I just got home from my office visit with Dr. Fekrazad. He was all smiles as he waltzed into the exam room with a copy of my pathology report from the surgery. His P.A. Cynthia was right behind him with a big grin, too. Silly me, I thought they were just happy to see me doing so well only 12 days after major surgery. It actually took me quite a while before I understood why they were so gleeful. But the phenomenal news eventually landed on me: There’s no evidence of cancer and no need for more chemotherapy!
Perhaps I’m just dense at various times, but as he was discussing the details of the pathology report with me, I was just certain he was about to drop the bomb that I needed another round of chemo. I had even shed some tears this morning right before heading out the door for the appointment because I was so wrapped up in anticipation of hearing those words. So, when he had me follow him out of the exam room and into his office so we could all look at some statistics on his computer, I became really confused!
He pulled up a screen and plugged in some figures pertaining to me (age, sex, depth of cancer invasion [T2], lymph node involvement [N0], histologic grade [gr. 3], etc.) and two graphs appeared indicating the percentage of patients with my exact circumstances who relapse within five years. One graph was for patients who had no additional chemotherapy and the other was for patients who had additional chemotherapy. The figures for both graphs were identical! The bottom line was: there is a 10% chance of recurrence over the next five years whether or not I have more chemotherapy. Another screen showed a 7% chance of mortality (death) within five years, again whether or not I do more chemo. Sobering info, yes, but I finally understood: the pathology report was saying my prognosis is as good as it can possibly be. I have about the same chance of dying from a recurrence of cancer during the next five years as I do of dying from any other cause! I sat there staring at the computer screen in stunned silence. Then, Dr. Fekrazad hugged me and said, “Go celebrate! Have some champagne tonight! I’ll see you again in 3 months!”
As I prepared to leave the cancer center, I stopped and hugged everyone I saw! Each nurse, each healthcare worker, each doctor I saw who had helped get me to this day got a big hug and a tearful smile. I am so grateful for the exceptional care I’ve received over the past six months. And I know in my heart that every one of you has also contributed to my healing – through your positive thoughts and prayers, visits, food preparation, hand-holding, and every other form of love you offered. So, here’s a virtual big hug and tearful smile for each of you! Thank you! Thank you!
Time to Celebrate!
I’m going to take Dr. Fekrazad’s final orders very seriously and crack open that bottle of champagne this evening. I’ll be lifting a glass to my health and then to all of you for your love and support. Join me in spirit or in reality if you will.
Wonderful news aside, we’re not done yet! I have follow-up visits with Dr. Brown and I’ll be getting an ultrasound to see if the blood clots in my right arm are gone. When I get that all clear, they’ll finally remove the port-a-cath from my chest. Plus, I’m still adjusting to the colostomy experience and will have more to say about that very soon. So, stay tuned for further blog posts over the coming weeks…you see, you can’t get rid of me that easily!
A Different Wholeness 
(standing and applauding!!!!) XXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOO
Tears in my eyes as I pictured receiving the news and then hugging everyone!!!
Enjoy your bubbly girl!! And I hope we all continue to thik of y9ou and send prayers to you and….to each other. Obviously, this praying group is very powerful!!
Sooooo happy for you Karen.
Love
Karen
This is WONDERFUL news!!!! I am so excited and happy and tearful too! Congratulations Karen. It feels like even though there was a lot of difficulty, you persevered and overcame it all! And even though it was hard to go through the struggle with changing doctors it just feels so right that you ended up with the caring support of Dr Brown and Dr Fekrazad.
Hugs and “chin-chin” (a toast to you). I hope you have a wonderful evening and lots more good news to come.
love,
Christine
I was wondering why I felt so compelled to have glass of wine on a work night! And then I read your outstanding news! I’m truly in tears and so happy for you. But I must say I’m not surprised. With your indominable spirit and love of life, and with the love and friends and support you have, nothing can or will ever keep you down. Bless you and bless those who are there with you and for you.
Best damn news I’ve heard all year!!! You have certainly remembered your strength…now, let’s plan a fun trip! love you so much, Kelly
Dear Karen,
I did not know how much of a good day this day was going to be until Christine told me to go on your website. I am so happy for you and for Tim and for all of us. I am receiving your hug and smile and I thank you for your inspiring courage and your inspiring strentgh.
Christine and I will have a celebration treat as well tonight, maybe some ice cream and then a walk to see the Christmas decoration on Staples Avenue looking at all the lights in your honor. May you bathe in the light and the joy of all that you have transformed!!!
lots of love,
Céline
YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Andrew is anxious to plan his “private” excursion to Santa Fe with his mother in tow. Just let us know when and we’ll start planning.
Love you and hope you had a wonderful celebratory dinner, a glass or two or champagne, and a really decadent dessert.
Ali
What a brave and wonderful woman you are! Thank you for showing us all how to live, so grateful, so present. Enjoy every moment of celebration! Love to you, Carolina
YAY!! i’m toasting! i’m toasting! yahoo!
Singing:
She rowed, rowed, rowed her boat over the frightful dam. She was tossed and flipped but she never slipped from the arms of the great I AM.
Has it sunk in yet? CANCER FREE, CANCER FREE, CANCER FREE!
FREE, FREE, FREE to live and be.
SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!
Aunt Carol
finally getting to my computer…thanks for the call…i cried for you and for all who love you. the journey is your perseverance. what courage and strength and will…the body is amazing as we know as are you…we also know this…this certainly is the BEST news i have had all year. so grateful for all that is in our lives…here is our tribal hug and sip of some really good campagne!!!
blessed holidays…i love you friend
carol
What a wonderful holiday gift your good news is. Thank you for sharing your path – your tears and your smiles. I just love happy endings. 🙂
and she lived happily ever after! xox paula
The very best news in a long time! Karen, it’s wonderful! A big, big hug from across the Atlantic….
Daniela