[Mary Jo]

Hi Debbie,

I, too, appreciated the "frankness"of your post. I also ditto almost to the letter what Kelly said in response to your e-mail.

Please don't anyone misunderstand me. I, like all the rest of you, want nothing more than to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have no cancer living in me. BUT, I also know that knowing that to be true, beyond a shadow of a doubt is impossible. I've learned that this disease called cancer is sneaky, has no rhyme or reason and is totally different for each person. What we are told one day can be totally different a week later.

Of course, I understand that those diagnosed with mets are in a totally different boat and testing to see how responsive the cancer is to treatment is definitely what needs to be done.

To add to what Kelly said, I, too, am learning to live within this new normal for me. I'm learning to let it go (it's a hard thing) and live the life I've been given to live. Whether my cancer returns or not is not something I can control (I don't believe). We should take care of ourselves, eat right and exercise just because it's good for our overall health. All of us on this board know that doing "all the right things" means nothing as far as cancer prevention or recurrence goes. It happens to people from all walks of life doing "all the right things" and to those who don't. Then there are those who do "all the wrong things" and they get nothing. It doesn't make sense and I am learning to quit trying to figure it out. It makes for a more peaceful way of living for me.

I just needed to weigh in as well to what Debbie and Kelly said because it's how I feel as well.

Hugs to all,

Mary Jo