The Results Are In
Nothing is more terrifying that knowing that the results are in. It’s the longest drive to the hospital. It’s the longest walk down the hallway and the longest wait in the waiting room.
Diagnosis.
Right neck node; Biopsy:
– Reactive follicular hyperplasia
– NO definitive morphological evidence of involvement by nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Translation: No muther-effing cancer!
Call it what ever you want. Call it a Christmas miracle, call it divine intervention, call it healing thru prayer and good intention but what ever you call it, you can’t call it cancer. Not this node anyway! I’m still in shock. 3 weeks ago my oncologist was certain that cancer was the only explanation for the multiple lumps in my neck. The only question in his mind was determining if I had the same type of lymphoma as last time or if it had mutated to a different form. He was as surprised as anyone that the pathology came back negative. I almost expected him to say, “oops sorry, my bad”.
So what does this mean for me?
This is the best part.
This means, no chemo, no radiation and for now, no cancer.
Let’s all breathe again, shall we.
The best part of this gift that I’ve been given has been calling and messaging my closest friends and family to tell them the wonderful news. To hear the laughter and tears of relief in their voices is almost enough to erase the heartbreak of telling them it was cancer in the first place. These people have proven that they’re not just fellow moms in the school parking lot and not just Facebook friends and not just fellow bloggers and not just friends of a friend or parents of a friend, they’re real people who care about what happens to me and are willing to insert themselves into my life and my problems in order to help me thru it.
To say that the last 3 weeks have been a challenge would be a gross understatement. I have found myself in a deep depression as I accepted the path of treatment and illness and submitted to a battery of tests that was laid out before me. My friends and family circled the wagons and wrapped me in blankets of love, sent flowers, ordered food, drove me to tests, cried with me, hugged me, took me to movies, sat by my side when I couldn’t get out of bed, put up the Christmas tree with my kids when I couldn’t do it, offered in solidarity to shave their head if I lost all my hair. I could not have asked for a more supportive group of people to be in my life. You have my eternal gratitude.
So now what?
One more test next week to find out once and for all what the hell is up with my thyroid nodule. Yes, there is still a risk that it could be cancer but it won’t be lymphoma so I’m still doing the happy dance. And once that test is done I plan to give endless thanks to what ever force has allowed me the luxury of spending Christmas at home with my family.
My thoughts, love and light go out to anyone who is sick or who loves someone who is sick, especially over the holidays.
I love you all.
Merry Christmas.
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I don’t care what you call it. I am just so so so thrilled to read this great news. eHug to you!!!!
Lynn @NomadMomDiary recently posted..Peace and Quiet for Everyone
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! I’m crying with joy. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
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#ForTheMotherEffingWin
I can’t begin to imagine the roller coaster you have been on the last few weeks Tiffany but I know it couldn’t be a better ending. xo
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i am thrilled at your good news Tiffany. You are showing many people that loving support from friends and family is a tremendous gift. Walking down a lonely road to uncertainty is not so scary when we are holding hands with people who care deeply. Love Jane
I am so happy, I remember the day of your test I told you I was expecting amazing news. You came back with not so good news. Who knew, you would have to endure this whirlwind, crazy, stressful, insane roller coaster ride before the miracle of amazing news finally showed it’s face. I’m sorry you had to take that ride, this is the best Christmas gift you, your family and your friends could ever receive. Happy Hugs to you!
YES! You have been in my thoughts tons and I am so happy to hear that you got good news. I hope that this means that you will be able to take a few deeps breaths, relax and enjoy your Christmas. What a crazy wild ride it has been for you.
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Shall we all yell an annoying, “SQUEEEEEEEEE!”
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Huzzah! That is the best news!! 🙂
That is the best news ever! I am so thrilled for you Tiffany! Sending you big hugs all the way from Montreal.
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So glad for you and your family Tiff. Merry Christmas!
I burst into happiness when I read this. I’m so so so so happy for this news for you and your family. More big hugs from Montreal 😉
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Doing a mega happy dance for you my gorgeous girl! Sending virtual wet sloppy kisses as always xo
I cried with joy when I read this post! I am so glad that you received such amazingly happy news just before Christmas! Sending you lots of love!
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What a FANTASTIC update to read, Tiffany!!! Such incredibly wonderful news!! Hugs…and have a wonderful Christmas (I’m sure you will!)
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Thank God!