Good News on All Fronts

The crystal, clear sky showcasing glorious sunshine today is the perfect twin for my elation while celebrating ONE YEAR CANCER FREE!!

Until a few days ago, I did not realize that I could proclaim this statement from the mountain tops, however Dr. P. tells me that people start counting their "cancer free" status from the day of their surgery.  In his professional opinion, my surgeon did her level best to remove 100% of my cancer on the day of my surgery, and the chemo and radiation that followed were precautionary measures in case some microscopic cells made their way to any other parts of my body.  But, for all intents and purposes, December 7, 2012 marked my return to a "cancer-free" standing. I am ONE YEAR CANCER FREE!!

My ears like the ring of the "one year" part.  It sounds so much more optimistic than six months or even eleven months.  A year is a L-O-N-G time, after all ... and it's been a jam-packed one that has taken an eternity to elapse, yet flew by in many regards.

Dr. P. also read me every word from
  -  my one-breasted mammogram report - all clear!
  -  my abdominal CT - 1 cm hemangioma still presenting the same characteristics
  -  my follow-up check x-ray - haziness gone, all clear!

After a very thorough physical exam of neck, chest, armpits, breast, and tissue expander, he declared me in excellent health with no unusual lumps, bumps, or concerns.  He will see me in another six months for a similar check up, and then will "close my case".  After that, I will see my GP every six months for several years, and then go back to life as usual ... AKA ... only go see the doctor for routine, boring stuff.

This past week, I went for my first dental check-up and cleaning in quite some time.  During chemo, no one is to be messing around in your mouth both for the sake of possible infection and because smells and tastes make you want to puke.  To my amazement, I was praised for my excellent dental hygiene.  It didn't seem that long ago that I could barely brush my teeth for wanting to gag, and feeling like my gums were sloughing off and eating themselves alive.  Guess I was able to bring things back to "normal" in the months since chemo ended.

Time to bundle up and head outside to enjoy the sunshine and balmy -15 degree (C) weather.