Monday, December 7, 2009

Good News!

Hi, everyone. I am so very sorry it has taken me so long to get this post up. My test results are back and there is no sign of cancer anywhere! I'm sure you can all imagine how relieved I am! I was so scared that the trouble with my breathing, the back pain, and the fluid on my lungs meant the cancer had spread to my lungs. Then, with the alkaline phosphatase being elevated, I started to worry that it was in my bones, too. The doctors aren't sure why it is elevated, but the PET scan didn't show any signs of bone cancer. The fluid around my lungs is most likely a side effect of the radiation.

So, I"m not feeling real good right now, but it is much easier to deal with the idea that everything I'm going through is a result of all the treatment I've had and that it should all eventually get better than the thought that the cancer had spread throughout my body!

Tomorrow, I will be halfway through what is hopefully my last course of chemo. I should be finished completely with it by the end of January. So far, it hasn't been too bad, mostly struggling with nausea and fatigue. The CAT scan last Monday showed that the fluid is reaccumulating around my lungs. I already knew it by how I'm feeling. I'm still pretty short of breath and my back hurts a lot. I'm guessing I'll have to have it drained again at some point.

More good news! Pam is coming out for a few days starting on the 15th and then Joe, Michael, and I are going back to visit New Jersey the day after Christmas. I can't wait!

Well, it's taken me so long to get this posted because I'm just so tired and sore by the time I get home from school, so I'm off to bed!

Thank you, everyone, for all of your positive thoughts and prayers. They have sustained me through another difficult part of this journey.

Lots of love to everyone!
Martha

4 comments:

NP said...

I'm sorry you're not feeling so great ~ I can't really even imagine how you come to school and teach every day. I can't believe you'll already be halfway through this LAST (how's that for positive thinking?) round of chemo. I'm so glad Pam will be coming out for a few days ~ she will be such a great help! How exciting that you Joe and Michael get to go to New Jersey ... it will be a wonderful break!
Love & hugs,
Nancy

Carol Dunton said...

(spins around the room doing her 'happy dance' for her girl's great news!!!)

: ))

xoxoxoxox

Dottie said...

Martha, That's absolutely wonderful news!! I'm SO grateful!! Knowing that the symptoms you're dealing with are secondary related to your treatment is the best news!! I can only imagine how uncomfortable you must be . . . but the great news is that eventually the symptoms will go away!! Yahoo!!

I hope you, Joe, and Michael have a beautiful "white Christmas"!! (I'm glad Michael has his hair back on top of his head!! Snow on his bald head would have been a disaster for him!! :o)

Hang in there, dear friend!! Winter Break is just a short week away!! We're all still in your corner cheering loud and strong for our "WONDER WOMAN aka MARTHA"!

Lots of love,
Dottie

N-Search of Peace! said...

For next year, I shall make you too a "Holiday-Hat!" It is yet another great way to celebrate ALL that has happened to you!

Enjoy the holidays sweetie! Raise your glasses to love and to compassion. Health and wisdom.

Safe travels and Merry Christmas Martha!

We love you so much!
xoxoxoxoxo
N-Peace