Good News! I had the PET scan on Monday and saw Dr B yesterday. Everything looks good, the scan showed no activity. Now I only have to get through the biopsy next Tuesday but since the scan showed nothing I am sure it's only scar tissue that he felt. As long as that is OK I can then make arrangements to have the port removed. That will be a great psychological relief, as well as physical. It really doesn't bother me but I know it is there and when it's gone I'll feel sure there will be no more chemo in the near future.
So, now if it cools down a little perhaps Jerry can clean the outside of the "bus" which he says must be done before we travel anywhere. I can get the inside done in a day. Then maybe we can take off for northern California for a few weeks and MY BIRTHDAY!!!
That's all for now. I'll post again next week when I have the results of the biopsy.
Love and Hugs to all.
Linda

Hi Everyone,

I saw Dr Najafian today. He's the colorectal surgeon who found the tumor last November. He said  the same thing as Dr Lee's NP  that he felt a small, hard area in the anus. He is sure it is scar tissue but to be on the safe side he is going to do a biopsy on Sept 4. I am still scheduled for the PET scan on the 27th and will see Dr Banghar on the 29th to get the results. Dr N is anxious to learn those results also, but both docs believe physical exam plus a look-see is the best way to tell if there is any cancer left. The PET scan will show if there is any activity elsewhere in my body.
So, it looks like we will be staying here and I won't get my seafood and shellfish fix that I was hoping for in Northern California and Oregon. Therefore I am fixing fish for dinner tonight. I guess since we've lasted out most of the hottest part of the summer another month won't be too bad. I am actually hoping maybe we can go to Napa Valley for a couple weeks the end of Sept & early Oct. After all I will be the ancient 7-0 on Oct 6. I think I deserve something special for making it this far even though I plan on at least 20 more years on the green side.
I will write more after I see Dr B next Weds.

Love and hugs to all. Linda

Hi Everybody.

I got home Monday from a wonderful visit with my son, Pete, and his beautiful family. The first picture is with Ella (7), Paige (15), Claire (11) and Milo (1). The bottom picture is Pete. Unfortunately Carol, Pete's wife, was camera shy that morning.
I also saw my brother, Jerry's mother, brother and sister-in-law. I had a nice visit with my niece and her mother who is also a survivor. She is coming up on five years. Congratulations Marilyn!
I already miss Pete and his family. I love you all so much.
Today I saw Dr. Lee's Nurse Practitioner. He is the radiation oncologist. She did a digital exam which, thankfully, didn't hurt. I guess that area is finally healed. She said she barely felt anything and that tumors can take several months to go away completely. They told me that before so I guess we are making progress. I then went to medical oncology office to have blood drawn and my port flushed. My hemoglobin is still a little low but nothing to worry about. On the 27th I will have another PET scan and then see Dr, Banghar on the 29th and get the results.  Hopefully at that time he will release me for six months or so. Then maybe we can escape for a couple of weeks during September.
Oh, I forgot to mention I saw Paige and Claire  in Willy Wonka The Musical and they were both terrific.  We also celebrated Ella's 7th birthday while I was there. She is a very grown up 7 year old.
That's all I have to report for now. Will keep everyone up to date when I know more.

Love and hugs, Linda