[Mary Anne in TX]

Hi Belinda!

I remember the day that my onc. talked to me after my surgery. He said to me, "you know it may all be gone after your surgery, but since we don't know for sure, why don't we just cover all the bases." In that moment he gave me hope and at the same time let me know that we'd "pretend" it wasn't all gone and treat it like it could be anywhere. I guess I've gotten a "Let's be sure" treatment plan and I'm so glad. But I go back to that day of hope often in my mind - when tumor markers are high, when scans show goofy stuff on them, when I feel just aweful - I go back to my day of hope. My last scans were clear and my last labs were great! I'm just being thankful right now for that. I'm not expecting more spots to show up, but I'm not dreading it either right now. I'm just being grateful that I feel terrific (just a bit draggy from radiation which will soon pass) and have some brain power back. If they'd let me take more stuff as it comes out, I'd do it in a flash. I just can't give up on any of us licking this thing! Not sure why we got it, but I do believe our battles will help many in the years to come. Take a deep breathe and take it one day at a time. Even on it's worst day, cancer is not more powerful than the love we receive here and from others while we're being treated. Best of luck on your journey and God Bless YOU! mary anne