Sunday, December 18, 2011

Christmas wishes DO come true!

I am so very thankful that I received good results from my scans. It's always a relief when those are over! My doctor thinks that I am doing remarkably well, so well, that he even noticed that the palms of my hands were slightly orange, to which I replied, "Well, it must be all the carrots I juice!"


My doc is a great oncologist/physician, but an even greater man. He is so in tune with me, this disease, and where melanoma research and treatments are headed. What I love most is that despite the grim prognosis for Stage 4 Melanoma patients that he has dealt with for over 20 years, he always remains genuinely hopeful for each of his patients. And what's funny is that he never seems very surprised by how well I'm doing. I guess that's a good thing, right?!


I am also grateful that we can continue on this path of scans, check-ups, blood work, and maintenance treatment every 3 months. What a blessing that is compared to last year where I was traveling there every 3-4 weeks!


I feel so good for now--strong, healthy, and back to "normal". I know that the things that I can control like my healthy eating habits, exercise, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep are ALL helping me. Of course, I am never over-confident when it comes to this disease because I know that no one is immune to it, and even though I know that God is ultimately in control, I feel that I'm at least doing my best to take care of myself. It's a little overwhelming at times, but slowly I am working on establishing better habits and doing the things that I feel is right for ME.


It breaks my heart to see other melanoma warriors not doing so great...It really does because often I feel guilty that I am doing well and they are not. It is simply unfair. I just pray that those still in the fight don't give up, keep their heads held high, and their spirits even higher. There is always hope, there are always miracles that happen, and there is a plan for all of us.

9 comments:

Adrienne said...

I think you're so right that you are doing what is best for you and the rest is up to God. That's all you can do. I'm so glad to read you're doing so well! It's always so encouraging to read or hear about people like you that are winning the battle! Keep up all that you are doing!! Merry Christmas!

{amy} said...

Yay!!! I'm so glad you got good results on your scans!!! I bet you're relieved to just be able to enjoy Christmas with the scans behind you!!

Katy said...

That is awesome news Christina! We are thinking of you and praying for you down here in SLC. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family- you deserve it!

Love,
Scott and Katy Smith

Anonymous said...

I've been following your blog for a while now. I love this post. I hope you don't mind I shared a link to it on my FB account.

Anonymous said...

oops, I meant to put this comment on your previous post "Is it worth it". :)

Anonymous said...

okay, sorry, this is like spamming! I opened the wrong window and commented on the wrong blog altogether. My apologies. I guess I'm tired today!

Christina said...

Anonymous,

Of course, go ahead and share the blog link! I always appreciate it when others share my story. You never know who it may touch!

Thanks for reading,
Christina

Unknown said...

Hola Christina,

I also want to believe, and see, that christmas wishes do come true. My only wish this Christmas is to have my mother get well. She has ulcer and she's losing so much weight. I do love to have this only wish come true.

Cheers to you!
Merry Christmas
Marge

Unknown said...

Just have faith and wishes will really come true! My best Christmas wishes to everyone and I hope all of your earnest heart's desire come true.