Negative, negative, negative.
I usually don’t like that word but as of last night I do. That word was used all over my official pathology report. Negative for malignant cancer cells in my peritoneal cavity after removal of the wicked tumor, right ovary and fallopian tube, a small piece of my small intestine as well as a small section of ureter (which has been re-attached to my bladder). One 7-hr surgery and a few missing parts and I am CANCER-FREE!!!!
Let’s not forget the Feb. surgery, a laparascopic surgery and 23 chemo treatments that helped get me to this point.
Besides my doctors being thrilled with the pathology report, too, there are some decisions to be made. I may have another round of a different chemo to make sure the rogue cells have a very difficult time coming back. Or we may play the “wait and see” game and check things out via CT scan in 3 months. I’m fine with either route.
All I can say is that I’m still stunned. I am one of the lucky ones. I walk the halls with my dance partner (IV pole) and I see all of us fighting for our lives. I pray that the others will heal, too.
I’ve got to thank my doctors – Dr. Paul Mansfield and Dr. Michael Overman and all the staff here at MD Anderson Cancer Center for their incredible plan of action and care. Thanks to my local oncologist, Dr. Richard Helmer and his staff for keeping me feeling good during chemo. Thanks to Dr. Aravind Sankar for taking the first tumor out. But most of all, thanks to great family and friends.
Of course, cancer-free is for today, tomorrow, a week, a month, a year, forever – who knows how long. All of us only have one day at a time. But you bet we”ll be celebrating this GREAT news for a very long time!!! Just in time for my birthday.
One Rogue Cell 
That is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC news! We could not be happier for you all. We can’t wait to see you! Get back to Austin soon!
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to celebrate with you! K
Holy crap, that’s great.
Man, you sure know how to make me cry!!! I am so happy for you, Ivanna and, for Doug, Aubrey, Little M, Maria etc etc etc! What a wonderful way to put a close to a hard year.
Tears of freaking joy! You are cancer free. It’s the best feeling ever. CELEBRATE.
Joyous news–I am so happy for you and your family
WooooooHoooooo!!!!! So happy and excited for you. Praise God for His blessings and abundant goodness. Negative is a good word today. Love you Ivanna.
Bruce passed your link along to me (I had a stage 3 cancer at 36), and I have been following your story thru him. Congratulations!
So fabulous. What an overwhelming email to read – I can only imagine the feelings you must have going through it. Congratulations and Happy Birthday – the first of many more.
Congratulations!! I am soo happy for you. I know your brother Ken and have kept you in my prayers. I will continue to pray that you stay cancer free. Have a Happy Birthday and glorious Christmas. I hope one day I get to meet you.
~ Kelly
Yah Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic news and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
I’ve been waiting to hear this great news. What a wonderful Christmas gift you’ve received. Keep up the good spirits and let’s all pray that things go as well in the future for you as they have with this difficult surgery.
I hope you remember me. Rosie Trujillo has been sending me updates, and sent me the link to your blog. I am so very happy that you and your family will be having a great Christmas! I worked with you at the firm M&D back in the mid-80’s. I will continue praying for you!
Wonderful news!! Happy Birthday!
YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! What a great birthday present!!
WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! Have a blessed Christmas, birthday, and 2011!
What a joy to have just read about your great great news!!! What a birthday present and what a gift for you, Doug and the girls and your Mom oh, and all the other folks that love you!
Just got the link to the blog from your mom, and so thrilled to get the continuing saga of positive news. The Millers have been thinking of you and praying for you in a special way over the last couple of weeks, and we are overjoyed at your positive outcomes. Best Christmas present ever, nearly anyway! Hope to see Ken and Sylvie when we visit out California way this Christmas season, and you and your precious family will continue in our thoughts and prayers! Stay strong!
Nick
That is the most exciting news EVER!!! Wish I could be there to help you celebrate!!
Praise God!!! Hurry home! Your church family misses you!
tears of joy. all you have been through. what wonderful, wonderful news. Happy birthday and happy happy holidays.
Happy, happy birthday! I couldn’t think of a better present for anyone. We’re keeping the good karma coming at you!
Such wonderful news. Many of us in the Sonora Church are praying for you. So happy to hear how well you are doing! Greetings from my parents, Leslie and Virginia Goodwin.
Happy Happy Happy Birthday Ivanna!!!! Hope you have a wonderful day today. We love you!
hurrah for “negative” news. So happy to hear that you are cancer free-what a fine birthday present.
Thank the Good Heavens. My love to all four of you. xoxox
Yesssss! Beyond thrilled to hear the great news! Love you girl! Happy happy birthday!!!
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