Cartoon courtesy of www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au
I've been trying since yesterday evening to find a quiet moment to post this. Who knows where the time goes . . . ?
The cartoon says it all really. My brilliant surgeon came into the consulting room beaming.
"It's good news! Very good news!"
In other words, the Massive Inconvenience - in fact, a very tiny 8mm nonentity - gone (with a good, clear margin), lymph nodes clear, blood vessels clear.
So a few more tears but far more smiles and some jokes. I do like a jokey surgeon. And then, before I know it we were heading back home, via Waitrose, to stock up on organic goodies to keep me going for the next few days.
I'll have three weeks of daily radiotherapy starting in November and the hospital is arranging a car to pick me up and take me home again each day. Just me - no shared rides - the nearest I will ever get to a chauffeur-driven life. And I will be checked and monitored regularly throughout the official five-year recovery period.
In the meantime, I will continue to do the very best I can in terms of diet, exercise, and support therapies to give myself the best possible chance of being around for a very long time to come. The tumour was oestrogen-receptive so alcohol is now a no-no but I rarely drink so this isn't a problem. But, even if I did, giving it up would be a very small price to pay for good health. And I'm now almost a month down the dairy-free road and do not miss it one bit.
Today was the Dear Daughter's last full day here, after a fortnight's stay, so we did sensible things like checking that I was safe and secure behind the wheel again and that I could drive as far as Dulverton on Exmoor, our nearest town. It was a genuine pleasure to see people we knew and give them the good news.
So, let's just leave it to the Mavericks to sum up the mood here at the old homestead tonight.
Oh good news, what a relief! Now keep on with the great music.
Posted by: Sally | 01 October 2010 at 08:45 PM
Wonderful news!
Posted by: Libby Cone | 01 October 2010 at 09:40 PM
SO happy to hear all is clear! {{Hugs}}
Posted by: Vivian | 01 October 2010 at 10:04 PM
Great News!
Posted by: Fiona | 02 October 2010 at 01:03 AM
Glad to hear such good news. Good luck with the healthy eating regime, I'm sure it will help with your recovery.
Posted by: Lyn | 02 October 2010 at 02:50 AM
Such great news!
Posted by: materfamilias | 02 October 2010 at 04:53 AM
That is such wonderful news! Have been thinking of you over the last few weeks and very glad to know that the result is good.
Posted by: Kathleen | 02 October 2010 at 11:09 AM
Good for you!
Posted by: Rita@Goldivas | 02 October 2010 at 01:37 PM
So very glad to hear your good news.
Posted by: Kay | 02 October 2010 at 05:16 PM
Wonderful! I'm happy for you.
TeresaR
Posted by: TeresaR | 02 October 2010 at 07:10 PM
Oh, oh, what a blessed relief. I am so glad for you and your family. November sounds challenging but how wonderful to know that it will be just a reinforcement of good news.
Love this catchy song and its gloriously silly video. I am dancing on your behalf!
Posted by: Dancing Beastie | 02 October 2010 at 07:54 PM
This is the most wonderful news! I'm so, so happy for you.
Posted by: Nan | 02 October 2010 at 09:28 PM
Great news.
Posted by: Liz | 02 October 2010 at 10:53 PM
Now that really is the very best news. So very pleased for you and the family
C
Posted by: colleen | 03 October 2010 at 01:55 AM
So very happy for you....
Posted by: islandexile | 03 October 2010 at 06:28 AM
News was TOP BANANA!!! Will continue sending you good vibes throughout the pesky radiotherapy and another more practical gift in post...XXXX
Posted by: Porkchop | 04 October 2010 at 12:16 PM
I also am glad for the news, but I envy the arrangment for transportation. When I had my treatments, it was February and I drove. The first time in a light snow storm. The hospital is a little out of the city and I was a little fearful. But it is all past now.
Keep on the spirit!!!
Posted by: Jocelyne | 04 October 2010 at 01:01 PM
I am always so happy for anyone who gets good news! I feel like we all share in it somehow.
Posted by: Nancy | 04 October 2010 at 06:05 PM
Very glad to hear the good news.
Posted by: Northmoon | 05 October 2010 at 04:04 AM
Good News! Let's hope it stays that way.
Posted by: ellen | 09 October 2010 at 06:47 PM
Great news! I've been away and not able to use a computer, but I've been thinking about you. Congratulations on a happy result.
Posted by: Shelley | 10 October 2010 at 07:03 PM
Wonderful, inspiring and moving posts, D. So happy for you. I continue to send you positive thoughts.
P.
Posted by: Pamela (Lady Luz) | 11 October 2010 at 09:38 AM
Thank you so much everyone and apologies that I have not managed to reply to each comment individually. I do, however, hugely appreciate every single good wish.
And, in turn, I'd like to send my very best wishes to each of you, especially those of you who are also living with cancer or its aftermath.
Posted by: 60 Going On 16 | 11 October 2010 at 01:27 PM