Headed In The Right Direction
I have news from my first three-month visit with my medical oncologist!!! The blood tests done yesterday indicate there is no cancer activity going on in my body. As best as I understand, these tests show the level of certain proteins (a.k.a tumor markers) in the blood. When there is an active tumor in the body, the tumor marker level elevates above normal; whereas a decreased tumor marker level indicates no cancer activity is likely. Since last August, my tumor markers have been steadily decreasing – which means today’s visit was a RELIEF!!!
So, I’ll continue a daily dose of Tamoxifen (an estrogen blocker) for the next five years and have only three more Zometa infusions. There should be no more interventions – other than Tamoxifen - unless my next three-month visit indicates an upward trend with my tumor markers.
I’m glad today’s appointment was positive. This means that I can continue on my present course of recapturing myself. My body has been through Hell, and I’m determined to feel like me again. I’m thrilled that I have the energy to make my way to the gym on a regular basis. With each step I take on the treadmill, I imagine I am that much farther away from cancer. And as a result, I feel stronger, steadier and more in control.
All in all, I feel pretty content.
Love, Lisa
-MESSAGES-
Happy Dance!!! Girl!!!!! I'm doing the happy dance right now in your honor. Since you can't see it, I'll send a few happy marks your way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs!!!!
Good to hear the news!!!! I'm lovin' it for ya!!! So happy to hear you are on the road to recovery!! lots of smiles:) love you, M.
walking You keep walking away from it child; just keep going in the direction you want. Happy for the news and joyful that you are beginning to feel yourself. T. joins me in sending our love. L.
Exercise is the best medicine! Speaking as someone who has exercised for 33 years, I am a firm believer in its many benefits. Good for you. . . for walking away from cancer. . . and understanding and taking advantage of the benefits of exercise on the body *and* the mind. Your news is the best, Lisa! C. (friend of Prue's)
Wonderful Lisa: I am so happy for you . You made my day . Not too often I hear good news. Keep up the good work. GOD BLESS. Hi Nat. Love, A. J.
Great news Thank you for keeping us updated on your progress. This is indeed very good news. Love to you three. M. & E.
Super news! What fantastic news! I know you are relieved and ready to embrace the rest of your life! I will continue prayers and well wishes, thank you God!
Such good news! What a relief for you, and congratulations! So glad to hear of your clean check-up and returning strength. Love & best wishes from (Nat's cousin) L. in Boston
Lisa Outstanding news! D. T.
Great news I look forward to seeing you in the gym and getting in the zone.
We Celebrate with You What wonderful news! Thanks for the Carepages update. We celebrate with you and are so happy to know that you are on the way to feeling well again! Love, A. A. and U. J.
Congratulations! What GREAT news! We are so happy for you and your family! Love S., J., L., K. and M. T. P.S. We hope to see you at Target again soon!
Hurrah Congratulations. What a great belated birthday gift this message is for Nat! We admire your spirit.
Lisa, Glad to get to you again!!!! Dear Lisa and All, I am so sorry I have not been in contact with you for such a long time....then my computer got sick and I finally got it back with new things to learn. Before this thing got infected, I could not log onto your Carepages for the life of me. It just would not let me in, even with all the correct information. I was getting very frustrated. Emailed Carepages, asking for my log-in data and I was doing it right, but still no entry. I got a new up-date message on my email and Lo and Behold.....here I am again....FINALLY. I had to go back to Oct. to catch up on all your updates....so sorry about all you've had to endure. Even if I didn't get a card off to you, I was still saying the "big ones" for you and all your family. You will be a permanent one on my "list" and I am so pleased that things are looking up for you. Keep plugging along and pretty soon you will be whizzing along, just like your old self. Hope you will be able to travel and maybe pay us a visit sometime....??? Would love to see you!!! Know you will always be in my prayers and we WILL keep that old cancer at bay. Take care of yourself!! Lots of Love and Prayers, A. S. and U. J., too!!
WooHoo I am so glad to hear that everything is good and you are feeling great! It's an awesome feeling to feel like you again. I hope it keeps getting even better. Love, L.
Woohoo! Glad to hear you are at the end of the tunnel and can see the light! Keep up the good work.
SUCH GREAT NEWS!!!!! So happy about this wonderful news. This latest update truly brightens the life of a dispirited New Yorker, otherwise morose and disgusted by the behavior of our now former state leader. Please keep writing to all of us, as your clarity, intelligence, wit, and bravery have resonated so powerfully in our lives. You have become important to our family as a symbol of strength and pride. Our deep respect and best wishes extends to Nat, who also has been a marvel of love and strength, and your many pals who have defined loving and caring friendship.
Great news Lisa !! It’s been a tough year but it’s all behind you now. Have a good spring and summer and enjoy it. You deserve it !! T. & S.
YEAH!!! Lisa (& Nat), Glad to hear you are getting good results. My love to you both and Ethan! Love, E. H.
Congratulations Lisa You have been through a lot during the last year. I am so glad that things are coming around for you and your family. I know how difficult this has been. I have had 3 friends in similar situations along with a brother. Say hi to your mom, dad, and Kelly when you see them. You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we first ran into your mom and dad and found out about your diagnosis. You have always been a special person to our family. Stay well. Love P. M.