June 7, 2021 was the day I learned my CEA tumor marker was 178 (normal is 3 or less). June 10, 2021 was the day the results of my Liver biopsy confirmed I had colon cancer, Stage 4 with metastasis to the Liver to be exact. Not sure which date my cancerversary is but regardless a year has passed! Oh, what a year it has been!!
If you’ve followed along, you know that my 14 rounds of chemo (except the remaining neuropathy), my liver surgery and my colon surgery all went extremely well. I am blessed and so very thankful to have made it this far.
I know that I have been overdue for an update!!! I know!! 🤪Almost everyone asks me “How are you?” And “What’s next?” So, let me answer those questions but not in that order. 😎
What’s Next:
My medical oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center believes I am done with chemo. It has already done all it was able to do. (My medical oncologist here locally believes there may be a place for cleanup chemo but agreed no more for now) This means a “wait and see” approach with scans approximately every three months. Together, we have agreed to alternate between PET scans and CT scans as each offers different aspects/benefits. In the meantime, I go every six weeks for my port to be flushed and for blood work. I am happy to report my last CEA was 1.4! (Remember normal is 3.0 or less) I’ve also had my blood drawn for a Signatera test which will be a completely separate post when the results come in.
How I’m Doing:
Truth is most days I’m doing great and some days not so much. My incision (Midline from sternum to well below my belly button) is still healing. My body is still healing. I get tired more easily than I used to. But, most days are better than the last. Overall, I continue to improve. You might see me out and about “looking normal” because I try my best to remain as normal as possible. A positive attitude is everything and I do my best to have one! Work has been crazy and life has been super busy. I’m trying to slow down for my health and my sanity and also trying to find my new normal. I’ll get there when I get there. 🤷🏼♀️
PET scan this Thursday, June 16th!!
Please Pray for me and with me that my body is completely free of Cancer!
GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY!!
I know there are some of you that still haven’t gone! Message me if I can answer any questions!
I appreciate and love all of you! Your support and prayers mean everything 💕💕
Dear Sweet Angela,
Thinking about you daily, praying for this good news! Go slowly and steadily towards full strength and full recovery.
Love YOU!
Wonderful news!!!! Prayers for today 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Your are amazing!!!
Ang- I love you and have been and will continue to pray for you! I am here and willing for any needs you have. Oh and I got my colonoscopy! Big hugs my friend!
I love these updates Angela. Much love to you and Andy. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Ohh Angela, I say roller coaster is mildly putting what you have been through. No doubt your zest for life, support from family and friends and your damn stubbornness have kept you in the game. Of course the man above our Lord and Savior and all the prayers don’t hurt either. Think of you often, your always in my prayers. Come by and see us some Monday at the Moose. Stay strong and never give up. Life is precious. Your friend Don
Happy to see this update!
Your attitude is amazing Angela. I’m so happy that so much of that is in your rear view mirror! Praying for you. 🙏🏼
Angela I am over the moon happy for you. You are amazing and I admire your fight and your positive attitude. I will keep you in my prayers as you heal and continue to get better. 👍💖
Love you, Angels! Prayers have never stopped! Love your positive attitude also!
Thanks for the update! You are amazing and I really admire your positive way of living! I must say through it all you always looked so beautiful and I am so happy you are feeling better! You are in my thoughts and prayers often. Keep on smiling and enjoying life! 💜💜
I am happy to get a Journey update. Prayers have been and will always be. I pray for a good report and the healing power of God✝️❤️
Rock on Sister!!!!
All the best and many prayers for you to be Cancer free !!!
Good luck with the scans today. Praying for good news and more energy for you.
I’m so happy for you and continue to keep you in my prayers. Thank you for the update. Sharing your experience really helps everyone to understand what you’ve been thru. Glad to hear that you are improving with each passing day.
Praying your scans are clean!
So happy that you are doing well!
I love love love this message. And love love love your crazy ass self. Looking forward to many more adventures with you, my forever friend.
Angela, you have been and will continue to be in my prayers!!! ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻