Negative!!!

I got the results of my biopsy this past week, and it was negative. The first time in 4 years that I have tested negative. What a difference time makes. I remember that horrible phone call 4 years ago with the word Cancer bouncing around in my mind. I was so upset that I hung up on the doctor, and immediately called Mark at the church office. The doctor called back and told us to come to her office so we could talk. I was then sent to the head of Oncology at Chapel Hill. Dr. Fowler turned out not to be just any oncologist, but an OB/GYN oncologist. Who knew there was such. For over a year, I saw him monthly and sometimes more than that. Meds were adjusted to keep me safe from over dose and enough to fight the cancer. Biopsies became routine and medical jargon became part of our everyday vocabulary. I felt like I was in medical school, only I wouldn't be getting a degree in the end. My biggest fear was chemo and losing my hair...my reaction was that I had just let it grow long. Chemo wasn't used to treat my uterine cancer, its cousin Megestrol is used. No hair falling out...only weight gain. This med also treats anorexic patients. Bald or fat are the two choices. They took the fat path with me, although I didn't need any help in that department to begin with. So many times over the years I would so sure the biopsy would be negative only to be told that it wasn't. I really had no feelings whatsoever this time. This has just become routine and a part of my life for so long now. I can say that I was honestly surprised when she said negative. My first reaction was, "Thank you Jesus." Negative can be a good thing!!!

Dreaded Day

This past Friday I found myself face to face with my most dreaded appointment of the year. I was at the OB/GYN's office for my yearly biopsy. Only this is my second one this year. I was there to see if my treatments need to increase or decrease. The needle to administer the numbing medicine is 6 to 7 inches long. It is a catch 22 position on the numbing meds. The shot hurts but the biopsy hurts if there is no numbing meds. I endured the procedure and acted half way like a big girl, except when almost breaking the nurses hand as I experienced unbelievable pain. I was given more pain meds after the biopsy and told to lie there for 15 minutes. Next comes the waiting part to hear about the results. I am hoping for a decrease as long as I can stay safe with the lower dosage. Then the next bad part was riding home from Raleigh on the bumpy I40. That road is not a friend to anyone who just had any kind of precedure. I came home to a nice comfortable bed to rest up for a bit. I hope we don't start making this a habit. One time a year is enough for me.