Wonderful News

Got the good news today and the doctor has given the all clear! Prayers have definitely been answered.

The CT scan shows NO Cancer anywhere in the chest, lung, or breast area. Dr. Adams said he would be lying if he told me I did not have a cancer cell but the only way to find it at this time would be to cut me open and search. And we are not doing that. The scan showed the scar tissue around the aorta has even shrunk more.

I do have significant damage to the esophagus but it will get better. It is causing some reflex and still some pain at this time and may always be a problem, but I can handle that. I am still having difficulty breathing. but Dr. Adams said if I had continued to smoke and if they had not found the cancer, I would be on oxygen before long anyway. The pulmonary dr had "suggested" a couple of inhalers but more or less left it up to me as to whether I used them or not. I thought the breathing problem was due to weakness and had not been using them daily. Dr Adams said DO IT! So have one for maintenance and one for emergency when it gets worse when the pollution is high. I also have some reflux that may or may not all go away but Dr. Adams already had me on Nexius.

He said it would take me 3-5 months to get my energy level back to normal. He said I was at rock bottom when I was in the hospital 3 weeks ago and it would just take time. I can tell a remarkable difference in the way I feel just in one week. Even though I still can't do more than 5-10 minutes without having to sit and rest it is better. I am able to eat some food this week and know that will make a difference in my energy level.

My blood and platelet counts have come up tremendously. My platelet count and white blood count are at the bottom of the expected range but at least in the range. The red blood count is just about 1. below the expected range. Sure being able to eat will make that better also. I do not have to see the oncologist or go for lab for six weeks unless something unexpected happens. I see the radiologist tomorrow, unsure just what for. I guess to talk about the damage to the esophagus.

I know there is no way I could have gotten through any of this without all of you. Family, friends and my Leo---- who continues to be my rock to hold on to when the times get so rough. I know that God and the prayers have made it possible for me to be able to say I AM CANCER FREE. I am not in denial that I will be doing a lot more testing. Every 3 months to start but at least God has removed what was there.

Thanks to all of you!

Charlie