Some Satisfactory Health News
Friday, 15 November 2019
Satisfactory? Did I say that in the headline? Well, yes I did. It is a long way from earth-shattering but good nonetheless.
Here's the news: On Monday, I had a CT scan to see what the cancer has been doing. On Wednesday, the oncologist said the scan shows the lesions in my lung and peritoneum have grown a small amount, something just over a centimeter.
Given my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, that is good news. I've had no chemotherapy since the last CT scan three months ago and the cancer hasn't changed much in that time. Plus, no cancer is evident in other organs.
I'm not too proud to admit that I wept in relief - just a little bit but not until I was in the car. And that heavy, dark cloud I had been dragging around with me early this week lifted.
Those two days between the CT scan every three months and learning the results are a bear to get through emotionally.
It's not that I don't believe the cancer will kill me eventually or that I don't know I've already beaten the odds by surviving a year-and-a-half beyond average after diagnosis.
But if you don't count the COPD breathing problem and low energy it causes, I feel like a normal, non-sick person.
In fact, without intention I have put on enough extra weight in the past month or so that I need to diet off some of it.
Almost all pancreatic cancer patients can barely maintain their weight which was true of me until recently. The doctor has no idea why that changed but suggested I count my blessings. No kidding.
And that's all I have to say today. I have had appointments away from home every day this week that will continue into next week and I'm worn out already. I need some unscheduled, quiet time.
No need to comment on this post. Mainly, I just wanted to fill up the page so I can read or nap or whatever else I want for a couple of days without anyone thinking something terrible has happened.
Happy to hear that dear Ronny. A big hug from Guanajuato , México.
Posted by: Cristina | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 06:20 AM
You may not see a need for comments, but I suspect many receiving this news will want to share their happiness at hearing it. So glad to know that you are doing so well that you actually have to diet!
Posted by: Cathy J. | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 06:39 AM
Tearing up in Tel Aviv on your update. And, grateful since 2004 for our “meeting” on TGB and for every post since.
Posted by: Tamar | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 06:46 AM
So happy to hear this!
Posted by: Mary Jamison | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 07:05 AM
So happy to hear this. And no shame at all to have cried in relief, who wouldn't have done the same?
I am wondering if you have watched The Farewell (for rent on Amazon and other places) and whether you might like to.
Posted by: Lisa | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 07:48 AM
I must add my applause to your news... thanks for sharing, and thanks for your posts which I so look forward to receiving!
Posted by: Margo Ford | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 07:55 AM
Yahoo !!
Now take a well deserved break.
Posted by: Gin | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:02 AM
Glad you took the time to write this down. You day to day moments have captured my own thought process about aging and living while dying. While several of your posts have compiled me to respond, I have not taken the time until today. I have been a long time lurker of your blog, but first time commenter! Thank you for coming into my inbox consistently and making me feel, think, and learn through your stories.
Posted by: Bonnie Schroeder | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:03 AM
Relief felt here too, Ronni, for I value your "TimeGoesBy" so much.
You commented there was no need to comment on this post....well Lady, that has never held me back in my entire life I'm embarrassed to say, I'll blame it on genetics! :-)
You said... "I'm not too proud to admit that I wept in relief ". For me tears are the messenger of the soul. Those who cannot, or will not cry, likely don't allow other feelings to the surface either.
I always feel grateful when I can let go enough to have the fabled "good cry". Maybe you too, for tears are the messenger of the soul, dear lady, and sometimes it tells us what we need to know....a long past grief or even a happiness or feeling of tenderness for someone I don't even know.
I would like to share a brief bit of verse..."A Report on a Situation" by Phyllis McGinley. ( won a Pulitzer in the 60s rarely given for a collection of verse.)
"REPORT ON A SITUATION"
Tears at midnight stain the pillow
Tears at morning puff the eye
Twilight tears are brief and shallow,
easy summoned, quick to dry.
Saltier string those tears, they say,
NEVER shed by night or day
...Phyllis McGinley.
And warm regards from a 'wanna-be cry baby',
C.
Posted by: Charlene Drewry | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:07 AM
That's really good news! Thanks for telling us.
Posted by: Flora M. Davis | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:15 AM
You continue to inspire with sharing news whether not so good or GREAT!
As with all your thoughts, aging or otherwise, would very much wish to hear what you think about the impeachment hearings. You always seem to get straight to heart of things...political things especially.
But, take a break and celebrate your good health news.
Posted by: TheaT | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:21 AM
Yes, thanks for telling us before resting! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! I would think the weight gain tells the happy story. Onward and upward Ronni.
Posted by: Betty Bishop | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:22 AM
Congrats Ronni!! For the rest of your tome, as my father-in-law says, "Sometimes I wish I had a regular job so I could have two days a week off.". B
Posted by: Bernie JMW Fleming | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:44 AM
Yeah!! We are all cheering for you.
Posted by: Donna | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 08:54 AM
But we will comment because we share your joy. Yay! Hugs to you!
Posted by: annie | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:00 AM
Wonderful news, Ronni. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Claude | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:12 AM
You made my day with that good news. Relax and enjoy some quiet time.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Schaefer | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:15 AM
Your great news makes me so happy!
Luci
Posted by: Luci | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:27 AM
Good news! We all are so happy to hear!
Hugs!
M
Posted by: Marilyn J Bunte | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:41 AM
Waiting for results is the pits. Getting good news is wonderful! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Celia | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:50 AM
Gaining weight seems like a great indication of a positive trend, indeed. In my limited experience, I've never seen this with pancreatic cancer (I'm not a doctor :) , but I've never known any that were relatively long term survivors until now. Wonderful news.
Posted by: John | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:59 AM
Yay Ronnie! Get some resr.
Posted by: Jill Lynch | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 09:59 AM
Ronni, that's great to read!
Posted by: Paula | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 10:49 AM
Hoo-RAY! Such good news.
Posted by: Elizabeth Rogers | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 10:58 AM
This is exactly the post where we should comment! We love to share your good health news. So happy for you & all who love you.
Posted by: Susan Dolan-Laughlin | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 11:37 AM
Fingers crossed you keep getting this kind of news in the future.
Posted by: Misadventures of Widowhood | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 12:25 PM
So happy. For you. For us. And do take time before starting your diet to celebrate with a bowl of ice cream. We raise our spoons to you!
Posted by: Ann Burack-Weiss | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 01:04 PM
Fanfare of trumpets!
Loud applause!
Posted by: mary Symmes | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 01:48 PM
Sending you hugs from Pittsburgh, Ronni! Your good news is our good news :)
Posted by: Doug M | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 01:57 PM
Great news!!
Enjoy the next few days and savor the good news you received.
A deep sigh of relief from all your loyal readers.
Posted by: Irma | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 02:00 PM
WAHHH! Fabulous news! And good for you, those tears wash the soul clean, keep 'em coming! Especially, I hope for you more tears of joy. More ice cream! You can diet tomorrow................or the day after. Many blessings, always. Rock on.
Posted by: Salinda Dahl | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 02:42 PM
Great news!! Thanks for sharing ! I’m tearing up with you. Enjoy a restful weekend.
Posted by: Fran | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 02:48 PM
No need to comment, but hugs anyway, Ronni!
Posted by: Norma | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 03:05 PM
MAZEL TOV!
I’m weeping in relief and joy for you!
Posted by: Joan | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 03:05 PM
After reading your positive post...
*puts tablet aside, chooses CD, selects song*
Tina Turner
"You're simply the best."
XOXO
Posted by: doctafill | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 04:31 PM
I'm so happy to read the good news! Blessings, dear Ronni! XOXO
Posted by: NatashaM | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 04:31 PM
Thanks for letting us know you're alive. Good news!
Posted by: Rosemary Woodel | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 04:41 PM
Yay!! We can feel your relief! I hope that you continue to savor the feeling & do something very special for yourself. You certainly deserve it!
Posted by: ann stock | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 05:22 PM
You see how many of us completely ignored your saying there was no need to comment! 😊. Obviously we are as stubborn as you are, dear Ronni.
Posted by: Jean K Gogolin | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 05:44 PM
Nothing better for you than a good cry. We should all do it more often.
Posted by: Charlotte Dahl | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 10:52 PM
Hooray! I am a doctor, and I think it would be wise to hang on to a bit of exra weight. For reserve.
Posted by: Nan Jolly | Friday, 15 November 2019 at 11:37 PM
Excellent! and I agree with Nan the doctor - hang onto that weight.
Posted by: Judy Carrino | Saturday, 16 November 2019 at 05:22 AM
Three cheers - and more! - for your great news, Ronni! Now relax and enjoy your continuing life!
Posted by: Lizziee | Saturday, 16 November 2019 at 11:52 AM
Cheers from FL
Posted by: Linda M. Smith | Saturday, 16 November 2019 at 12:16 PM
I'm glad to hear this news. I'm engrossed in the impeachment hearings these days. I'll just keep my mouth shut about what I think since I know Time Goes By has a mixed readership comprising those who would agree with me and those who are hopelessly ill-informed. Just kidding! Sort of...
Posted by: Frank Paynter | Tuesday, 19 November 2019 at 12:17 PM