Update on my husband, D - 1249439

catdander
Posts:

I am so lucky to share such good news today.

My husband is followed by PET scans as opposed to the more standard CT. As it turns out I'm not the doctor nor do I make the decisions...the latter is unless they are worthy of my "bulldog" like tenacity. Dr. Gore, my husband's medical oncologist is the one who suggested my personality in the cancer center is like that of a bulldog and is very helpful in the context of helping a loved one through this process. So I'll take it as a compliment, he insisted, 3 years ago.

D had his first scan since he went off treatment 3 months ago. The report says and I paraphrase, there is no hyper metabolic activity, no change in the scar tissue in the right lung (the original tumor which is the only biopsy with positive cancer findings over 3 years ago, Aug 2009). The "irregular" lesion on the left behind nipple is unchanged. (this was found at 3 cm Nov. 2010 then shrunk and became suv norm after a year)

The onc would like to induct him into his informal group of, again I paraphrase, "I don't understand why you are still doing so well".

I just feel like I should swoon and swoon again. I am so lucky, I wish everyone could have this.

Thanks for being there,
Janine

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Reply # - October 24, 2012, 06:04 PM

double trouble
Posts: 573

One more time...

WHOO HOO!!!

:-D :-D :-D HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY DANCE :-D :-D :-D

Oh yeah! Do da happy dance... Oh yeah! do da happy dance... Oh yeah!

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

Reply # - October 24, 2012, 06:36 PM

laya d.
Posts: 714

WHHHOOOOOO HOOOOOOO! Best news I've heard in a LONG LONG time!!! Janine, thank you for making my night!

All my best to you ad D!!!!

Much Love,
Laya

Reply # - October 24, 2012, 08:39 PM

marisa93
Posts: 215

Janine,

CONGRATULATIONS, that is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL news!!!! I am sure you are both extremely happy, relieved, all sorts of emotions!

Best wishes always,
Lisa

Reply # - October 24, 2012, 09:21 PM

catdander
Posts:

Yes Lisa, all sorts of emotions. I've not stopped to think in 8 hours.
Thank you all for celebrating with me.

Reply # - October 25, 2012, 03:59 AM

blue skies
Posts: 69

Of the very many conversations with medical doctors that make my head spin and swoon, this is the one we all hope for! Congratulations! I'm going back to Cebra's "happy dance" post above to extend the mement! I'llbe celebrating your news all day today!

Reply # - November 5, 2012, 10:02 AM

slimer
Posts: 43

Catdancer,

I've been checking in rooting for this wonderful update. D's clean PET gives us all hope that such outcomes are possible.

I'll complete my 5th Round on Gemzar as a single first line "off label" treatment for Stage IV NSCLC in late Dec. and then my onc wants a PET/CT and even a separate CT w/contrast.

While my cancer started off and continues to be much more extensive than D's, his story keeps my spirits up and gives me hope that I can get at least another "Stable" scan in, and continue on the gentle Gemzar which is for me like not having chemo at all. In fact, if I did not view the scans and know the results of the biopsy, I would not even know I had Stage IV NSCLC 13 months after Dx. Don't think this happy state can continue when I have to leave Gemzar for more punishing chemos, so D's success is very meaningful for me and I know and celebrate how joyful it is for you guys.

Reply # - November 5, 2012, 01:01 PM

catdander
Posts:

Slimer, Thank you for such a fine sentiment, I feel you really are celebrating with us. I know how lucky D and I are to be without evidence of disease for the first time in the 3 years since dx and only wish everyone had this chance. Good luck on your next treatment and scan.

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 01:39 PM

catdander
Posts:

We just received results that my husband had another NED pet scan. I am so humbled by his luck, our luck. I just don't think there is anything to say except this would be infinitely sweeter if everyone got to enjoy such results.

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 02:01 PM

slimer
Posts: 43

Catdancer,

So happy for you and D!!!! I hope to continue to water ski behind your wake.

Just had my 50th!! Gemzar infusion last Friday. Four more infusions to go until next CT, Finally had to have a Power Port put in because my once beautiful arm and hand veins can't take anymore. Still healing from the insertion and trying to get used to having this "Alien" in my body, with a catheter into my jugular vein yet. Oh vey!

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 05:09 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

I'm so very happy for you. I know it would be better if everyone had such good results, but his good scan doesn't take away from anyone else's chances, and it does remind us that people can do very well. Giving people hope is very valuable. You also give so much of yourself here that nobody would want anything but great news for both of you so that we can bask in your good fortune.

-Dr. West

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 06:16 PM

chebird
Posts: 104

Janine,

I am SO HAPPY for you and D! It is exciting reading about how well D is doing.

Thanks for all your work here; you are a blessing!

Holly

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 08:07 PM

marisa93
Posts: 215

Janine,

That's wonderful news...so happy for you and D!!!!!!! Take care and enjoy life with NED!!!!!!!

Lisa

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 10:20 PM

laya d.
Posts: 714

YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Absolutely totally made my day-week-month-year!!!!! Elated, My Sista'!

xoxoxo,
Laya

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 10:59 PM

delialolly1
Posts: 126

That's great news Janine. Very inspiring too and giving all the rest of us the hope we need. Take care!

Blessings,

Delia

Reply # - February 4, 2013, 11:25 PM

Jazz
Posts: 279

Janine,
So very, very, very HAPPY for you and D!! May NED keep you both for a long, loooooonnngggg time! Thrilled! I join everyone here in the happy dance!!

Joyously,
Jazz

Reply # - February 5, 2013, 12:35 PM

catdander
Posts:

Thanks everyone!Thanks I slept last night and D's shock is wearing off and is showing less stress too.
Hopes for use all to have many happy light moments moving forward,
Janine

Reply # - February 5, 2013, 07:22 PM

heartspy
Posts: 37

Dearest CatD: When one of us gets good news regarding cancer, we all get good news! This makes my heart overflow with happy for you and D. Many continued blessings to both of you and all of us! xxoo

Reply # - May 2, 2013, 08:00 PM

catdander
Posts:

My husband had scan results today and it came back NED. That's no evidence of disease for a year, the last 9 months of which have been off treatment. We are shocked, happy, and still in the running for winning some good luck charm.

As before it would be sweeter if we all could be given this news.
All my love,
Janine

Reply # - May 2, 2013, 08:24 PM

slimer
Posts: 43

Janine,

Was sort of down tonight facing yet another infusion tomorrow and thinking just how much more of this poison (gemcitabine) can I put through my bloodstream, and what the hell will I do when it stops, and then came your news and hope for myself was restored. D's story is so unique, and when I read your signature again, I was reminded of how much D has been through to arrive at NED. Told myself, you've had easy, buck up and go into that infusion room (which always looks to me like a shabby beauty parlor) with a smile on your face. Celebrate another NED with no chemo by buying some lotto quick picks - you guys just might hit!!

Reply # - May 2, 2013, 08:43 PM

heartspy
Posts: 37

Well, now that's what it's all about! Doing the Hokey-Pokey for ya's! Makes my heart happy to hear this good news. I needed some happy- thanks, Janine. Many Continued Blessings for D and You. :-P

Reply # - May 2, 2013, 08:45 PM

JimC
Posts: 2753

Janine,

Such wonderful news! I am so happy for both of you, I am just speechless!

I'm sure you both suffered plenty of scanxiety recently, so I hope you can relax now and enjoy the good news and each other.

JimC
Forum moderator

Reply # - May 2, 2013, 09:33 PM

catdander
Posts:

Thanks all,
Jim I'm pretty speechless too...shocked, I think. We just got in from a walk with the dogs and I realized how light and easy I felt. I thought I was holding the scanxiety at bay but realized maybe not so much when I found myself having little tearful moments during yoga. 2 Days ago I woke up with the biggest fever blister I've had in years and it didn't stop growing for a couple of days.

Dear Heartspy, I'm honored to bring a little hokey pokey to your day cause that's what it's all about. :-P

Debra and Gail, I have danced and plan to continue everyday.

Lisa, to continue with NED would be the greatest hope realized. I hold that hope lightly but never far.

Slimer, glad to have your back tomorrow. Will be there with, virtually.

My deepest gratitude to my Grace family
Janine

Reply # - May 2, 2013, 09:35 PM

dbrock
Posts: 161

Operations Director, GRACE

 

SO HAPPY for you both, this is just excellent news. Breathe! I am sure you are now.
D

Operations Director for GRACE. Have worked with cancerGRACE.org since July 2009.  Became involved as a caregiver to my best friend, and quickly came to see that GRACE is filling a need in the area of cancer education. 

Reply # - May 3, 2013, 07:51 AM

luke
Posts: 101

This is proof that there is always hope in the darkest of places. I am genuinely happy for you Janine. And I think you and D truly deserve this.

Reply # - May 3, 2013, 08:00 AM

forherbie
Posts: 50

Janine,
I am so happy for D's NED----great to hear such up lifting news. It is a joy to "see" all the happy dancers---I'm doing a little Zumba.
Anne

Reply # - May 3, 2013, 01:41 PM

Jazz
Posts: 279

Janine,

How wonderful this news is. How powerful and deserved! Karma is a funny thing, and it sounds like it's wrapped both of you in its magic carpet for a bit. Wishing you and D long and fabulous adventures... And, THANKS for being there for all of us, all the time. (Especially when we crawl down our rabbit holes...)

Love and respect,

Jazz

Reply # - May 3, 2013, 09:16 PM

aunttootsie001
Posts: 324

Janine I can't tell you how very Happy I am for you and your Hubby! We don't get such Good News very often so for him to be NED for this long is just awesome! I don't get my CT until the end of this month! This is very nerve raking! I can't wait to get the NED once again! Lorrie!

Reply # - May 5, 2013, 11:25 AM

catdander
Posts:

Thank you all for the marvelous replies. It's amazing news and we are stunned and happy. As Simon said, there's always hope that tomorrow will be a better day. I just didn't expect how much better.

Lorrie, Big hopes for a good scan in a few weeks. I know the scanxiety has already started. Breathe.

cyber xoxo

Reply # - May 5, 2013, 06:28 PM

aunttootsie001
Posts: 324

Slimer, you'll be wondering why you waited so long! Can't imagine 50 CHEMO's with your own viens! Hopefully your doing well! I tend to forget it is even there!
Cat! So very happy for you and especially for D! I feel like Slimer, following him in his wake sounds awesome! Lorrie!

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