Three years ago today, on February 5, 2010, I saw a 6.5 cm mass on the CT scan of my abdomen and knew that my life was suddenly changed. Cancer. No warning, no prep. Just wham, down for the count.
The months of chemo, surgeries, sweat, tears and trips to Houston and the fantastic folks at MD Anderson are a blur from this vantage point. (I do have a 6-month check-up in April.)
Today, I’m much more at ease cancer-wise than at this time last year or two years ago. I’m so very thankful to still be here! I am a three-year cancer survivor. There was a time that I didn’t think I’d be here to say that.
Actually, the date I prefer to celebrate is November 30, 2010 – my new “birthday” – the day I had surgery to remove a chemo-pounded DEAD tumor and I was declared to have “no evidence of disease.”
So, it’s been “NED” for a little over two years now. November 30 seems just as important a date to remember and a little more upbeat, too! I am so grateful to be on the planet, and have the opportunity to deal with even mundane stuff like homework wrangling and laundry.
Next up on my plate? Deciding on a treatment plan for my AVM, which is now a riskier beast after my small hemorrhage last September. For 40+ years, the AVM sat dormant (no bleeds) and “watchful waiting” was the best course of action.
Now, after the bleed in September, the chance of a future bleed is higher. After laying low and recovering for a while, I spoke with six rock-star neurosurgeons about their recommended approaches, which clump into three options:
- Embolization plus invasive surgery now to remove the AVM.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (gamma knife or hypo-fractionated) to slowly close off the vesssels plus invasive surgery in 4-5 years.
- Continue to wait and watch.
Each approach is mixed with risk , including “wait and watch.” After collecting the various opinions, I was pretty overwhelmed. Each time I consulted with a doctor, their approach seemed like the best one. So after my last doctor visit in early January, I decided that I would have a cooling off period to sort it all out.
In the meantime, I’m glad to celebrate any milestone I can get!
One Rogue Cell 
Sounds like you’ve been to med school for 3 years. 🙂 They should give you an honorary degree for that. I’m happy you made it through.
Three cheers for 3 years !! It’s been wonderful to have my daughter out of the cancer journey. I am so grateful that God’s grace and the expertise of the doctors have given you cancer free years. We made a great team.
Brave girl. Keep me informed. Thoughts are with you.
Hugs, Posy
Posy@Stielow.com 512 422-6999
Congratulations, friend! I can’t believe that was all 3 years ago. Here’s to many more years of good health.
3 years down, another 50 or so to go! Good work! Enjoy each year, I sure plan to….
Dan
I am so confident you will make the right decision for the avm. It’s wonderful to be reminded of your bravery and success. I know what a good mom and wife you are and I pray that you serve in those roles for many years to come.
with love,
Jane
OF course you’re celebrating 3 years! You bring so much joy into many people’s lives… Besides, we have more coffee to drink, walks to take, movies to watch, and gripe-fests to hold about our children.
Susan
Here’s to 3!! And many more!! You are an inspiration Ivanna – thank you for sharing your journey with us. And here is to the next phase of avm attack. we are with you all the way! xoxoxo Laura
Thank you for the update Ivanna and congratulations!! I think of you often and how much you have endured. You are a strong women and you can beat that AVM too! Any chance you are coming out to the walk again? Me and Jaclyn will be there this May!
so very happy about the big 3!!! sending love your way as you decide how to best tackle the AVM. hope we can catch up soon, friend! xoxoxo mb
Hurray for three and many more! I know that you will research and make solid decisions on Project AVM. XOXO
Glad to hear about your big 3. Lots of luck and love to you and your family. Jim’s big 3 will be in October. He went back on chemo in January. Love from us both. Marion
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strong emotions that you’re still here. Stronger ones that
you remain here!