Sometimes it takes a while for the blessing in a situation to reveal itself, but I immediately recognized that the stay-at-home order could be good for me.
Without carpools, after-school activities, tutoring, errands and routine appointments, I have time to concentrate on my health.
That feels especially important because my test results took much longer than the 10 days originally promised. Those results would help determine the next step in my cancer treatment.
I tried to view the delay as extra time to prepare for whatever came next—and as time when I could protect my immune system during a pandemic.
A blessing.
I should also add that on some days—many days, actually—the word “cancer” leaves my mind. In its place, I find room for relaxing, watching, reading and simply being.
I’ve gradually regained my strength through walking, biking, a little tennis and even running a mile or two.
Last week, I finally received my results. I’m still absorbing the news.
My recurrence score was low, indicating that chemotherapy was unlikely to provide enough benefit to outweigh its risks and side effects.
No chemotherapy for me!
It was a surprise to all of us, including my doctors.
My treatment plan includes close monitoring, follow-up imaging as recommended and hormone therapy to reduce my risk of recurrence. At this moment, there is no evidence of cancer, and I am deeply grateful.
I still have a couple of surgeries ahead of me. I don’t yet know when they will happen, but I will share more when I do.
Until then, I have so much to be thankful for—and I’ve already gone through two bulk-sized boxes of thank-you notes!
Why me? Why Not? 