Well, the first CT scan - four months since surgery is CLEAR! So that is great news. We were waiting with bated breath, not really sure what news today's video-visit with Dr. Janai Carr-Ascher, sarcoma specialist at UC Davis, would hold. The continued swelling in my abdomen was a little confusing and disconcerting, but the scan confirms that the swelling is likely just a seroma - an accumulation of fluid in the space that was previously occupied by a few organs and a tumor - very common after major surgery and it does not pose a threat. I can now rest assured that the daily increase in energy I have been feeling will be the norm moving forward. I also learned some things today that are really important - and lighten the gravity of the 20% "DFS" (disease free survival) rate that I have been holding in my heart with much faith in the God who will carry me through no matter what.
There were 2 types of cancer in the tumor that was removed. The "de-differentiated", more aggressive cancer was encapsulated by a slower growing "well-differentiated" kind. The doctor seemed confident that the aggressive cancer is completely gone - though there could be (and likely are) residual "well-differentiated" cancerous cells remaining in the margins of the tissues that surrounded the tumor. The 80% chance that those cells will grow within the next 5-7 years seems less ominous now with further clarification that they would likely grow slowly - sometimes grow only 3-4cm and then stop - and mostly just need to be watched.
So, this is all REALLY GOOD NEWS! There has been a numbness in me as we approached this scan and visit - experiencing this dynamic of "survivorship" - the mere mention of the word makes my eyes well up with tears. I thought I would have more words to express what goes on inside me in this new identity of "cancer-survivor" but at this point, I think I'm still soaking in and processing the good news...even in a world where there is much sorrow and grieving around us - not just in the news, but with people I know and love. One day all this sorrow will cease, and we will be able to celebrate together in the great Wedding Feast of the Lamb.
So, I'm looking forward to 4 months of not thinking about cancer (my next scan will be in September)! In the meantime, come celebrate with us. You can sign up at bit.ly/WaypointWeddingFeast
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