Scan Results

Okay, this one I had to sit on for about a week...let me just say it's been a LONG week. I had my scan and the same day my oncologist called (never a good sign). They found something. It was in my lower abdomen, about 6cm. They were't sure what it was and we were all hoping a cyst (because of the location). I pleaded to get my scan approved and done within the week and once again, success! (I called everyone one I could to push it through).

I was told my Drs can call for the results the same day as my test, so that was my second battle...sorry, getting ahead of myself.

So I was ordered an ultra sound and that happened on Monday. I knew I was getting on a plane Tuesday so I wanted to know if I needed to stay home. No one (Dr. Yu or Dr. Chen) were able to get the results until TODAY! They called multiple times Monday and Tuesday with no success, I hate that and I hate that people are okay with sitting on results!

They found the mass, it appears to be all fluid (excellent), solid would mean tumor and we would have another issue to deal with. They are sending me to another specialist, to be sure. With my history, they don't want to take chances. What will most likely happen is the cyst will dissolve on its own...so keep your fingers crossed.

All I know is that I can finally breathe again and drink some green beer! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

PET Scan

My next PET scan is scheduled, March 9th. I will have a full body PET scan as well as a CT scan with DYE. You'll just have to hold tight (as will I) for the next rounds of tests and results.....

Chasity and Dave

Wedding bells once again! Chasity and Dave were married, here in Long Beach, this Saturday. Chasity is from Attleboro (Brent's home town), so it was definitely a MASS reunion for him. The ceremony was filled with a lot of laughs and the day was filled with smiles. It was great to see two great people tie the knot. I got to know a lot of new people as well - even better!

Here are a few photos of the event:

Katherine's First Birthday!!

I can't believe it's been a YEAR! Katherine is getting so big! Had a great time in Berkeley, wanted to share some very cute videos with you all......


Playing their new favorite game....


Enjoying time with Grandpa.......


Everyone singing Happy Birthday (sorry it's long, but it's like you are there)

If you haven't done so already, we really need more votes to make it into the top 50! Please forward this link on to all your friends.
Thanks!!

http://www.ultimateweddingcontest.com/entries/29720
(Click the title of this post to go stright to the site)

Can't win if you don't play

We found this contest and figured it was worth a shot. It's all about the number of votes you can get....so please pass the link on to everyone you know, we'd greatly appreciate the chance at winning the Grand Prize!

The Ultimate Wedding is a whopping $100,000 value. And to make it even sweeter, this day of perfection will be organized by A–list planner extraordinaire Jo Gartin.

We have NO idea what we would do with that kind of cash for a wedding, but like I said, can't win if you don't play!

http://www.ultimateweddingcontest.com/entries/29720">

(You can click on the title of this post and it will take you to the website as well)

Thanks in advance :)

random thoughts

So I am currently in a town, outside Columbia, MO. I stop at a subway to eat and notice a gentleman across the way. Something about him doesn't feel right. I knew he was watching me and I wanted to stay there to eat. So I picked my table accordingly...back to him, far enough forward that he couldn't really see me. I am just about done eating and he's standing right next to me. Let's just say, I tried to stay cool. He says "I wanted to come over to introduce myself. My name is Mike." And he reaches out his hand. I shook it and said it was nice to meet him. He then walks away. I couldn't see where he went, from my strategic seat choice...

To me, he appeared to be a lonely guy, mid thirties, glasses, tad dis-shoveled, about 5'5" and 180 lbs. I am sure it took a lot for him to come over, but I started thinking about scenes from Criminal Minds. I started looking around, after he left, to see if he did leave. Is he going to follow me? Was it an act of kindness or is this someone I need to be concerned about? It's hard to say.

I travel 70% of my job and just about all of it I am traveling alone. I am always aware of what is going on around me...trying to be one step ahead...and always plan for the unexpected.

Its just sad that because of society, I think the worst in this guy...instead of taking it as a complement (potentially).

All I know for sure is that I wasn't followed and didn't see him again.

Health Update

Alright, it's about time I actually updated people on how I am doing.

I tried to see Dr. Chen a week or so ago, but he had just come back from vacation and was SOOOO behind. I was there for an hour and still wasn't seen and I was about to get on plane. So I had to leave without beings seen. I was finally able to get a new appointment yesterday, so here is the update (finally)......

All my blood work came back good. We are all happy about that. I have a full body scan next month. Dr. Chen said I am not completely out of the woods yet, but he is really happy with my progress. We will continue scans about every 6 months this first few years.

I have been working out a lot more and I am finally feeling like I can push myself and not "hurt" myself. Brent and I started swimming again and P90x...all I can say about P90x is it feels great, but boy I am NOT a coordinated person. Dr. Chen asked about my heart rate and lungs and I told him I was feeling a lot better. He asked what I did...I just told him I decided to be patient and wait. I waited longer before I really started working out again. I waited until I felt better physically and was emotionally ready for what was to come.

I can't say I don't think about it coming back. I do my best not to. I get stressed easily and working out more has helped me manage that a lot more. As I am getting stronger working out, the reality of the cancer being gone becomes more real. It's a much better place to be, that's for sure!