October 23, 2024.
On Monday I had the following message from Rugo, “There are continued small changes. Small pace of progression, the biggest area is a node in the middle of your chest which is now over 1 cm but not life threatening. We can talk tomorrow. It is possible to just target that node with radiation possibly.”
Encouraging. Right? First off, I was happy to hear from her ahead of our appointment. And it was not what I expected to read when I opened the message. My whole world felt so much lighter in that moment.
Our meeting went as good as can be expected at this stage of the game. So here’s the current plan:
First: She will consult with radiation oncology about focal radiation on the node in my chest. (I have a larger one under my arm, but that area has already been radiated, so likely not a choice.)
Second: Another chest CT scan in two months. We will figure out a treatment plan after.
Unless something crazy happens, the upcoming holiday season will be my first in 5 years that I won’t be on chemo or recovering from chemo. And…I’m not taking any cancer-related medication. I have hair. I have eyebrows. I have eyelashes. I have nose hair. Life feels especially sweet today.
Cease to inquire what the future has in store, and to take as a gift whatever the day brings forth. —Horace
lana has cancer 