PET scan results!!!

So first let me start with apologizing that I lied. I have been telling everyone that I wouldn't get my PET scan results until October 9th. Usually on result day I am anxious, so are my friends and family. That results in a flood of texts and calls that can be overwhelming on top of my already anxiety ridden state. So, I lied. I bought myself an extra week just in case it took me a little while to get used to the news and to be able to actually say it aloud. That's usually when reality of these results hit, when I hear myself say them. So to give myself some time to accept the results and get over the news, I lied. I really went in today for the results. And they were amazing!!!! Absolutely amazing!!! I'm still in shock. The PET scan picks up any active cancer cell, mine showed none. There was not one cell light up light a star. My doctor showed me the results compared to the lat PET scan, the previous scan was light up like the milky way with cancer cells everywhere but concentrated in and around my right lung. The most recent scan just showed a bunch of organs and bones. Nothing was light up. The doctor read the report to me, and I couldn't grasp it, it didn't make scene. It didn't sound like the other reports describing where and how bad the cancer was. So I asked her what she was saying what did it mean? Everything was in slow motion and I was trying so hard to figure out what words she was even saying. Then she said plain as day, there are no active cancer cells. Wait! What? No active cancer cells. Like no new cancer cells? No, there are no active cancer cells at all, anywhere. Oh my God! What does that mean? How did that happen? Ok, let's break it down.... It means that if I have any cancer cells in me, they are dormant. Like a dormant volcano. At any time they can "wake up" and start reeking havoc again, but for now, they are sleeping. Let's hope they aren't sleeping and they are in fact dead and gone! But just in case they are only sleeping and one of them does decide to wake up, the doctors are putting me on a hormone therapy that will block any estrogen made from the pituitary and adrenal glands. Since my cancer is fed by estrogen, this plan should starve any cell that "wakes up". The doctors don't know how long I will remain in this state, but of course we hope for a long long time. She said it could be a month or years. I would describe my attitude as positively apprehensive. While I am beyond excited and hopeful that this will last many years, I am apprehensive. The cancer cell I had was very aggressive and came back only 2 years after I was in remission. The doctors were very clear that they do not consider this remission. How did this happen? A miracle. Truly, this is the only answer I have. The doctors didn't expect this good of results, and my doctor has never seen results like this herself. She has heard of cases similar and talked of a man that transferred in to the cancer center I go to and said that he had 3 months of dormant cells before he had to return to treatment. What happens now? Well, I need to build my strength up. I am really out of shape. I have not exercised in a year. My lungs have a lot of scar tissue, which is why I still can't breathe well and the scar tissue can cause pain. After a few weeks of being off of chemo I will have a better idea of what pain was from chemo and what was from the scar tissue. So I will continue with my pain management routine and slowly get back in shape. I'm going to look into master programs that I can complete in Visalia. I had just started my masters when I was diagnosed last year and haven't even completed a units yet, so switching programs shouldn't be too difficult. Needless to say, my family and friends are beyond excited and grateful. There are so many people praying for me and I know that all of those prayers have made this happen. I'm not sure if it is quantity or quality, so if you have been praying, please don't stop now! I can't wait to wake up tomorrow and enjoy a full day of being cancer free.... Every day for over a year the back of my mind has been completely focused on cancer and the fact that I had a 1% chance of living 2 years. I guess those stats haven't really changed, but my cancer status has and I can't wait to live without cancer! God is amazing and I am so grateful! Thank you for every prayer and well wish, they have all made a difference.

PET scan update

So, I got my scan done on September 20th and should have results by next week, October 9th. People ask if the doctor would call me if there was major news, I doubt it. Since remission is unlikely, by unlikely I mean it would take a miricale from God- and I'm not ruling that out!- but it is unlikely, the bad news has been delivered and the plan is to treat my symptoms. So, the doctor will probably not be calling to change the appointment. I love that people are always trying to read the doctors actions, or lack of action to predict results. One thing I have learned through all of this is that there is no predicting what they are going to say. I can not change the results, I have to prepare myself for anything and I always hope for the best. I still hope to hear wow! Sorry we made the biggest mistake and you just have pneumonia. Wouldn't that be great?!?! I pray for that often, but it hasn't happened, yet! So I will keep you posted and as soon as I get the news, I will be posting all of the details. In other news.... My 20 year high school reunion is coming up!!! Amazing! Megan is flying in to visit for the week and I couldn't be more excited!! I love spending time with all of my friends and Megan lives so far away that I haven't seen her since I was diagnosed last year. We are going to have the best time together and the reunion should be nice too! I even took a week off from chemo so I won't be sore and all drugged up when she comes! In other other news.... Did you notice that an entire year has passed?!?! I'm pretty happy about that! Before I was diagnosed, the Stanford doctors reminded me that if in we're to have a reoccurrence that the survival rate is 1% in 2 years. So having already passed a year I am very happy! I hope to pass the 2 year mark just as smoothly! I live spending time with my family and friends so much! I don't like when I can't get around to see all if them and right now I feel very behind in visiting with many of them. What a problem to have right?!? Too many friends an family! Ha! That's my favorite problem to have! Love you! Janice XOXO