November 8, 2010 - scan results so far

Had meeting with my two oncologists today and the news was mostly positive although both were somewhat reserved in giving me any actual NED news.  Harvey is down to practically a pinpoint in the scans, however, there is still a hotspot in that area (that pinpoint)  that they cannot ascertain if it is still active cancer or residual dying cells or scar tissue from the radiation.  I will not know any of this until Thursday when I have my dr appt with the colo-rectal surgeon.  He will do a DRE (dr exam) and maybe scope and biopsy what is left just to be sure.  Until I hear him say to me that it is NED or T0N0I I am remaining calm and reserved about the outcome.  I'm cautiously optimistic.  I'm telling you though, seeing the before and after scans I was stunned at how that treatment kicked Harvey's butt - he was HUGE.  Even the rad oncologist said she could now tell me, he was a very large tumor and they had to be aggressive with him which might give me some residual side effects...I'm feeling some of them now, stiffness in the legs and hips, muscle weakness and so on.  There are times I have to move around a lot in order to be able to walk straight.  So this might be my 'new normal' and you know what, that is okay.  Living with hip and leg pain is better than living with cancer or not living at all.  I will take what God gives me and be thankful for it.  So we shall see what we shall see.  Just wanted to keep you guys updated as soon as I could because I know you'd want to know.  Now I am tired.  Was at hospital from 8 until 5 today again.  Long waiting hours to actually not find out too much but more than I knew yesterday.   Love you all for being there. Keep praying to be sure the residual is just that...scar tissue and nothing more.  Be well, Marilyne