Its been almost two weeks since I met with my local oncologist and we discussed my latest PET/CT scan. For the most part it was good news. Cancer is stable, however one thing that struck me and I brought it up with my Dr, is that I now have 5 liver ‘cysts’. I use the air quotes because I’ve had scans before with negative results only to find out something was missed. Significant something’s. So, my faith in scans being 100% accurate has wavered. Not only do I have 5 little bastards but the one that was first identified has grown to 3cm. Add to that the pain I’ve had in the area of my liver for almost a year now and my red flags are flying high. My Dr assured me she would go back to the radiologist and ask for a second look. My gut tells me to have the big one biopsied. I’m not the type of person to look for things to be wrong but I don’t want to wait another 6 months only to find out its really more metastasis. (Mental note to email Dr today).
For those of you that don’t know I have a Facebook page of the same name where my mission above all is to try to help change 30 yrs of ‘awareness brainwashing’ to a focus on research. I share facts, what other organizations that focus on metastatic breast cancer are doing, news regarding others living with cancer and of course updates on me. Some days I feel I’ll never get anywhere and that folks will continue to bow down to the pink ribbon and blindly purchase anything pink in the name of ‘awareness’.
(Pic from an ad at a liquor store. I find this sexually exploitive and downright inappropriate)
But this week something wonderful happened. I received an instant message from one of the women that follow my page and she thanked me. I almost fell over. She totally understood what I am trying to accomplish and why and she thanked me. Wow. How awesome. She even said to keep doing what I’m doing. I was blown away. I needed to hear that. I thanked Jordanna and told her how much I appreciated her kind words. And I meant it. I’m keeping that message probably forever.
Unfortunately, I’ve had an increase in pain in my ribs. Specifically where I had radiation to my 9th rib where I had a tumor. The PET did show thickening of soft tissue covering the sclerotic rib. It feels like its growing and that soon it’s going to poke thru the skin.
That bump just under my shirt is what I’m talking about. If it gets any bigger I’m going to have to name it and charge it rent. Twisting, turning and touching it hurts. I almost wish the soft tissue could be scraped off.
Hubs and I have finalized our February recess vacation plans. We are driving to Orlando and visiting Universal studios, Sea World and Cape Canaveral. The boys are excited as am I. Today I will be buying tickets to go behind the scenes of the Antarctica exhibit at Sea World. 45 minutes of getting an up close and personal view of penguins!! I love penguins. Another item to cross off my bucket list. I cannot guarantee I won’t stuff one of those suckers down my shirt and leave with it. Y’all have bail money should I need it, right??
Well, its time for me to snuggle with my pup. She’s laying on my lap while I type and I could really use a nap. Until next time….remember:
Nice writing….I’m very proud of you!