Can it be true – no cancer?!

My mother, 63 years old, was diagnosed with a large liver tumor (8cm x 6cm x 10cm) in May ’09, which had not spread anyhere else. Liver resection in July, chemo started in August (gemzar and cisplatin) for 6 cycles. She finished up chemo earlier this month.

She had a PET scan on Wednesday. The doctor was off, but her wonderful oncology nurse called her Christmas Eve to tell her the scan showed NO SIGN OF CANCER. Anywhere.

Can this be true? Four days later and I’m still pinching myself, like I’m going to wake up from a dream. Mom certainly has a fighting spirit and we all were so positive throughout it all. But I had prepared myself for the worst (both consciously and subconsciously I think), so hearing the cancer is gone was unbelievable.

I know this battle will never be over. We have an appointment Tuesday to find out details of what kinds of follow up tests she’ll need moving forward, since I’m assuming they’ll want to keep tabs on her. As with everything over the last 7 months, it’s all such a learning experience for me.

I hope this maybe gives some comfort and hope to those battling this nasty beast. And please know that my heart is with those of you who have lost the battle. This must be such a hard time of year.