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Monday, August 30, 2010

Doing a Happy Dance

I feel like I can breathe for the first time in weeks.

  I just got a call from my HMO informing me that I do NOT have cancer again.

The story is this:

  • Three years ago I had breast cancer and after surgery and radiation treatment, I was cleared and told I should just be sure to keep up with the yearly mammograms and self examination.
  •  August 11, I had my mammogram for this year.
  • August 16, got that dreaded letter in the mail that told me I needed to call for a "re-imaging."
  • August 19, had a second mammogram, complete with the magnification series.  Hoped they would just send me home, but no, the doctor wanted to talk to me.
  • He pointed out some very small spots that weren't on the images from last year.  Called them suspicious.  WALKED me over to the appointment desk and asked them to set up a biopsy as soon as possible.  (This HMO is known for long delays)
  • August 26, Had a double biopsy.  I had to lie on a very hard table, with my breast in compression for almost an hour.  I couldn't move.  It was horrible.
  • They gave me a sheet of paper telling me they would call on Wednesday September 1, with the results. 

  • I tried to remain somewhat positive all of these days.  Reminding myself they were probably not malignant. But three years ago they found a very tiny, tiny, mass of cancerous cells. 

  •  I was very relieved when the call that came today started with "I have good news for you." This is the forth time I have gone thru this.  Three have been negative. 
 No one except Craig and my daughter knew about it.

I am writing about it for two reasons,  one is to celebrate the good news, but the other is to remind all of my female friends, and my male friends who have a woman they love in their lives, that every woman should get a mammogram every year!    I know some of you either do not have insurance, or only have limited insurance, but believe me, it is one test you should not skip.  If there had been something there it could have been treated.  I will not die of breast cancer this year!

A squish in time, saved mine.


Daily countdown:
429 days, or 1 year, 2 months, days. 






15 comments:

  1. Congratulations Merikay! I am so glad that you got good news today! :)

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  2. Congratulations, Merikay, that's absolutely terrific news. What a load off your mind this must be.

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  4. my bride just got the all clear from her fifth year out of breast cancer - only 3 more months of arimidex and she will be off the meds... the modern day equivalent of maybe she beat her breast cancer (though there are no guarantees and no real cures)... i can truly understand the angst you must go through with each appointment but congrats on your three year anniversary... have a glass of wine and celebrate!

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  5. I am so glad you got such good news. It must have been very scary and the procedure didn't sound like fun.

    I thought you were down in the dumps about something and I thought it was probably due to the house projects you have been working on.

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  6. So so happy to hear your news! Thanks for sharing this with us, your friends. I make sure I get my annual mamm..no fun, but the alternative isn't fun either.

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  7. So pleased you got the 'all clear'

    It's horrible trying to keep going while you wait for news.

    Blessings

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  8. Thanks for the reminder. I'm glad you got the all clear after waiting.

    Syl

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  9. "A squish in time saved mine" Great statement! I'm so happy for you, Merikay. Now, get ready for the road, girl! :)

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  10. Such Good news! i am soo happy for you. super! thanks for the note at myspace, i never am there either, but i'm glad i 'found' you here :)
    blessings
    kimi~

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  11. Great news! On September 13 it will be my 14th year since diagnosis of breast cancer. Those yearly mammograms are pretty stressful.

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  12. So glad to hear your GREAT news!!
    I too agree with the annual mammogram....not comfortable but very important. Mine is due next month.

    Now please do that happy dance!!!

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)

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  13. This is indeed wonderful news! Many Congrats Merikay! Thankyou for sharing it, I appreciate starting the day reading happy news!

    -Mike & Heidi
    97 RT 170P "Taj Ma Trek"
    HTTP://WWW.VanTramps.Com

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  14. Congratulations on the Good news. I too don't miss that exam. Thanks for sharing.

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