Tuesday, July 21, 2009

GOOD NEWS DAY

Yesterday was both tense and euphoric. As I have previously stated, I am a bladder cancer survivor. Bladder cancer is one of the easier cancers to live with but also one of the most frustrating for it will come back. Not might, but will.

Vigilance is the main defense. I was diagnosed nine and a half years ago and in that time I have had eight surgeries to remove 22 cancerous tumors. Now these are out patient surgeries but you are still put under general anesthesia.


The trick to bladder cancer is to catch it before it penetrates the lining of the bladder and can spread. This means a cystoscopy every three months so that any new cancers can be caught and surgically removed. For most of the three months, I can put cancer on the back burner and pretty much ignore thoughts of out of control cells.


As appointment time nears, I do get anxious. Last year at this same time, I found out it had returned after 4 years of clean check ups. That finally convinced me that I would never be able to put this totally behind me. I can live with this only by "living with it". Diabetes and high blood pressure don't go away. They are controlled and medicated. People live "with" them. Such is my cancer.


I do know how very lucky I am. I have friends with much more virulent forms of cancer who are fighting a horrific battle. One that takes all their will just to get through each day. I have lost friends and family members to this disease. Sometimes I feel like someone with a hangnail moaning to someone with an amputated arm. So, I usually don't say much to anyone. My general health is quite good. No known serious problems, no regular medications, just a bit too fat which is curable. Yes, I am one lucky girl.


So yesterday came and went. I know my urologist quite well and knew before he had finished my exam that the news was good. Neither of us tried to hide our grins. Suddenly the weights are gone and life is good again for at least 89 more days. Today I am a bit giddy. It is safe to buy green bananas again.

14 comments :

  1. Good news,Patti..I am happy for you.

    As you said you can now buy green bananas and also a big plus, you can now removed the cellophane from your lampshades....

    I just reread that and had to laugh. Does anyone call it "Cellophane" anymore? My husband still calls Saran Wrap "Wax Paper" and I am sure there are plenty of other things we refer to in old fashioned terms.

    I got a little off the subject there. Sorry. I am very happy for you that you got good news from your doctor...

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  2. Patti, Hurrah for you! Great News.
    Nancy, lol. My mom had those horrible plastic covers on all the furniture and the car seats when I was a kid...

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  3. Wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing the good news!

    We're getting a good rain down here; hope some of it is falling on your patch as well.

    Hugs, Pat

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  4. Great news, Patti. I know those routine checkups can be stressful--but when you get the GOOD news, you can truly celebrate (at least until the next check-up). As you said, it's a lifelong process for you. BUT-you are handling it well. I'm proud of you. Be sure and CELEBRATE today!!!!!

    I lost a brother to cancer in 1985. He fought that disease for 20 yrs. and won the battle for those 20 yrs. AND--these days, there are many more ways to help people with cancer. When Jimmy first got cancer, there was no chemotherapy. He only had radiation--and they burned his body up!!!!

    I also have a very very good friend who has Breast Cancer ---and it has come back (2 yrs. later) and is in her bones. She is Stage IV. BUT---her treatments are working right now... I pray for her everyday.

    I will always continue to pray for you and your good health.

    Congrats!!!
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  5. That is such great news, patti. Buy those green bananas and breathe a grateful sigh of relief.

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  6. Nancy,

    Thank you so much.
    And yes I do use the word cellophane and to me all tissue are Kleenex. Cheesh.

    Brighid,
    Thanks for the hurrah.
    Up until this car, I always got those hot plastic covers. Made dog puke easier to clean up.

    Pat,
    Thank you also. Some things you just need to share.
    The rains here are wonderful, gentle and steady. Just came in from the porch where I had fun listening to the rain, watching the hummers dart in and out of the rain, and reading the Shack while sipping Chamomile tea. Perfect day.

    Betsy,
    Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I have put your friend in mine. I hope she has good support.
    So far the day has been perfect. Love this rain.

    robin,
    Thanks so much and the green bananas are in the bowl as we speak. Relief is such a great feeling, it is almost worth the preceeding anxiety.

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  7. Yay! Very glad you had another good check-up! Way to go Patti!

    Green bananas? I guess I am the only one that doesn’t get it.

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  8. Patti, I cannot imagine living with that onus hanging over my head - and I have to hand it to you!! I'm SO GLAD to hear that you are free and clear for at least 3 months!!

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  9. I'm glad the news was good, Patti. Now, you can relax for awhile.

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  10. jewels,

    Thank you so much. You can really spot the young one. It is an old joke that golden agers tell."At my age, I don't even buy green bananas" implying that we might not live long enough for them to ripen. Sick-- but funny to us.

    kenju
    Thank you so much Judy. It really isn't too bad for I am usually good for about 88 days. Those last two days I get a bit squirrely.

    Betty,
    You bet I will, thank you so much.

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  11. 4th sister,
    He gets full credit and gratitude from me. Thank you.

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  12. I am visiting thru Betsy at Joyful Reflections blog. I just wanted to congratulate you on a good report. I know today has been wonderful for you with the testing behind you. My brother is a head/neck cancer survivor of 4 years so I know what a joyous day this is.

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  13. Mildred
    Thank you so much for stopping by TNS to comment on my happy day. I know since you have a brother going through cancer, you do understand how much each clean check up means.
    I wish him continued good news. It is unfortunately not an exclusive club he and I belong to but there is a strong common bond. Thank you.

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