Phew!

Over the last 2 months, I had been struggling with fatigue, “full-body arthritis”, and a shoulder problem.  I had gained about 10 lbs, and felt bloated.  I wasn’t “regular”.  I was feeling the same way I felt last May and June, prior to the diagnosis.  I was sure that the cancer was back.

I had a PET/CT scan last week and it’s come out clean.  To quote the report “complete remission of disease without metastasis or suspicious lesions”!!!!  What a relief!  Thank God!  This cancer stuff sure plays with my head!

Now I need to address these side effects.  Given the clean scan, we’re reducing my xeloda dosage from 1000mg 2x/day down to 500 mg 2x/day.  Hopefully this will address the fatigue and “full-body arthritis”.  As for the shoulder, that’s a different issue.  I have adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and a partially torn rotator cuff.  I’m not 100% sure how this happened.  I just know it is going to take a while to heal. 

In my last post, I mentioned the Honu Half Ironman as a goal for this year.  I’m crossing this off the list for 2013.  Given that it was taking 3-4 days to recover from a 30 mile bike ride, and that I can’t swim, it doesn’t make sense to try to train for this event.  I’m also going to stop bike riding until my shoulder re-gains mobility and strength.  I don’t feel like I’ve got enough control on the bike with this lame arm!

Regardless of this change in plan, I’m happy with where things are.  Despite the nuisance, I’d much rather have frozen shoulder than cancer.  I can work around this.  I can buy bras that fasten in the front, and zip up jackets instead of pull over sweaters.  I can use a stool to help me reach things, and I don’t need to shampoo my hair every day.

I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of my family, friends, and colleagues.  The amount of outreach I’ve received from everyone has been instrumental in keeping me upbeat and positive.  In my house, I have a reminder of this.  The cards that I’ve received over the past 9 months are on my wall; I look at these every day.  In addition, my Accenture colleagues surprised me with a “flat Stanley” type of scrapbook.  It’s 75-pages of my colleagues from different cities holding a picture of me with them in their hometowns.  I’ve been to places like the Buckingham Palace, the Great Barrier Reef, and even the Super Bowl – without knowing it!  I was also at a couple of meetings!  Along with these pictures were heart-warming messages from my colleagues.  Reading them brought tears to my eyes and further reinforced my appreciation for the people I work with at Accenture.  I feel very lucky and blessed to have such a strong network of support.  Thank you, everyone, for being there for me.

And one more thing … I WILL continue contributing to my 401K!

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Archive Comments

Hardika: Great progress. and the "Flat Stanley/Liner" is a fantastic idea! Keep at it. When I come to the Bay Area this summer (likely Aug), perhaps, we can plan on some cooking together - have that tofu, yogurt and all things veggie:)

The Wu's: What wonderful news Liner! What an absolutely beautiful post! It really made me smile and just be so incredibly happy for you! You've got some lovely colleagues and I absolutely love their project! Incredibly sweet and creative! Sending you lots of aloha to keep up and continue the hard work! Heal quickly and thanks for the updates!

Joanne: What great news! This cancer thing is not going to knock you down. Just like on Wipeout, you are going to win! You are such an inspiration, Liner. Keep it up!! :)

dbunny: YESSSS!!! so many things you said made my insides jump for joy. <3 u girl!!!

Red Meowmi: Meowmi - 4 things. 1. YAHOOOOO on the excellent remission report!!! So thrilled for you! I always knew you were powerful, and you've proven it once again by not only kicking cancer's butt but also keeping it out of your system!; 2. I want to come visit you sometime, will email you to figure it out; 3. Only you would tear a rotator cuff and not know it; 4. YES on contributing to your 401(k)! You're gonna be around to collect it, I have complete faith! xoxo

Lisa: Woohoo! When shall we go talking again?! I mean Hiking..Hiking. =)

Patrick: Liner, this such a great note to wake up to in the morning. Congratulations! I'm sitting here on the lani in Muana Lani, the place we visited together as a group for our first half IM, and thinking about that great trip we all had together. Your courage over this past year has been inspirational to me and Lori. We need to plan a half IM reunion in a year or two when your shoulder is better. Love, Patrick and Lori