Yesterday, I received AMAZING news which I am so very happy to share with you all! Last Tuesday, I traveled to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto to have a PET scan done. Yesterday, I was told that nothing lit up on that scan, which means I'm technically CANCER FREE! However; I still have a quarter of my full treatment to go. Today I did Chemo #9, which means I still have 3 more to go to make sure its gone for good! When I received the news, I was honestly just relieved to know that the chemo was doing its job. The past chemo's were worth all the travelling and sickness. I was obviously hoping the scan would be clear but I did however mentally prepare myself for the opposite results, since I also never know what is going to happen. This incredible news also means that I can start planning to move back to Newfoundland in January! I cant believe I've reached this moment. When I was first diagnosed it seemed like it would take a lifetime. However; the past 5 months have gone pretty fast. My last Chemo is planned for November 30. I can't wait to get back to Newfoundland. When I shared the news with my friends back on the island they were beyond ecstatic. They definitely helped me get through this because I knew at the end of this I would have them to go back to. So they better enjoy the next few months of peace and quiet before I get there! Since my last post, many things have happened. First of all, like i mentioned before I BEAT CANCER and second of all, I chopped most of hair off. After Chemo #8, my scalp was getting so irritated. I had to stop putting some of hair in a small pony and I found that hats even started to bother me because it pulled on my hair. I decided it would be better to have my hair cut. Its definitely a change, however my scalp feels so much and it also is way less maintenance! My hair is not growing and I seem to be losing more everyday now, because of my continuous treatment. As well, after chemo I now start to feel nauseous and I get turned off my food now. Sometimes, just the smell and look of some food makes me sick. Fortunately I o get cravings and when I find a food, I enjoy I eat lots of it. Right now beef products makes me sick and I'm craving Brie cheese and pears. I've also had more issues with my PICC line. I've become so sensitive to tape and adhesive that I can't have any plastic dressings to secure my PICC line in place. Before I had what is called a "stat lock" on my arm which stuck to my arm and then locked my line in place. Unfortunately the adhesive on that made my skin so raw looking and itchy that I now just have gauze around my arm to hold it in place. Today after Chemo #9, when we my dad and I were out to lunch we met another family who we had just met that morning in the chemo clinic. We started up a conversation about chemo and the type of cancer we had. Afterwards I realized that I surprised myself that I was so open to complete strangers about my diagnoses and treatment. The other family had just started their journey with a family member and I believe that being quiet isn't going to help anyone. I even shared with them my amazing news. I hope that knowing that the chemo worked on me it can bring some positivity and optimism to their family. I figure that If i'm open about Cancer I can help relate to others and when I say "I understand" they know that I truly do. It also lets other people know that its Ok to talk about Cancer and it may help them get things off their chest. I think people are afraid to talk about Cancer because they do not want to offend anybody. I figure Its my Cancer journey not theirs. Although I've has some trouble recently, I cant let that get to me knowing that the chemo has done it job and that soon enough I'll be back where I belong. I still have to keep my positive going through the next three chemo's but since the morale boost from my recent camping trip and this incredible news, I believe that I have it in me to continue this battle.
6 Comments
Wendy Cowin
10/19/2017 02:58:16 pm
That's wonderful news Katie. We are so happy for you.
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Linda Redner-Hunter
10/19/2017 03:53:03 pm
Hi Katie, you bet you will beat this! You are almost done. I love the new hair look! It is amazing what you can celebrate when going through cancer treatment. The PET scan news is so heartening.
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Cathy Carter
10/19/2017 06:21:17 pm
Katie, your short hair looks fantastic. Your positive attitude is such an inspiration. Keep up the fight...you got this!
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Mavis Press
10/19/2017 08:39:56 pm
Dear Katie, you never cease to amaze me the way you have shown such courage. You are an inspiration to all who know you and have given others the will to go on.The time has gone by so quickly and Iam sure you will thrive being back with all your mates.All the very best for your future happiness and success,love G Pfess.
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Barbara Murray
10/20/2017 11:56:25 am
Katie,
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Kelli Novak
10/24/2017 10:29:43 pm
That is fabulous news! I am thrilled for you and your family. I never had any doubt. I knew you would beat this! Bravo Zulu!
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Author: Katie BarkerJust an average Sailor who battled Cancer and won! Archives
August 2018
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