Topic: What a relief!
Hello all,
I had another 3 month CT scan today. Doc says all looks great! No sign of any cancer, all bile ducts look good.
Per usual, we sat for a few minutes and she asked if I had any questions or concerns. I asked her for her opinion on this cancer and the actual odds of survival. She told me that of the patients who came in late in their diagnosis, her rate of success (which I considered to be 5 years of survival after diagnosis, for this conversation) runs at about 40%. For patients who are diagnosed "early" and are able to achieve negative margins on resection, her success rate rises to about 50%. I'm not sure I am extremely happy with those odds, but it's better than the 10% chance I thought I had when first diagnosed.
She told me that she sees most recurrences occur in the first 6 to 9 months after resection. I am now at 10 months, with no signs of recurrence. She stated that 2 years is her magical point, in which she sees a huge decrease in recurrence rates. So, 14 more months and maybe I can start to relax! Maybe!
I cannot thank you all enough for your support and help and "ears" for all the times I have been sad, scared and feeling extremely alone. I really appreciate having this site to find friends and gather information.
Now, on to other things. Because the scan was good, I will be having knee surgery tomorrow, and again on December 20. Merry Christmas!! I figure, I can just sit and direct on the 25th and let everyone else do all the work!!!
And to Rick and family, thanks again for all of your hard work. It's is a real comfort to know that there is someone out there who understands how devastating this disease is and can be. You have given us all a place for learning and friendship.
Happy Holidays to all and keep fighting!!!
Sue
