Beating the Odds

By Sheryl Jedlinski,

When diagnosed last fall with late stage endometrial cancer that had already spread well beyond my uterus, the smart money was not on me. Yet here I am, only four months later, poised to beat the odds, and see my cancer go into remission. I attribute this success to my gifted surgeon, who spent eight hours removing every trace of cancer she could find under every flap of skin and behind every organ. Now, two-thirds of the way through my 18 scheduled chemotherapy sessions, my most recent abdominal pelvic CT scan showed significant overall reduction of cancer, complete resolution of it in some areas, and no new cancer growth at all. This is in keeping with lab results showing cancer antigens in my bloodstream are now at the low end of the “normal” range. This good response to treatment so far indicates that remission is likely. I could not have hoped for better results, but it is still too early to break out the party favors. This is just the opening battle in the war against my cancer. Many more skirmishes will be fought before we can claim victory.

The road to remission has many potholes, and is not for the feint of heart. Every morning I wake up wondering what new part of my body the chemotherapy drugs will attack. As with Parkinson’s, the journey is different for each of us. Side effects, from mild to severe, include an angry looking, itchy, painful, peeling rash that covers the top of my hands and knuckles and is now attacking my feet. This is accompanied by peripheral neuropathy, tingling or numbness of fingers and toes that may or may not resolve itself when I am done with chemotherapy. Meanwhile, I am working with an occupational therapist and hand specialist.

Even with these residual issues, I am grateful for every new day. Rather than hold on and let the storm blow over, I have learned to dance in the rain. Eventually the weather will improve and darkness will give way to light.

“We are going for the marathon, not just the sprint,” my surgeon tells me.

8 comments on “Beating the Odds”

Gail
March 24, 2016

Lovely post.

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Larry Williams
March 24, 2016

Again, you hit a homerun with this blog…telling it like it is and with your personal touch…

If I could, I would put money on the fact that you did beat the odds and are going to be just fine….even your hands and feet….love, tem

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Ron Jedlinski
March 24, 2016

I’ve always have been proud of your fighting spirit and your positive attitude. You are an inspiration. to all of us. Look forward to being with you this summer and happy days in Fl. next fall.
Ron

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jillianmcarson
March 24, 2016

what were your symptoms Sheryl?
which led you to doctor to dx…

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james hecathorn
March 25, 2016

MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

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Wanda
March 25, 2016

I am so sorry you had to walk yet another difficult path; but so very glad to know that your surgeon was so skilled, and that your treatment has been so effective. Thinking of you always.

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Barbara Nakanishi
March 25, 2016

Keep moving forward, Sheryl! Remember, quitters never win…and WINNERS never quit! You will be a WINNER! Barbara

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