This poor little journal has been cast aside for more than a year, due mostly to the fact that I got very lazy about going to the gym and there was nothing about which to write. I did manage to lose 25 pounds, but it was not a diet plan I'd recommend to anyone; I call it the Life Implosion diet.
Now losing weight doesn't seem to be anything I'm going to have to stress over. Due to my long hospital stay and the reasons behind it, I've lost 20 more pounds and am being implored to eat more, eat more. My appetite is finally returning, and I'm under strict orders to eat as much of everything as I can, in order to regain the nutritional health that was lost before my surgery. Rebuilding my strength is very important as I begin the fight of my life -- for my life. So it seemed fitting that I resurrect Chrysalis as a place to write about my journey back to health.
Thursday was my first meeting with my oncologist. He is terrific and I am so blessed to have him leading my team. After looking at my CAT scan he believes that surgery to remove the spots in my liver is a real possibility, so he asked me to return yesterday and have a PET scan. He will present my case at his regular surgery/oncology meeting on Monday and I'll know soon if I'm going to have the surgery first, or if I'll start chemo first.
Although I was really suprised to hear surgery mentioned as an option (not to mention a little freaked out), it was very exciting news. Stage IV colon cancer is very difficult to cure; having the liver involved makes it even more difficult. But if the bad places on my liver can be surgically removed, my chances of a cure are much brighter.
That's good news, Terrilynn. Keep us posted on your progress.
Posted by: kenju | Saturday, 06 January 2007 at 05:51 PM
Good luck, Terrilynn.
Posted by: julia | Saturday, 06 January 2007 at 06:49 PM
I'm glad to see that you've got a place to talk about this stuff, and gladder still that I can keep up with developments.
I'll be here, listening...
Posted by: Betsy | Saturday, 06 January 2007 at 08:40 PM
I'll be here as well.
Posted by: javajeanelaine | Saturday, 06 January 2007 at 08:58 PM
After what you've been through, you deserve a prosperous, joyous year full of working vehicles, health and happiness for you and Liam, and many trips to the beach. I wish you all that and more.
Posted by: cj griffin | Saturday, 06 January 2007 at 09:59 PM
{hugs}
Posted by: Jen | Saturday, 06 January 2007 at 10:04 PM
You go, girlfriend. I just looked in my crystal ball and it looks good!
Posted by: Laurie | Sunday, 07 January 2007 at 08:42 AM
That is such good news, I'm so glad you have such a wonderful caring doctor.
Hugs!
Posted by: Leanne | Sunday, 07 January 2007 at 08:42 AM
I love you two so much.
Posted by: Annie | Sunday, 07 January 2007 at 02:15 PM
Excellent news from the doctor.
On the upside- I'll bet you fit into those "skinny" jeans that make the rest of us look foolish right now. I hope you buy a pair and then outgrow them in a week, because your appetite returns. :)
Posted by: Lisa V | Monday, 08 January 2007 at 09:01 AM