Karen Cohn is a retired center college particular training trainer who was identified with follicular lymphoma in July 2020. Make amends for all of Karen’s blogs right here!
My CT scan, which I get yearly at this level, 4 years after I used to be formally declared NED (No Proof of Illness — remission, which isn’t the suitable medical time period for cancers such because the one I used to be handled for, follicular lymphoma, which is taken into account treatable, however power and incurable), has come and gone. The report from the radiologist contained the magic phrases: “No indicators of recurrence.” The bloodwork all got here again throughout the regular vary, aside from one immunoglobulin issue which was regular three years in the past and has been slowly dropping since, for no purpose anybody can discern. I don’t get sick extra typically than anybody round me, and I get well no less than in addition to others, so there aren’t issues about it at this level, however it’s one thing to observe.
There have been different points, particularly a cluster of lymph nodes in my proper decrease stomach which were current and secure for no less than 18 months, which the newest radiologist selected to say, whereas the final two radiologists didn’t — why, there’s no solution to say; my oncologist opined that I had a greater, or no less than extra conscientious, radiologist this time round. Presumably linked, I’ve a uterine fibroid in the identical common space because the secure cluster of enlarged nodes — so off to the gynecologist I’m going, or no less than as quickly as I attain that magic 12 months at which my insurance coverage can pay for my subsequent examination, which is in April.
Then there have been the problems associated to growing older, most notably diverticulosis, small pockets within the wall of the big gut, not infected, for which the advice is to eat extra fiber, which led to a dialogue of when my subsequent colonoscopy is — not till 2028, fortunately, so one much less factor to fret about within the close to future.
There have been different issues, none of that are inflicting any issues, and that are typical of middle-aged ladies. There was a reminder of my upcoming mammogram, which I’m not notably nervous about, however then, I wasn’t anticipating to have most cancers 5 years in the past both; since most cancers therapy itself will increase the danger of different cancers, it’s off to get squished I’m going, in a few month, to an appointment I made final August, as a result of they’re nonetheless backed up from the pandemic.
General, it was an excellent checkup. Nothing new — which is superior — and nothing vital within the issues that aren’t new. Time to come back down off the scanxiety excessive and loosen up a bit, no less than till the subsequent time — however no less than the subsequent go to, in six months, solely entails blood work.
For extra information on most cancers updates, analysis and training, don’t overlook to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters right here.
