As any cancer survivor can attest, the dreaded quarterly follow-up scans can be the most nerve-wrecking, Xanax-inducing time of your life. Then throw into our mix, a plane ride to Boston on an airline that will remain nameless. (but if I told you bad customer service and delayed plans I bet you could guess.)
Wyatt and I made the trek for a quick overnight stay in Boston, with appointments starting Monday at 1PM and ending Tuesday at 1PM. I can hardly believe we had eight doctor appointments and 3 imaging studies. I actually DO feel like Wonder Woman! (thank you Leslie Needleman for sharing that power)
The big stress on the front end of our trip, which I chose to keep relatively quiet, was that a biospy had been ordered by my Austin ENT because he found suspicious ‘granulation’ in my ear canal, near the most recent tumor site. So the CT had been scheduled for my surgeon and I was prepared to have the biopsy Monday afternoon.
But low and behold, let the good news begin! My surgeon reviewed my CT scan, did a thorough exam, and said there was nothing to biopsy. Lucky me… I will always avoid those when possible! And I could never be upset with Dr Fyfe, my Austin doc, for being overprotective. He is watching out for me, for sure.
And then it got better. I visited my plastic surgeon, the awesome Tessa Hadlock, and she couldn’t believe her eyes. She actually saw some movement in my smile! And frankly, I had quit looking for it. At my last appointment with her in April, just before we left town, she suggested my gracillus muscle had been fried by the proton treatments. I had pretty much resolved myself to losing my smile forever. But it didn’t matter as much as it used to, because I was alive after two battles with cancer and living life had become way more important. I had a beautiful son to live for, and the best husband on the planet earth. And family and friends who are so wonderful, who surround me with love and laughter every single day.
This is where the heaping cup of gratitude comes in. I just can’t express how lucky I feel. Sad at times, to have been dealt this hand. But fortunate on the other hand to have this opportunity to live life with such meaning and clarity. I remember that daily, and I say it to myself…thank you for the gift of this day, and thank you for the people I love, and who love me back. This gratitude thing…it has become my favorite ingredient in life.
And to my final (and best) news of the day: we spoke with my surgeon late Tuesday. He shared my MRI report from the radiologist- and that my scans are unchanged from three months ago. Even some decrease in the ‘uptake’, which in cancer terms means I’m washing that cancer right outta my hair. He was thrilled no doubt, but not near as thrilled as we are.
My sweet love Wyatt, we made it through another scary week. Yes, we did. 🙂
This post is dedicated to one of the most amazing men I will have ever had the pleasure to know, Mr. Guy Ready. I know you are with us in spirit and I will always see you smiling from up above.
Tasha said:
Kristin, you are amazing! This is amazing news. I love you and I can always see your smile, and it seems like you have a lot to smile about. Hugs and kisses warrior princess!
xoxo
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Leah pappan said:
So happy for you!
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Ann Chapin Fischer said:
Kristin, that’s wonderful news ! Love that attitude of gratitude. Thank
you for the reminder in your beautifully written ramblings to relish every day,
everyone we love, and everyone we are loved by.
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janheatonstudio said:
My lovely daughter, you inspire me every day.
Honored to be your Mom.
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Diana Page said:
Yes! We are grateful too, thank you for uplifting us with you, with so much love. This is great timing for the Thanksgiving just a week away. We are with you in spirit.
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Bryant, Stephen said:
Such great news, Kristin!
Much, much love to you and the family,
Stephen, Caryl, David, and Andrew
________________________________
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Mia Ortman said:
This is indeed a Thanksgiving gift for everyone who knows you!
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Andrea Brooks said:
Crying tears of joy and gratitude for you!! You have really been on my mind. Love you and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Marsha Sparks said:
Kristin! This is the best Thanksgiving news ever! I can only imagine the flood of relief you feel! Truly, we have only this day. Gratitude for our blessings is the key to living richly and fully and you are doing this in spades! You are a bright light in this world, Beautiful Girl, and I thank God for the healing and provision in your life. Know that the Sparks clan is celebrating you and lifting a glass in your honor this holiday. We send much love and wish you and your beloved family a very warm and happy Thanksgiving!
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Susie Cheatley said:
Good Stuff!! A Happy Thanksgiving to you guys!!!
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Joan Heaton said:
Kristin, my loving,and soon grinning, granddaughter, I too feel your relief and gratitude with the good news from your Boston Doctors. As usual, your words dug deeply into my heart. Your strength and determination to face and overcome such an emotionally physical challenge, has been an inspiration and example for us all.
We join you in your gratitude for a new chapter in your life with Wyatt, Heaton, your
Family and Friends.
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