3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Had my quarterly visit with my oncologist yesterday. Last week's CT scan showed no signs of cancer. Blood work was all normal and tumor markers where they should be!

I go to the cancer center only every 3 months or so and now I am really starting to feel like a stranger when I go there. My cancer center is hopping and it is often hard to find parking. There are always people waiting for elevators in spite of a new one added. Some of the areas have been repainted so don't look familiar.

Only problem is my back seized up on me over Memorial weekend. Had an ambulance ride to emergency and an MRI of my spine was ordered. Turned out to be a lower lumbar strain, which required a lot of rest and inactivity.

I have a bit of disc dengeneration, but nothing that being careful won't handle.

Normal aging - yeah! That is an interesting concept for someone with my medical history!

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Congratulations on your continued NED!!!

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Hi Steph, Big congratulations on the clean CT & blood work. Woo hoo. Doesn't get much better then that. That is terrific! But obviouly that wasn't enough excitement for you since you decided to spice things up with a ambulance ride. But in all seriousness...I am so sorry to hear about your back problem. I know how painful that can be. I sure hope your feeling better.

We are the only group that could have a MRI and be happy that they found some disc dengeneration versus that obvious. I'm glad it turned out to be nothing but normal changes we get with age. I hope you are resting your back...this is a good excuse to kick back if you need one. ;) Again...congrats on remaining NED. Now if you decide to celebrate...be careful. :)

Chelee

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Congratulations Steph !! Way to go !!!!! (as far as the clean scans and tumor markers are concerned. Of course you will need to take care of the other problem, but after cancer you can do anything, right?

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Steph,
Congratulations.. I just love reading these kind of stories. Enjoy!
Kris....

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

WOW Steph - and congratulations on getting older, that's the whole idea!

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

My hero.....

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Laurel beat me to it... but I concur! My hero and inspiration. Much love to you, Steph!

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

This calls for a grand celebration, what are you
planning? Congratulations.
patb

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Wow Steph - nearly 10 years, count 'em, 10 years out!!

Doing the happy dance for ya!!!

all the best
caya

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

You go girl. When did you discontinue herceptin.
sherry

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

That is absolutely fantastic Steph!! High 5 to you!! you are a true success story and I love it!!

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Steph, loved your news! Hope the back is feeling better. As my oncologist used to say, "Keep up the good work!"

Barb A.

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Congratulations Steph! I really hope your back feels better soon but how wonderful getting older is next to the alternative:)

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

How wonderful you must feel! Congratulations!!

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Stephanie,

You know you are my hero. I beat Seattle is beautiful. We have been having 90's here in Georgia.

Congratulations on your good report and almost 10 years.

Amelia

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Hello everyone -
To answer Sherry:
I stopped taking Herceptin in December of 2008 - so more than a year and a half off of it.

My back is better, and I have a session tomorrow with the physical therapist connected to my local gym. Just want to restart a workout program with proper direction.

To celebrate? Right now we are working on a kitchen update. Maybe a trip to France in fall if business meets expectations.

Actually I "celebrate" each day with some accomplishment, no matter how small.

P.S. Amelia - this is the coldest, wettest June anyone can remember!! Maybe it is the ash from the Iceland volcano that is messing with our weather. They said it might.

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Steph,
Had to chuckle as I read your wonderful news on your recent checkup and ride to the er....

My first thoughts to you are - I hope your bones continue to get real old.....(teehee).

Seriously - how terrific is it to reach that huge 10milestone...after all you have been through.
Continued best wishes and NED!

Love and hugs,
jean

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Steph, you are my hero! I am thrilled you are doing so well. Can't wait to toast you soon on my next trip to Seattle. Take care and keep on thriving!

Re: 3 months short of 10 years since diagnosis
 

Steph..you are such an inspiration...only we would think a problamatic back is no big deal....

you are a testimony that there is life after Stage IV...what an inspiration to anyone on this site!

CONGRATULATIONS.....hope someday I can join you in the ned group!