I’m sitting in my room in treatment and just finished watching Fred Astaire dance on the walls and ceiling of his hotel rom in Royal Wedding. It is not the first time I’ve seen this number. I’ve seen it dozens of times. But my smile– I have never felt such joy and exuberance over it before.
That’s because today is the day we reviewed the second PET scan with my oncologist. Halfway point, heading into Cycle 4 of 6 today. I had the scan done on Thursday, and what with the fasting and talking about blood, I kept up my reputation and passed out shortly after they accessed my port. We still did the scan and I was fine, but that was 4 days ago. I kept hoping for a good result, but I also went back and read the review of the first PET scan. Back when the doctor said, “There is more cancer than I expected,” and anyone could see how much that abdominal (peritoneal) area glowed and the bright spot on the lung and its lining, too. The word “riddled” came to mind, but I pushed it away. The chemo would just have to work.
And it has. Last night I lay in bed and wondered about prayer, too. So many people praying for me, in specific ways. In every way, really. Pouring energy into killing the cancer. And I contemplated my own prayer life and my ongoing feeling that God is with me, the Holy Spirit strong, with ease and not many words, God present. Healing presence.
And today the scan. We reviewed the first one, as horrible as it was at the time. In fact, it was only this week I read the official “report” on the first scan and it was even less optimistic than my doctor had been. I’m glad I didn’t read it before.
But Thursday’s scan didn’t even look like the same person. Gone was the bright spot in the lungs. Gone were ALL bright spots, though there are dull spots (smaller and less metabolic activity). All “tumors” are described as significantly smaller and all activity along the lining of the liver is completely gone. The dull yet good-sized tumors are where I want them, in the ovaries, which can go. There is still work to be done, but my goodness. It was extremely encouraging. Cancer is being killed.
Now the plan shifts slightly. We’ll do surgery after 6 rounds, as planned. And then it is possible we’ll do 2 more rounds of chemotherapy to make sure all cancer is gone. The CA 125 number, an important marker, has also been coming down steadily. It is exactly halved” from 164 to 82. It has to go below 35 to mark I’m cancer free.
And when I turned on TCM and saw Fred Astaire, well, bonus! Now I have another memory of an emotional response to his work— joy. Dancing on the ceiling.
Even with fatigue, I have been dancing in the kitchen when making or eating food. Music. Dancing. Even on bad days. Now with Fred.
Oh Susan: Yay!!! Dancing on the ceiling too!!
I love Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or whoever is his dance partner(sometimes I imagine and I bet you do too, even me/you!!!)
Thanks for writing!!! Sharing your pure joy!!
Keep writing.
Continued prayers,
With love,
Kathy
PTL
I will continue to Pray, and include Prayers of THANKSGIVING !
Beautiful news!
Wonderful news! Just what I’ve wanted, and waited to hear, knowing somehow they would really come. Alleluia. Easter prayers continuing with hope and . . . with love, Bonnie
One of my favorite quotes…
Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did backwards and in high heels.
You are definitely a Ginger Rogers!
Its a wonderful thing to be carried on the wings of angels. I’m so happy for your good news! Victoria
Thank you, Victoria! That is an excellent way to put it!
Good to see you here, Bonnie! Alleluia indeed!
Fantastic news. Being a child of the 80s I must add that Lionel Ritchie would be dancing with you too.
Really glad to read this!
Susan, I am in tears as I praise God! I continue to pray and promise to DANCE, too! Dance for JOY! Dance for THANKSGIVING! Dance like the video I saw of your parents when they danced many years ago…worth checking out! ❤️
Susan,
I am a friend of your sweet Mom Nancy. I attended Bible Studies she so wonderfully lead at Peace . I have been aware of your health troubles recently and now I have to comment on your wonderful strength which we know comes from an AWESOME GOD who loves us in the storms. He will provide thru others and your own prayers and love for HIM. Fred is a wonderful example of TRUST ( who walks on ceilings let alone DANCES.)…YOUR HEART IS FULL OF LOVE I CAN READ IN EACH UPDATE AND I ALONG WITH MANY, MANY EVEN STRANGERS ARE STANDING THERE WITH YOU. Keeping dancing, you have an amazing partner in CHRIST….and I also have to say I loved your H is for Harry shared with my Minnesota friend on a get away 2 weeks ago….AMAZING….So proud of you.
Hugs till we meet,
Debi Skowron