The word remission is a definite goal of so many patients who have journeyed through cancer treatment. The medical world will not call it cured as remission is as close to cured as can be accomplished according to modern medicine.
As of 9/23/23, I am currently 6 months post treatment. Navigating these last months has been challenging at times but refreshing as well. A lot of my normal energy returned within about 3 months with some tiredness upon physical exertion. I am now back to jogging and walking 2-3 miles about 3 days a week without being tired which is a win. My goal is to feel healthy and enjoy exercising once again. Also, my husband and I moved to a new area north of Houston recently which has allowed us to meet new friends and join a new church. As of now, my life is full with working full time and organizing our home after our move which having energy is nice while maneuvering through most days.
Currently, I struggle with facial acne and dry skin. This is a mix of my body normalizing from a year of immunotherapy and oral contraception that have caused some abnormalities in my hormones which have taken time to balance again. Many days, my face is super dry with peeling skin causing lots of redness. Due to the skin sloughing off, the dormant bumps deep in the skin are now surfacing causing irritation and soreness. I have now started trying out a few options to help aside from the topical spot treatments and moisturizers that I have been using since the skin abnormalities started. Looking forward to getting relief soon.
On 9/6/23, I went to my 3 month oncology appointment. My bloodwork is holding normal on all of my blood counts. Even many of the readings that became abnormal due to side effects of the medication have now corrected as well. Every time I go for an appointment, I “hold my breath” per se in anticipation of the results I will receive on that day. Deep within me, I know it will be normal but until I hear the words “Your bloodwork is perfect”, I finally feel a relief. I am sure this is normal for most oncology patients during and even after treatment.
Also, I have noticed that my tastes are now normalizing as well. During my treatment year, I could not get enough salt. When I ate, I would add even more salt to my food to taste it well. This was completely different for me as I previously craved sugar and baked sweet desserts. A few days ago, I noticed how salty my food was flavored. It is interesting how the change of taste happens with treatment. I should start feeling even healthier without the added salt on my meals.
I have joined the Visionary of the Year Leadership Team with Leukemia Lymphoma Society as a result of my involvement in my husband’s campaign during Spring 2023. Being involved with this organization has helped me be able to do my part to make a difference in the lives of others going through their journey currently and in the future. Helping to fund better treatments and even a cure is a goal that I want to see in my lifetime.
As of now, I am on a 3 month plan for oncology exams for about the next year and a half. After that, the plan will be every 6 months. I look forward to sharing more of the progress that I make along the way as I am feeling healthier and making a difference in the lives of others.
“Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalms 150:6
“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24
