Thank you...all of you...for sharing my happiness about the news we got today. It means more to me to hear these kind and supportive words from you than anyone else. Only people who have personal experience with oral cancer can possibly understand what this news truly means.
Because I have experienced just a taste of what you have all been through, I am humbled more than happy, feel unworthy more than lucky, and feel fortunate rather than wronged...and blessed because I have received precious gifts from this whole mess--dear friends...a treasured family.
@ Cathi and Anne-Marie: No need to worry that I will disappear from the face of planet OCF. I will still be here contributing when and where I can. I never made it to the front lines--actually, I never made it through basic training. So, I guess I'll need to be a civilian consultant. However, with
HPV the way it is, I may eventually be called into active duty. I'm glad I can come back for support if and when I need it...For now, I'll stick to things I know about to help out around the forum. One of them is emphasizing the importance of 2nd opinions.
@ Cheryl and Julieann: Thank you for the happy dance! It's a great way to celebrate. I think I'll do a happy dance tomorrow. Today...I took a happy nap...the past nine months kind of wore me out more than I thought. I shouldn't have slept so long--I'm back to being a midnight muffin and can't seem to shut down. Oh well.
Cheryl--You meant J and not his RO, right? I think his RO will be sorry he ever met me when I get through with him. He planned rads based on the false positives from the PET scan without a biopsy. And, he sent two letters to us (certified, return receipt) insisting J get treated ASAP or his treatable cancer would become fatal. I'm glad we didn't take the bait. If there is one phrase that OCF has embedded in my brain it's "it isn't cancer until a biopsy says it's cancer."
@ Charm: Thank you. And, I wish it was different for you and everyone else on this forum. I wish it had turned out for everyone how it turned out for J. For this exact reason, there isn't complete elation for me in receiving our good news. And, I wouldn't have it any other way.
However, I wouldn't mind looking like Victoria Principal, circa Dallas 1980-something! I'd even do the big hair and shoulder pad thing. Ah...I can see Bobby...in the shower...wearing a big grin...and not much else..."Hello, Darlin'!"...ooops, better get outta there--getting a little steamy what with the shower running and all...Yep the last year was kind of a dream. A real nightmare. But, I think I can say with confidence, it's over.
Now, on to living life and getting all the other stuff and nonsense squared away. Still some unpleasantries to take care of...but nothing life threatening.
My biggest thanks go to Brian Hill. Without him, we would have had a much different story to tell. I am eternally grateful for what he has built.
Love to all,
Sandy
