Sunday, August 15, 2010

Good News!

I know it has been some time since my last post but we have just been plugging along in the maintenance therapy and nothing too exciting has happened. We just saw the Dr. on Friday and he informed us that all of my tests look perfect and I am still in full remission!! We couldn't be more happy, truly, even though I am still looking for a job, this trumps any feelings of frustration we could possibly be going through right now. Both Katie and I are so grateful for the love, prayers, and support of everyone. We know that we could have never done this alone, and also that we have had so many people right there beside us every step of the way. It has been so amazing to feel the strong arms around us and the many unseen helping hands that have helped us get to the point we are at today.

I know that it may seem kind of silly to get excited every time we hear that I am still in remission but I think that at least for this first year since my last round of chemo I am entitled to get excited to hear I don't have cancer again and all of the baggage that comes with it. It can be a little nerve racking every time we go in to hear the diagnosis from Dr. Tricot, my Oncologist, but he has continually given us good news. We see him every 3 months for the first year, and then we will have tests every 6 months for the rest of my life which means a fun bone marrow biopsy with each visit to look forward to. They just want to make sure that it doesn't come back, and be able to catch it early if it does. I am in an interesting situation too because I am such an atypical patient, it is hard to say what any percentages are because all of the data is for people in their 60's, not for a young buck like myself. People ask me what the chances are of it coming back, and how long most people stay in remission and I really don't know for sure. We are confident however that whatever happens, I will be around for a long time to come, thanks to everyone out there of course who has been so wonderful every step of the way.

Katie and I are so lucky to have such great friends and family, and so many people behind us. We just wanted to say thank you again and that we love and appreciate you all.

2 comments:

Lacey said...

such good news! you better be around for a long time to come brandon! it was so good to see you last night and we need to get together more often!

Maurine MacLean said...

I have followed this incredible experience with you
guys and can't tell you what an helpless, emotional
experience it has been. To see you in church, or
pass by you on the way to class is to me a tender,
emotional and thoughtful reminder of how precious
you are. I remember when I first introduced myself
when you moved in. And from that day I loved you
both. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Love you.....Renie Maclean (11th Ward)