curlygirl's Cancer Blog
July 25, 2008
| A small, but significant, bit of good news | Views: 800 |
Yesterday morning, I was packing up my things to go to work when my cell phone rang. It was my surgeon’s office, which was odd because my surgeon was on vacation and not expected back until today. Well, it turns out she’d popped in to pick up some paperwork and Linda, the woman in the front office, insisted that she read my HER2 test result so I could finally get that hurdle out of the way (I’d been waiting 3 weeks for the results). The test came back negative. This is very good. If it had been positive, it would have meant chemo, for sure. From what I understand, this test result lowers my chances of needing chemo, and that is a good thing.
I so appreciate Linda’s calling me right away! I knew I was eager to get the results, but I had no idea how much it was affecting my brain. Of course, Tim and I were happy and relieved, but I was amazed at how much clearer my mind was, how much more work I was able to get done, and how much better my body felt throughout the day. It’s amazing how things can build up without our even knowing how bad they’ve gotten. No matter now, though, because that waiting is over.
So now it’s just a few more days to wait until my oncologist appointment. I’m looking forward to meeting her and finally finding out what the plan will be. I guess that’s when this adventure really begins. I realized this week that I’ve been focusing on how great I feel now and how great I will feel once the treatments are over and I’ve been completely avoiding thinking about how I will feel during treatments. I suppose that’s probably a good thing, as I have no way of knowing how I will feel during treatments AND I don’t even know what treatments I’ll be getting! There’s no point in worrying about something that might not even happen and that I can’t control anyway, right?
But I am guessing that it will be during treatments that I start to really feel like A Cancer Patient. Right now, especially now that I’m back at work, I just feel like normal me with a little temporary limited mobility in my right pectoral muscle. I am aware of the fact that I’m technically A Cancer Patient, but I feel so good that it doesn’t seem really true. I guess it’s just that, right now, I feel like I’m done and the cancer part of my life was over with the surgery. I don’t know what A Cancer Patient is supposed to feel like, of course, and I’m certainly not looking to feel lousy! I guess I’m assuming that, as I progress through treatments, I’ll get to the point where the label Cancer Patient feels familiar. I’m really hoping that I’ll still be able to hold on to this positive attitude and use my support network and yoga to stay feeling as normal as possible. So far, the signs are all good. Maybe I can actually pull that off!
A small, but significant, bit of good news, 
4 comments)
10.14.08 - 
Auntie Carole 
Thanks for your support -
Hi Kathy,
I am so grateful that you are sharing your experiences and feelings with those of us who love and care about you. You’re a super writer! I am so happy to hear that you results came up negative.
I”ve been thinking of you a lot lately and sending lots of love your way, as I know this is a tough time right now and you are doing your best. I have a really good feeling that everything will be just fine.
You’re right about things adding up and accumulating stress without us always realizing it. I’ve actually felt that way lately too since we’re putting on a home addition and preparing for the adoption. Whenever you need a friend, I’m here. You and Tim have my warmest thoughts right now.
Love,
Rebekah
Hi gal “Here to feeling good.
Hug sherri
Keeping you #1 on the prayer list!
Kathy,
That is wonderful news! I am so happy for you and Tim. I’m still sending positive energy your way every day.