Good News

Hi everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to announce that yesterday was Cassie’s last day of radiation treatments.

It’s been a bumpy road since she was first diagnosed in February, but she’s finished, and she’s beaten it.ย  The scans following her last chemo treatment showed no signs of cancer, and the radiation is designed kill anything too small to show up in the scans.ย  Although she’ll need to check in every few years to follow up, for all intents and purposes she’s cured!

I wanted to make sure to close the loop with all of you. Thanks so much for your concern and interest in how we were dealing with this trying time in our lives, and for the help and support however you could give it.

Cheers,

~Shaun

Edit 11/10/2009 — Here is the Good News in Cassie’s words:

I had my very last radiation treatment on Friday Nov. 6th. So I am officially DONE!

Although I am more than grateful to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and technicians that cured me, I am not bouncing off of the walls with happiness just yet. I had the same reaction when my chemo was over… I wasn’t really happy until I felt better.

The radiation has given me a really sore throat. At the moment, I actually can’t even talk. It hurts to swallow food –even water sometimes. Also, for some unknown reason, my stomach is giving me problems as well. The radiologist said that it’s not common to have an upset stomach from the type of radiation that I am getting and the placement of it. But he also said that everyone reacts differently. I’ve consistently been feeling sick to my stomach and “tossing my cookies” everyday for about a week. It is possible that it is just a stomach flu, but it doesn’t feel like one. I assume that I’ll feel better in about a week or two when the radiation effects wear off.

When I walked into the hospital for my last radiation treatment, I wasn’t feeling all that bubbly –just relieved that I didn’t have to do it again. The technicians that I see everyday were surprised that I wasn’t more excited. They were running a bit ahead of schedule, so the waiting room wasn’t backed up with the ladies I usually chat with. I didn’t get to say goodbye and good luck to any of them. All in all, it was rather uneventful… until I was walking OUT of the hospital on my last radiation day.

Everything just hit me all at once. I was done. Actually done. I couldn’t even make it to my car before I started crying. It’s been a really long and difficult process despite how positive I’ve tried to stay. Ever since I was diagnosed in February, I’ve been counting down the months until this process was going to finally be over. I kept saying “I’m so sick of feeling sick.” Now that the day was finally here, all I could do was break down and cry.

In no particular order, I need to thank some people:

Even though they won’t be reading this, I want to thank every single one of the health professionals that helped to cure me –from my main Oncologist to the staff at the Ambulatory Infusion Center, my radiologist and the technicians, the nurses in the oncology wing and the critical care wing of Beaumont, my pulmonary doctor, my cardiologist…. everyone.

My dad for calling me at least once every single day. For his generous gifts to lift my spirits. For his generosity in supporting me financially. For his resourcefulness in coordinating drivers and errand-runners. And of course, it goes without saying, his constant love and support.

My mom and grandmother for checking in on me and spreading the word to everyone we know about my progress. For lunches and outings to keep me company and distract me. For visits to the hospital and my apartment. For your phone calls and support.

To Ellie for being outstandingly kind and helpful. For driving me everywhere, often at my lower moments. I feel as if this has brought us a lot closer.

To all of my siblings. Sarah for being my driver, being excited to see me, helping me to eat organically, and for your visits and friendship. Jessie for your big heart, enthusiasm, and encouragement. Max for visiting me in the hospital and sharing understanding about how it feels to be trapped there.

To my Aunt Annie, who texted me a million times! For providing wisdom and understanding. You helped more than you know.

To Debbie for being consistently positive and inspiring. For special spa days.

To all of my family, immediate and extended, for cards, balloons, flowers, hospital visits, phone calls, and prayers. But most of all for showing me how loved I am.

To all of my wonderful friends and acquaintances. I truly didn’t know how loved I was until I received all the support from you guys. From visits, outings, and gatherings –to a simple phone call, text message, or Facebook comment. It helped to have all of you rooting me on.

To Shaun. For being there through every symptom, test, surgery, treatment, and appointment. For taking care of me every single day. For loving me unconditionally. For playing nurse. For countless errands and favors. For your relentless patience and selflessness. For holding me when I had breakdowns. For making me laugh and feel loved. For calling me beautiful when I was bald, unshowered, and puking. I don’t know what I would have done without you. You are my best friend and the love of my life. Thank you for loving me.

So, you may be asking yourself “What comes next?” I suppose the answer to that is a lot of follow-up appointments with each of my specialty doctors. In a few months, they’ll re-do the cancer scanning tests to make sure that it has not come back. And I’ll continue to have those sort of tests every so often for the rest of my life –including mammograms to test for breast cancer.

I am hoping to feel better in a few weeks. And then gain back my energy and strength. I will also be coming up with a plan to live a healthier life in general to do my part in protecting my future health.

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21 Responses to “Good News”

#1 Mat on 07, Nov, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Just saw this on Reddit, and wanted to drop you a line of congratulations!
My sister was diagnosed with the same thing last year, but the docs said it wasnt cureably but it was hopefully manageable. Hearing a success story like this is brilliant! Im welling up writing this so I will stop now.

#2 Stig on 07, Nov, 2009 at 1:50 pm

This random netizen is very happy you made it through. ๐Ÿ™‚

The reason I’m commenting (not to detract from the above, because I mean it) is not to congratulate you, however, I’m here to correct you on another point.

You mean ‘for all intents and purposes’, not ‘for intensive purposes’.

Literate people everywhere will thank you. That will be all.

#3 Joseph M. on 07, Nov, 2009 at 2:13 pm

Congrats to the both you. It’s nice to hear some good news about this ๐Ÿ™‚ .

I wish you both the best.

#4 Killfile on 07, Nov, 2009 at 2:21 pm

As a fellow cancer survivor, Shaun, I extend my congratulations to your girlfriend. She’s been through something that’s quite extraordinary.

She’s out of the woods – yes – but there is a long way still to go in this journey. Radiation has long term consequences and she’ll need to be on the lookout for them. Being a cancer survivor means a daily commitment to your own health and a daily awareness of the long-term consequences of your treatment.

I can’t say that it’s “hard” because it’s the only life I’ve ever known, but it sure as hell beats the alternative.

I am but a stranger on the internet (I found your story through reddit) but if you or your girlfriend need the ear of someone who’s been there, you can contact me through the the website I linked.

Life is short, eat dessert first.

#5 Dhruv on 07, Nov, 2009 at 2:34 pm

Hey, Cheers!! I’m happy to know that everything’s well and that you both hung in there…. ๐Ÿ™‚

#6 Marthie on 07, Nov, 2009 at 3:21 pm

Congrats ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m so happy for you guys.. and just in time for the Holiday ๐Ÿ™‚

#7 KD on 08, Nov, 2009 at 12:18 am

I’m very happy for you. Have a beautiful, meaningful life.

#8 Andy on 08, Nov, 2009 at 5:06 am

Congrats you two! Get Well Soon Cassie!! Now get some sleep ya’ll! ๐Ÿ™‚

#9 Francis on 08, Nov, 2009 at 3:53 pm

Good to hear. Congratulations.

#10 Lauren on 09, Nov, 2009 at 12:04 am

Yes! So happy for you both.

On a side note, I always thought it was “for all intensive purposes” – I’ve been saying it wrong forever. Doh.

#11 Gair on 09, Nov, 2009 at 12:42 am

Wonderful news Shaun!

Gair

#12 John Comberiate on 09, Nov, 2009 at 2:57 am

Congratulations! That’s terrific news for you both. Best wishes for health and happiness in the future.

#13 Gunjan on 09, Nov, 2009 at 5:06 am

Hey, that really great news…Congrats to both of you and wishing you both a very healthy and happy life ahead… Take care…

#14 Jasti on 11, Nov, 2009 at 12:45 am

Thats really good news Shaun. Congrats to both of you.

#15 John King on 11, Nov, 2009 at 6:09 pm

I’m glad I checked your website and read this good news. All the best.

#16 your mom/dad/oma on 16, Nov, 2009 at 3:52 pm

Glad to hear all is well with Cassie, and that you are okay too. With all I had read about this type of cancer, she has beaten it earlier than most other cancer patients. Wish you could be here at Thanksgiving time, but you should celebrate with Cassie’s family. Ik hou van jou.

#17 Jill on 17, Nov, 2009 at 7:19 pm

I just stumbled your website today but I wanted to say congrats to you both ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s nice to hear a happy ending to story about cancer!

#18 mvijay on 20, Nov, 2009 at 2:34 am

BEAUTIFUL…

The way your friends and relatives came together to support you one this journey is very inspiring and uplifting!!

Wish you a wonderful future guys..

#19 Scharen on 21, Nov, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Shaun and Cassie,
I just wanted to say Congratulations. Though I have not personlly gone through what you have, my thoughts and prayers have been with you. Best of luck to you in the wonderful future you have to look forward to.
Life will throw you many obstacles but just remember, what may be an catastrophe today will not matter tomorrow, enjoy the good things of every day and don’t sweat the small stuff.

#20 Tina on 03, Jan, 2010 at 10:16 am

An overdue Congrats from one survivor to another! It was the most horrifying experience one can imagine but I agree..it changed everything in a second. I’m am glad Cassie is well again. It’s nice to hear a good outcome to an experience such as this. All the best for 2010…good health and prosperity to you all!

#21 Mo on 05, Aug, 2011 at 8:22 pm

I just discovered this blog and learned about your cancer struggle.

Even though I don’t know you, I am so happy to hear that you are now doing well!

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