So I got the call and the results from the I-131 scan done on 12/12/11 and guess what....I AM CANCER FREE! Yes, I kicked that cancer out of my body. This is a TRUE reason to be joyous and to truly celebrate life! I am unbelievably relieved and happy. The heavy feeling on my shoulders is gone. My family is completely HAPPY. My body was confused when it decided to welcome the bad cells but just as easily we kicked them the heck out. :)
One thing I cannot help but think of is all the people that don't get the good news. I truly do continue to pray for the ones that have lost the battle and the ones that fight for their lives everyday. I am thankful for my fortune and have decided to do more for those that cannot live a normal life because of cancer - especially the children. I know that one little thing may seems senseless or silly but for a cancer patient it can mean the world.
I am blessed beyond words. I have the best Doctors, family, friends and coworkers. Life is good and I am glad it chose me. I now know the value of MY life.
XO
Elda
Friday, December 23, 2011
Spidey Senses?
From December 7, 2011
I got my dose today. 100 picocuries of radioiodine - picocuries is a measurement used in the field. The dose was administered via a capsule, which was a blue capsule a bit bigger than a regular tylenol.
I have been going to the Radiation center (ARA) since Monday 12/05/2011 preparing for the dose. I received on shot of Thyrogen on Monday and a second dose on Tuesday. Today the pill was ordered as soon as I checked in. When it got there, the delivery guy showed up with a weird box with RADIOACTIVE stickers and warning signs all over it. :-/ He was escorted by some other guy and took it to the room where the radioactive materials are delivered.... the Nuclear Medicine guy (Dave) had to sign for it. I sat and signed papers before it was delivered and even had to check out before I was given the dose; this would lessen the chances of contaminating anyone there. The pill itself was in two other containers inside that big gray box, the Radiologist handed it to me in a cylinder (like a prescription bottle) wearing gloves and holding it with tongs. I had to put it in my mouth and put the cylinder in the red bin. He said it was radioactive and he could not touch the container. HA.
So I did that and had to wait 20 minutes to allow for any crazy symptoms or allergic reactions to show - if they were going to.... So can I say that I went to the restroom and turned the lights out... I needed to see if I was glowing, I know - don't judge me! Just so you know, I was NOT glowing (bummer). AND to answer all the questions from my smartie pants friends: I am not growing and extra set of arms, can't fly, not turning green and I can't climb walls - yet. I will keep you posted if that changes.... I am going to enjoy my 5 days of isolation and have me a no chocolate-one-person party. Woot.
One thing that I did notice today, is that today, I chose to drive slow. I took in EVERY image in front of me on my drive home. I drove down a back road from Round Rock to Cedar Park down Brushy Creek Road. I took time to watch the leaves falling from the trees (the ones that do change with the seasons in Austin). I saw a few deer at the end of the woods. I saw a couple of birds taking off from the creek. I also saw an old couple walking and the two of them enjoying the sun shining on them.
Things changed for me and I refuse to take anything for granted. I am lucky to have what I do and I am thankful for all good, bad and indiffererent in my life. I am who I am because of the obstacles, lessons, blessings, and all things that have been in my path. My friends are amazing and are in my life for good reasons. Friends new and old have a place in my heart and I am so thankful for each and everyone of you. My family is the greatest. Morgan, Carla, Sean, Alan, Meche and my parents are my pilars. I don't think I would have the strength to face THIS without their encouragement and support.
Ah, I am going to be alright. I think that this is just a little bump in the road, a reminder that we are all so fragile.
See y'all later!
XO - Elda
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