Another-nother Update

Those of you that have been with me a while, may remember that my sister had been diagnosed with lung cancer and was undergoing treatment. If you need to catch up, click here and you can see all the previous posts. That being said, here is the most recent update:

Today Neal & I went to see Dr. Pant (my oncologist) for my first “after Keemo” visit. I’m doing great! My hair is growing back. The style which I refer to as a "No Maintenance Bob" is just FULL of "silver highlights". She said…”Go on with your normal life. Follow the 2-week rule…if something "normal" like a cold doesn’t go away after 2 weeks….come see me! You will have "stuff" like a normal person and it doesn’t necessarily mean the cancer is back. Just get over it and live."

Easy for her to say! I had a cold/allergies a couple weeks ago and the cough kinda freaked me out. I had a bit of anxiety about going today which I think is normal...so I had a long walk before my appointment this morning and a talk with God. He heard me and comforted me. I suppose I will get used to going to have a check-up every two months. I am blessed. Prayers are answered…we only have to ask. I feel stronger everyday as the Keemo drugs leave my body.

How's that for awesome! Wahoo! Check out those silver highlights!

A Fantastic Update!!

For those of you that follow my little blog here, you may have read a couple of my previous posts (#1 and #2) about my sister. If you haven't, you might want to take a second and read them. Either way, feel free to join in my joy and read on:

From my sister:

Today is the day!!! Just call me "Remission Girl"!!!!

I had a CAT scan last Monday and today Neal & I went to see Dr. Pant. She said there was no sign of cancer--just scar tissue from the fluid. I have finished my Keemo and I'm now in remission. It's official and everything! I will go see her every 2 months and have a CAT scan every 4 months for the next 2 years. That's it. She said I should get back to my regular life...oh and lose the 15 pounds I gained from the steroids and ice cream! I was never sick and the only other side effect was the pain in my hands and feet that she said will go away with time.

I feel great. My hair is growing back. I think it will be mostly salt with a little pepper or maybe cinnamon. :) I was hoping for red curls! Either will be fine by me--although I believe I will keep the do-rags... May come in handy on the occasional bad hair day!

SO---all is well. Thank you all for your love and support. Prayers have been answered. I am blessed and I thank God every morning. I have learned alot about myself. This has truly been a life journey....and it's not over yet!

And thanks from me to all of you for your prayers, thoughts and concerns.

Another Update

A while back, I posted a blog about my sister, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. She has already given one good report. Below is her most recent email.

I had a CAT scan yesterday. Neal & I went to see Dr. Pant this afternoon. The Keemo is working great---the tumor is gone...that's right GONE. There is no more fluid in my chest. Some scar tissue but that is to be expected. After I sat for a bit quietly I asked "What does this mean?" Dr. Pant says we are exactly where we need to be..couldn't ask for anything better. I will continue with my next two Keeemo sessions...one coming up next Monday and the LAST the first Monday of January. After that I will have a CAT scan every 2-3 months to monitor my progress or "lack thereof" as I prefer to think of it! When or if it comes back we will deal with it then. I believe my continued overall wellness will soar once the drugs & poison are out of my system.

I finally took the plunge Sunday before last and shaved my head. I do have a good lookin' noggin (just as I suspected) and Dr. Pant suggested today that Neal & I should have our picture made to send out for Christmas Cards! She's pretty cool--I like her alot! Susan (my work friend/spouse) had a batch of Brazos Fasteners do-rags made. My crew can be quite a site with their various head gear on these days!

I want to thank all of your for your continued prayers & support. I told my Yoga buddy tonight I feel like I'm in a snow globe of love. I'm sometimes overwhelmed. I am blessed each and everyday...and this one has been no exception. We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with love, health and happiness. We hope to see you soon....

How's that for great news? Keep up the praying.

An Update...

A few days ago, I posted about my sis and her recent diagnosis with cancer. She sent out an "update email" yesterday, I got her permission to post it here. That's her in the Marines shirt, by the way, posing with her co-workers on Do-rag Day.

Hello everyone,

I just got in from my Yoga class and wanted to take a minute to share my day. I had a CT scan last Friday and today I went to see Dr. Pant my oncologist. She said my tumor is responding to the Keemo (that's how I spell it now for fun) and we will continue the current treatment schedule. I have had two keemo sessions and have made it through without any sickness at all. I do get a little fatigued for a day or two after, but by the weekend I'm back to normal. I have four more to go...should be done just in time to start the New Year!

I have lost most of my hair and now sport some quite fashionable do-rag's. My co-workers have joined in for support...although I think some days it's just to hide a "Bad Hair Day"! :) In order to tell my friends & family how I'm doing each day, My friend Susan at work and I developed a number system...10= the day my cancer is in remission 1=I don't plan on using this number. Most days I'm a 9 and some days a 9+...although I had a cold last week and went all the way down to 8. I guess what I'm saying is I feel great and work everyday to make wellness a way of life. My energy level is off the chart most of the time, my appetite is good ( if fact I've gained a few pounds these past weeks) and I feel great. Pretty cool, huh?

Trout seems to be one of the things I truly enjoy for dinner these days. So with much protest (NOT) Neal is out catching dinner for tomorrow night. He's doing a great job taking care of me and keeping me in line. He and Susan tag team through the day with Mom remaining the Big Boss if I get too big for my britches! :)

So, with all that being said....Thank you all for your love, support, cards and calls. But especially all the prayers. They are being answered on a daily basis. Take care of yourselves & each other. I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Love to all,
Teresa

Well, there you have it. Pretty great news so far! Thanks for all your prayers.

If You Are of the Praying Kind...

Hello all.

My older sister, Teresa, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. She began chemo a few weeks ago, and seems to be doing well. At this time, she seems to be feeling pretty good most days.

Her attitude and outlook have been incredible throughout the entire ordeal.

So, for those of you that pray, I'm asking that you add her to your list. She reads my blog at times as well, so if you would like to give her any words of encouragement, feel free to comment away!

Thank you.