Fresh when it gets here from
Julie Barrett
Monday, August 18, 2025
Friday was my follow-up with the oncologic surgeon. This doctor has not sugar coated anything so far, so you might imagine how pleased I was when, after we got through the pleasantries, he told me he had some good news for me.
They got it all! He said they took something like 47 lymph nodes along with the tumor, and every single lymph node was clear.
What's next? He is referring me to an oncologist. There may or may not be a round of "just to be sure" chemo in my future.
Friday the staples come out, and I'll be very glad. He removed the dressing on Friday, and now they hurt more than ever. But hey, it beats the alternative, right? I should be cleared for normal activities on September 1.
Tomorrow I go to the PCP for a follow-up on the more "mundane" medical stuff.
Once this is all out of the way I get to follow up with a GI specialist about my upper digestive works to see what's next there.
Every day I'm reminded of how far I have to go in terms of getting my strength back. Today's milestone was driving to the grocery store. Yes, Paul was with me. I should be good to go to the PCP on my own tomorrow. On the other hand, I'm still pushing things a little too far sometimes. I did that this morning and am feeling it. It's a balancing act, for sure.
I'm grateful for the support of Paul and my family and friends.
And yes, cancer still sucks.