I’m back from Texas with wonderful news to share. This trip to my mother’s was timed so I could be there when she got the results of her PET and CT scans following the conclusion of a 12-week course of chemotherapy for stage 4 colon cancer. We’d just arrived at her home from the airport when the doctor called with the news: she’s cancer free!
The doctor said the scan results showed no remaining cancer. Considering how insidious stage 4 colon cancer is, this is nothing short of miraculous. I have no doubt that your prayers, good thoughts and kind wishes have quite a bit to do with that miracle, and I thank you.
My mother, ever the pessimist, pointed out almost instantly that hers is a form of cancer that is likely to return, and that the 5-year survival rates for stage 4 patients is horrifyingly low. Of course, I know that but it’s not something I want to think about right now, nor do I think she should dwell on it, either.
If there’s one lesson that I’ve taken away from this experience — and hoped she would, too — it’s the importance of focusing on the present, of letting bygones be bygones, of not fretting about tomorrow and, instead, savoring each moment as we live it. Yes, she’s got years of monthly tests ahead of her, year of worrying that every ache and pain might be a sign her cancer’s returned. But for now, for this day and every day that she does feel well, I’d hoped she’d recognize and embrace the miracle that’s happened in her life.
I know I do.
I’ll be visiting her again in six weeks. In fact, my plan is to visit her every 6-8 weeks from now on. Somehow, I think she feared those visits would stop if the doctor said she was cancer free, when my plan is actually just the opposite. We’ve been granted a reprieve and I intend to make the most of it. I hope she does, too.
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008, 9:02 am | 
My Venomous Life | 
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September 3, 2008 at 9:17 am
I’m so glad you’re back – and praise God about your mom’s test results! Glad you’re coming back to TX on a regular basis, too.
Taris last blog post..WFMW – Dog Bites Dog
September 3, 2008 at 9:46 am
Ah, VK — that’s *marvelous*. Great good news!
September 3, 2008 at 10:05 am
w00t! Congratulations!
Mike Wilsons last blog post..Google Chrome
September 3, 2008 at 9:58 am
Kate, that is such great news! I’m so happy for your mom and your whole family, and yes, these times teach us to let bygones be bygones, they teach us what is most important.
Kats last blog post..She’s a real momma with a real stroller.
September 3, 2008 at 10:00 am
I’m sooooo happy to hear that!!!! If you’re in my part of Texas, please do stop by:)
A Cowboy’s Wifes last blog post..Butterfly Bliss
September 3, 2008 at 12:00 pm
This truly is a miracle, Kate. Congratulations on your good fortune and may your mom stay healthy.
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September 3, 2008 at 12:27 pm
That’s wonderful news! Smiling huge for you and your mom.
Marisas last blog post..Beauty Advice, Anyone?
September 3, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I’m so thrilled with that news! Yay for you and your family. I like your determination to spend more time with your mom on a regular basis. Trust me, you’ll never regret it!
Big hugs to you, my friend.
September 3, 2008 at 12:33 pm
That IS wonderful news! I think your idea and attitude toward visits is great, as well. I wish you a whole bunch of really great visits together.
xoxo
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September 3, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Wow! That is so awesome! It’s great to read such wonderful news, especially on a day when the internets are pissing me off.
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September 3, 2008 at 5:19 pm
That is indeed GREAT news!
September 3, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Awesome good news!
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September 3, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Awesome news!
September 3, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Wonderful news, Kate. I’m so glad to hear it!
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September 3, 2008 at 7:44 pm
WooHoo! Praise the Lord! I am so happy for her and you and the family.
Take care and you are all still in my prayers.
Tai-Tais last blog post..I hear it calling… Come to me, Come to me
September 3, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I am always thrilled when someone manages to thwart the Grim Reaper, nasty scythe-wielding SOB that he is. Best wishes (and high fives) to mom.
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September 4, 2008 at 2:04 am
YES!!!!!
Chris Muirs last blog post..09/04/2008
September 4, 2008 at 2:19 am
That is soo nice to hear ,God bless her
September 4, 2008 at 7:55 pm
That’s wonderful! I’m so glad to hear it. Yay!
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