in remission and "cancer-free" for 5 years. The actual date/mark is May 2009. But they said based on my previous results and progress so far, they were OK pronouncing me at the 5-year mark just a few months early. And with this, I’ll now begin yearly check-ups.
For anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer, the 5-year remission mark is an event we all hope and strive for. And while none of us are ever completely "cancer-free", the chances of the cancer coming back do decrease significantly after 5 years.
But it is sad and unfortunate that not every cancer patient will make it to their 5-year mark. I pray for those and their families. And why some survive and some do not, only God knows the answer to that.
And I’m certainly no "hero" for making it to 5 years. I’m just one of those that did. But in looking back these past 5 years, I don’t want to stop with this accomplishment. My goal is to do more as an advocate in the fight against cancer – in raising awareness, promoting early detection, supporting cancer organizations, and also in offering my support and hope for anyone affected by cancer.
Each year, the number of survivors continues to grow. New research and treatments are being discovered and used. There is news of someday possibly treating certain cancers as a controllable disease, much like high-blood pressure and diabetes are today. All this is encouraging news. And I believe if we all work together in this fight against cancer, many of these wishes can become realities in our lifetimes.
Well, I want to thank all of you for being a part of my journey these past 5 years and in reading my stories. Until next time, continue to keep the faith, and I hope to have many more years ... and stories ... to come!!!
That was great to hear, and the doctors were real pleased too. But better news, they said with this check-up I was basically at the "5-Year Mark". Meaning I’m in remission and "cancer-free" for 5 years. The actual date/mark is May 2009. But they said based on my previous results and progress so far, they were OK pronouncing me at the 5-year mark just a few months early. And with this, I’ll now begin yearly check-ups.
For anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer, the 5-year remission mark is an event we all hope and strive for. And while none of us are ever completely "cancer-free", the chances of the cancer coming back do decrease significantly after 5 years.
But it is sad and unfortunate that not every cancer patient will make it to their 5-year mark. I pray for those and their families. And why some survive and some do not, only God knows the answer to that.
And I’m certainly no "hero" for making it to 5 years. I’m just one of those that did. But in looking back these past 5 years, I don’t want to stop with this accomplishment. My goal is to do more as an advocate in the fight against cancer – in raising awareness, promoting early detection, supporting cancer organizations, and also in offering my support and hope for anyone affected by cancer.
Each year, the number of survivors continues to grow. New research and treatments are being discovered and used. There is news of someday possibly treating certain cancers as a controllable disease, much like high-blood pressure and diabetes are today. All this is encouraging news. And I believe if we all work together in this fight against cancer, many of these wishes can become realities in our lifetimes.
Well, I want to thank all of you for being a part of my journey these past 5 years and in reading my stories. Until next time, continue to keep the faith, and I hope to have many more years ... and stories ... to come!!!
