IT'S OVER!!!
(The cancer treatment, that is.) My life begins again today. No more chemotherapy, no more radiation therapy. I still have some follow-up appointments to come yet, but the treatment portion is over. Let's hope I'm in the 85-90% of Hodgkin's survivors who never have cancer again. (The chemo, unfortunately, makes me more susceptible to other types of cancer, especially lung cancer. The radiation also puts me at a 30% risk of a thyroid problem. I'll be having regular checkups to catch these things early if they do happen.)
Again, I'd like to thank everyone for being so supportive since November; it's been a long eight and a half months. My parents, especially, have taken so much time to drive me to the Clinic and accompany me on my doctor visits to be an extra pair of ears.
People have commented on my being "brave" and "courageous," and in the thick of it, I didn't really see it that way; I just felt like it was something I *had* to do and that it would be over soon (save unproven homeopathic treatments, there's not much alternative). Now, in retrospect, I can more relate to what people were telling me, and I thank you all for your encouraging words.
People have also praised my "openness" of posting to my blog and keeping everyone informed. I know some people prefer to keep these types of struggles secret, but I figured I'd want people who care about me to know why my eyebrows were disappearing and why I was tired every two weeks. Plus, the blog serves as a sort of journal for me to look back and remember what I went through -- although I will *never* forget the bone marrow biopsy or the sore throat from the radiation!
I also hope that, because it's on the web, my blog might be of use to other newly-diagnosed Hodgkin's patients. When I was diagnosed, I spent a lot of time reading WebMD and cancer.gov, but it always helps to hear a first-hand account in an informal tone (which is why I joined the Hodgkin's e-mail listserv).
Tonight I'll be going out with my friends -- we always go out on Mondays, but this time we'll have a reason to celebrate!
-Bryan
5 Comments:
Woohoo!! That is wonderful news. :)
"Torso takes silver!"
Hooray Bryan! It's so wonderful to hear that this whole thing is over with!
Congratulations on your new life, Bryan! I'm so glad you can put this behind you now, and get on with the *rest* of your life.
I'm happy that the members of the Bryan Bird Fan Club where able to help you in some small way. That's what friends (near and far) are for!
I'd also like to say "welcome back" to your eyebrows. :-D
I've always known you were a good kid, Bryan, and the way you have overcome this adversity with style and bravery and, dare I say it - panache, just proves it.
:passes you a margurita:)
Congratulations from all of us at the Blue Marlin!
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