Remission: Possible

I went to meet with my Radiation Oncologist yesterday at 1pm.  My last radiation was scheduled for last night so she wanted to see me to discuss the next steps. As I was leaving the office, one of the technicians called me because the machine I am regularly scheduled on had broken down once again.  Luckily I can be treated on 2 other machines and they got me in right away so I didn't have to wait until 7:45 pm.


She said they will never know if the cancer cells are all gone because they can't operate or get inside the bone.  It's hard to say someone with sarcoma is ever in "remission".  I have my first MRI in 3 months time in Fredericton and will come back to meet with my radiation oncologist approximately 2 weeks afterward.  I will have an MRI every 3 months for at least the next 5 years.


The only reassuring part about the unknown is the statistics.  85% of people with Ewing's Sarcoma that go through chemotherapy and then radiation have gotten rid of the cancer forever, when it is inoperable, as in my case.


I am waiting to hear when I will meet with my oncologist and discuss getting my port taken out and I have to call my gynecologist to see about getting my ovaries moved back to their 'homes'.  My radiation oncologist didn't seem to think they would be moved back but I certainly hope so because I can barely walk sometimes from pain, and now I can get back into workout out gradually.


So far I have lost 9 lbs of the 20 I gained from the steroids.  I am looking forward to more vigorous exercise so I can fit into my clothes again!! I was told I can do what I feel capable of but to listen to my body and always be alert to symptoms.


The effects of radiation stay in the body for up to 2 weeks, so in 2 weeks time, depending on surgery, I am hoping to reactivate my gym membership and SWEAT!


I asked about playing soccer this summer but I have to ask my orthopedic surgeon...likely won't be able to this summer until I can see over time how the bone looks.  I don't want to end up with a fractured pelvis.


As far as running, I've been given the "whatever you feel like doing" speech.  I can speed skate again which is a bonus, even though I had only just gotten back into it before I got sick, I LOVE it and am looking forward to being back on the ice.  The impact with skating is less of a risk than someone coming behind me and slide tackling me in soccer.


It still seems surreal that this nightmare is finally over.  Almost 10 months to the day of when I was diagnosed I was told I have done all I can do as far as treatments go and now we have to wait and let the effects work their magic and hope my bone miraculously grows back somewhat in the months and years to come.


For now, I wait to meet with more doctors and am hoping to be back at work the end of March/early April if all goes well and I can get in for my procedures quickly.


You never know how tiny cells can completely turn your world upside down in a matter of seconds.  If I could give any advice from anything I have learned over the past year it is to take care of your body, listen to your body and be as happy as you possibly can be.  Enjoy everyday because you never know when you could be told 3 words that can change your world forever.