Just had a fresh set of scans yesterday and the results are in:
Although I haven't been the most diligent in updating this blog, I'm delighted to share some positive news: I'm alive, well, and today marks the 5-year anniversary since my re-diagnosis. As you may recall, doctors discovered a large metastasis in my right pelvic region during my 10-year NED (No Evidence of Disease) scans.
This revelation was a stark reminder of my previous life as a cancer patient, something I had almost completely moved on from. Shortly thereafter, I began a new chemotherapy treatment (Yondelis) and continued it for about 4 years until it became ineffective. A year ago today, I finished proton radiation therapy. Since then, I've been receiving Doxil (another chemo drug) at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Originally I was getting that every 4 weeks, but due to skin complications, this was reduced to every 6 weeks. Side effects since that change have been fairly minimal -- a little nausea and fatigue here and there but generally no big deal.
I continue to be scanned quarterly, with my next set of scans coming up on January 26. Things have remained "stable" since my proton radiation and I'm optimistic that they will remain "stable" indefinitely.
Reaching this five-year milestone as a stage-4 cancer patient is indeed significant. I'm deeply grateful for every new day and find joy in staying active with new friends in our beautiful Florida neighborhood.
Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy 2024!
