It’s not and it is about results
I just returned from the oncologist who reported my scan results. My bone scan was clear, but the PET scan showed some of the pesky spots came back in my armpit and one on my liver. He said on a scale of 1 – 100, the amount of cancer was a five, and he feels confident that we will again knock this back into remission. I’ll be getting chemo once a week for six weeks, then 2 weeks off and another six weeks. Then I’ll get scanned again.
Mike, my husband, and I found out that one of the nation’s leading breast cancer oncologists is two hours away from here. We plan on going for a second opinion. Linda, someone who has seen her share of chemo visits and is very involved in the breast cancer advocacy, shared his number. This is another perk of being in the chemo suite – seeing people like Linda perservere.
While Linda and I were chatting, a lovely young woman named Heather approached her. I noticed Heather walked on crutches, then looked down and saw she had only one leg. Linda was joking with her about being all over the news lately. Heather earned this publicity by being the top fund-raiser at our local Komen Foundation Race for the Cure.
If that isn’t remarkable enough, Heather started a program here called Spin for the Cure. For those of you not in the know, spinning is something cyclists do for training and when the weather is bad. Yes, Linda spins with one leg and while undergoing treatments. Last year, the event raised $20,000. Go to this site to read Heather’s story: http://www.spinforthecurecincinnati.com/survivor-stories/heather/default.aspx.
When I started interviewing survivors for my book, I thought people in remission were the only “miracle survivors.” Now I know the miracle is not in the scan results but in the person. It’s not what the results say, but the results you accomplish in life. That’s how I see it, and I’m sticking to it.
terry says:
It’s not what the results say, but the results you accomplish in life….thank you for these words and you are an ispiration….much love and prayers
Jackie Danicki says:
Tami, I was praying for you guys last night and today. I am so encouraged by your attitude and insistence on being shown the way by your Higher Power. You are an amazing example to everyone, not just those afflicted by cancer.
Mike and Chrissy says:
We know that you are going to do well, despite today’s news. We love you and support you in every way.
Connie says:
Hi Tami,
I read your blog and can only second what Jackie said, that you are indefatigable and a wonderful role model. I wish only the best for you (of course). I am currently reading Ted Kennedy’s autobiography, and I admire you both for your resilience!
@HealthyJo says:
Dear Strong Lady,
I’m sure that wasn’t the news you were hoping for, but it is another example of how you can kick this mess to the side – and what a great added chapter to the book.
Are you powering up your immunity? In addition to the chemo, there are many foods that fight cancer cells (and many foods that fuel cancer cells) as I suspect you already know.
Would love for you to meet Dr. Huber. He’s giving an empowering talk on breast cancer (fighting and prevention) on Cincinnati’s west side October 10th. I have to confirm what time he goes on (4 speakers starting at 11am).
I’ll send all the details if you’re interested. I’ll also have them on our site when I get confirmation of the time.
Hugs to you, Tami! I know this is easy for me to say, but you’re a warrior, a survivor and an inspiration. Stay strong and empowered and let me know if there is anything I can do to keep that reality high!
Julie Bauke says:
Tami…you are in my thoughts. Your courage in inspiring for anyone facing the myriad of life trials that are so prevalent in our world today. Sounds like you have a fab husband and daughter to lead your cheering section. You are blessed.
Brother Doug says:
My Dear Sister Tami,, I am in instant prayer for your complete and whole recovery. I have been blessed, inspired and lifted throughout my life by your insistence on facing life’s most difficult challenges head on. I am in awe of your visioning of the higher ground. I know that you will continue to live the life that brings joy and healing to yourself and all that get to know you. I send you my BIG SLUG LOVE and know that I have a song in my heart for you and your family..
xoxoxoxoxo brother doug dirt
kelly reichart says:
Hi Tami,
This site is amazing! What an inspiration you and are ! It does my heart so much good to read the entries from you. I will keep you in my every prayer. Trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be right now. There is a master plan that we don’t get at the moment but I know that you know it is there. There’s a good song by Bon Jovi that I love called “welcome to wherever you are”. I listen to it when I jog every day…helps me to keep life in perspective …..take a listen!!