Today I return to the hospital for my final outpatient surgery. What? Another surgery? Relax. Breathe. Everything’s fine. This one’s a good one. This is the one I was hoping for, the one that might not have happened for a year or more. This is the one I’ve been hoping for since last October. This one symbolizes the end of my battle with cancer.
You see, today I am getting this awful chemo port removed from my clavicle. Okay, it’s not really on my clavicle, but it sure feels like it’s resting on some kind of bone. And there’s this wire/tube thingey that runs up into my neck and attaches to my vein somehow. It’s all very yucky and weird feeling under my skin. I can’t wait to get rid of this unsightly lump on my chest, right about where my heart is, and this bump in my neck. I feel like Frankenstein’s monster.
But no more my lovelies. Nope. My oncologist agrees that there is no reason to keep the port in. Usually, most cancer patients have to keep the port in for at least a year, in case there’s any relapse or need for further treatment down the road. Some people have to keep it in for 4 or 5 years. Yikes! But, in case there was a doubt, I just proved that I am not “most” people or your “usual” patient. Nope. I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to have my port removed. The doctor more or less gave me a clean bill of health.
Oh sure, I have to have check-ups every 3 or 4 months for blood draws and what have you, but for the most part, I’m good to go. The oncologist approved me for the removal and my surgeon said, “come in Monday and I’ll take it out.” So, in I went. Sometime later this morning, I’ll be less lumpy but more scarred. I guess there has to be some kind of reminder to keep me humble right?
Anyway, if it’s not too much trouble my amazing followers/readers/friends, please say a prayer (if you’re the praying sort) that this is the end of my cancer journey – forever. My lymph nodes were clear as was the surrounding tissue where they removed the offending “lump.” So, it looks like I’m cancer free. Of course we’re talking about cancer, which doesn’t play by any rules, . . . but, I’m thinking it’s gone for good. Positivity and all that. Even my oncologist said it was “sort of like dropping an atom bomb on an ant,” in my case, but it had to be done.
And so, it is done. And, now . . . no more life interrupted!
Thank you dear readers and friends for your support during this entire journey. It has been so nice to see your bright smiling faces here at the Edge of Eternity. Now tell me, what sorts of things would you like to have me blog about? Life as an author? Adventures in innkeeping? Exploring Vicksburg? All of the above? I aim to please.
Word of the day: Kwacha
Fun fact about me: I’m planning another trip to Disney World. Hey, don’t judge me – I love Disney World! Besides, I deserve to have some fun now right?
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, May 2018. Photos courtesy Google Images.
You are an amazing person, Patricia, so obviously you would have an amazing recovery. Glad to hear it. I would have bet 100 Kwacha you’d beat this. I will continue my daily prayers for you that the cancer will not return and you won’t have any new conditions develop from side effects of your treatments.
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Thank you David. I so appreciate the prayers and outpouring of love I have received from my friends. It means the world to me knowing there are folks who care.
Here’s hoping you also have no more health scares down the road. Let’s stay healthy together shall we?
Have a great week!
Patricia
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What wonderful news! Great way to begin my day and a new week of teaching. Prayers are still comin’ – stay well and upbeat, even if your guest don’t talk to one another. Have a wonderful week. Peace.
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Thanks Clay. It was a great way to start my week as well even though I slept through most of it. Although sometimes sleeping a day away isn’t so bad hmmm?
Thanks for the continued prayers. I appreciate them.
Have a wonderful rest of the week. End of the year is looming for you.
Patricia
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Yeah! Prayers that it never returns
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Thank you sir. It’s been a long journey, but knowing there are folks out there who care makes it easier to cope.
Thanks for your support. Have a wonderful week. (Hopefully with lots of tours.)
Patricia
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Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way my friend.
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Thank you my dear. I am so glad to see you’re continued journey into fitness as well. I hope you keep at it and get the results you are looking for.
Thanks for your support and friendship.
Patricia
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I’m so glad and grateful that you’ve beat the monster away from the door. Hugs and positive thoughts from me to you. ❤
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Aww, thanks Sweetie. I’m a fighter so I’m pretty sure this cancer didn’t have a chance from the beginning. But, I’m not getting too cocky (there’s that word) because we all know what that disease can do.
I appreciate your support, hugs, love and prayers. So good to see you. Have a great rest of the week. (And congratulations on the new book. I love the cover!)
Patricia
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Yay! Praying for continued good health. And yes, I totally agree that you deserve the trip to Disney World. Have fun without the worry and the medical attachments!
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Sheila, I can’t tell you how anxiously I am awaiting my trip to The World. Disney World heals everything (in my opinion). I’ve been planning some fun extra stuff to do while we’re there as well to celebrate the return of good health. I figure I deserve it for being a model cancer patient. (In my mind anyway. Hey, I haven’t complained hardly at all. I’ve just sucked it up and followed the doctor’s orders.)
I so appreciate your support through this journey. Thanks for visiting today. I hope spring has rooted itself at your place now. Time for that snow to go far far away for while.
Hugs.
Patricia
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Hooray! Such a huge answer to prayer (yep, I’m the praying sort)! I’m sure it’s an absolutely lovely feeling to have all those artificial things out of your body. I’ll join in your positive thoughts that this is the end of the cancer road for you. ❤ As far as blogging – I especially love your innkeeper stories and exploring Vicksburg, and writing stuff, of course. Enjoy your next trip to Disney World – you deserve it!
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Thanks Coleen. This medical journey has been interesting that’s for sure. You learn a lot about yourself and your friends and family during times like this. Everyone has been so kind and supportive, especially my awesome husband. I would have been in trouble had he not stepped up to the plate.
Thanks for the prayers. They mean a lot. Sometimes faith is the best healer.
I shall try to regale you with innkeeping stories in the future. And look for a post about the release of my first book as well. I’m getting closer to that date every day. Now that I’m feeling the energy again, I should be able to move up to turtle speed from snail speed.
Thanks for visiting today. Have a blessed week.
Patricia
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Fabulous news!!!! Book that trip to Disney and enjoy every minute … and then book another and another … Why not! As for your blogs? They are always great, so carry on! 🌹🌹🌹
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Patricia, you are too kind. August can’t come soon enough. I do have some extra special things planned for our trip this year. I figure the extra money spent is worth all of the horribleness I’ve been through. Of course, Disney is always fun, but this time I’m going 5-star! I’ll let everyone know the results.
I really appreciate your support and seeing your beautiful smiling face on my blogs. I shall try to continue the greatness! I’ll never be able to beat your amazing newsletter though. I look forward to receiving it in my inbox every week. Some day, I’m going to go actually go to France and not just visit via your photos.
Have a great rest of the week!
Patricia
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Late to the party here, but YAY!!!! So glad to see that clean bill of health! More prayers and good thoughts that you stay that way. Now, go enjoy yourself some Disney!
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You’re never late to the party my friend. My blog is always open.
Thanks for the continued prayers and good thoughts. It means a lot to me knowing that folks are looking out for me.
I hope your house planning/building is going smoothly. I’m excited to hear reports on that.
I’ll be getting my Disney on in August. We like to wait until most kids go back to school before we head down there. August is still really hot, but usually not terribly crowded. It should be fun!
As always, thanks for visiting. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Patricia
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Yay! Great news! Wishing you continued health, Patricia. 🙂 xo
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