Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Never Say Never...Uhhhh NEVER!

I am sorry we haven't posted in a bit. But believe me it is worth the wait.

This morning we (Fran and I) went to see my surgeon Dr. Chamberlain to review the CT scans I had done a week or so ago. For me this was going to be the official word, the stamp in my book that said I'm still cancerous or I am not. Because yes, cancer can come back as early as three months post op. And because of this very long recovery I have been experiencing (translation - feeling like crap every day) I didn't feel very disease free, so to speak.

But Dr. Chamberlain came in and said "well your scans are completely clean. You are 100% cancer free." I had nothing anywhere! I read the report and there are no shadows, no "areas suggestive of carcinoma blah, blah, blah." I have a brand new liver thanks to the incredible Dr. Chamberlain and she's a beauty!!!!

I am meeting with my wonderful Dr. Moriarty next Tuesday to talk about the scan there as well and what will happen next. He already had told me he is not putting me on anymore chemo or erbitux anytime soon to give my body a badly, and I mean badly, needed break.

There really are no words to describe how this all feels. This is beyond my wildest dreams. I am overcome with joy, and humility all at the same time. I have been so blessed with really incredible doctors, with really incredible staff since the beginning of this horrific nightmare. My family and friends and strangers from all over have been supportive and loving and caring not just to me but to my husband and my children. I honestly don't know what to say. I really don't. I keep staring at the screen because I am just dumbfounded not just by today but by the last 2.5 years.

I will continue to post of course. I can't say thank you enough times to everyone. I do selfishly ask for continued prayers though, that I never experience a recurrance. That should be an easy one for God right?

I am going to enjoy the rest of the evening hanging out with my hubby in great peace and tranquility.

With a grateful, and humble heart and say thank you.

With much love,
Karen

24 comments:

James said...

This is the best news ever! I am so happy for you Karen, absolutely fantastic :-)

Don MacLeod said...

Hey Karen & Francis

I'm thinking that beautiful scan report might be a hope chest worthy Shanahan family treasure.

Hold Fast
Don MacLeod 8?}

Mahender said...

Fantastic news! Good luck for the future.

TJ said...

Great news Karen. I'm so happy for you guys!

Anonymous said...

Oh this is wonderful news! Thrilled for you guys! hugs
Bea

Catherine Murphy said...

Way to go Karen!!!What did I tell ya Fran, stop worryin' and start enjoying life again.

Unknown said...

Guys - That is *SENSATIONAL* news which has really made our week! No one is more deserving than you love birds.

We're absolutely chuffed to bits for yiz. You are an inspiration to us all...

Declan and Jacqui

Anonymous said...

This is the kind of news that I like to hear, and the more news like this the better.

Karen I am crying tears of joy. I have been checking here every day, and just praying for that no news is good news.

Thank God and thank you for letting us know. I have been here so I know exactly how you feel.

Just thinking of scans my stomach turns. Each and every time my beautiful little sister has to have another scan, I get petrified.

So here is someone that is hoping and praying for good news always.

Much love and prayers,
Mirjana

Anonymous said...

What great news !
I hope and pray for you and your family. Sometimes I think it's actually harder on the loved ones who are'nt sick, than the ones who are. With that being said I'm sure this will be a birthday to remember! Good Luck in the future to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

i dont think words can express how you feel, and how happy people around you are.

I had tears in my eyes when i read your post. my heart goes to you and your familly. you beggining a new chapter, a CANCER FREE chapter in your life. Live it to your best. Give your love to your children and your amazing husband.
I am sure you know now how to best enjoy the small stuff, dinners, reading to kids.....

I hope you and your family can go on some vacation, away, where you also can spend some alone time.

much, much love!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am so thrilled for you Karen and for Francis and your two gorgeous children. I don't know if ye heard the good news that Martina, Siobhan & Margaret Power had babies in the past few days. Siobhan a baby girl, Julie on Monday, Martina a little boy, Ben yesterday and Margaret this morning a baby girl. So more power to them all. I hope ye can really begin to enjoy great times now with your little family after that marathon. Continued prayers and lots of love. Brigid.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news for you all. I Hope ye have time to really enjoy it together as a family. I am now selfishly wondering when we will be able to meet you all in person and then we will celebrate in good "IRISH" fashion!!! love galore JO (Limk).

marc said...

I am so happy for you, for Francis, and for your entire family. Congrats on finishing this long journey that you have been on.

A professional note: It must have been very difficult for Francis to concentrate on his work these past 2.5 years, and it has not gone unnoticed that he has managed to deliver on a high-visibility project at work while tending to you and the family. You two are amazing people.

Unknown said...

I'm so happy, excited, grateful, relieved, tearful and thrilled for you all at the same time! The best news ever!
Much love, your delighted cousin Catherine xx

K.M. Camiolo said...

tears of joy for you & your family...

a mighty, mighty hooray,

peace,
all of us Camiolos

Unknown said...

Great news. All the best :)

Clarissa said...

This definitely lifted my spirits and made me feel glad to be part of the world today to hear your sensational news! Best of luck with the days ahead.

The Dobek's

teresa loughnane said...

Karen and Fran,
This is just the best news anyone could hope for. All the pain and discomfort you've endured in the past 2.5 yrs have been worth it to hear those words cancer-free! You truely are an amazing person Karen. We're all absolutely thrilled for you here and will continue to pray for your continued good health. Love and kisses Teresa, Mike, Eoghan, Conor and an ever expanding bump! xx

Unknown said...

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant ! I'm delighted to hear the fantastic news. I know you can't simply kiss it goodbye & forget about it, but what an amazing achievement. Absolutely stupendous news. I'm sure you are having a hard time removing the smile from your face & that's the kinda of problem you should have, for a change. I applaud the way you have managed this awful situation for such a long time. Congrats. to Fran as well. I can't even imagine being in his shoes, not alone what it was like for yourself. It must feel like an enormous weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Great, great news. Have a glass of wine (or two) on me. Take care, MikeL.

Lena said...

Karen,

I just saw your post and I am SOOOO happy for you - I have tears of happiness in my eyes! This is the most AMAZING NEWS!!!! Wow, I am speechless!!!!! SO SO SO happy for you guys!

Love,

Lena

Anonymous said...

Karen,
What wonderful news. God truly is amazing and definately works in mysterious ways as I am sure you can attest to after the last 2.5years.
Be assured of our continued prayers as you begin this new "cancer-free" moment of your life. May you have complete peace and trust in him.
We have so much to learn from you!!! thanks for sharing your journey.

anonymoususer said...

AWESOME!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! Such inspirational news :) I wish you the absolute best!

Anonymous said...

And yet... let's thank your doctors' ingenuity and expertise... God can't take all of the credit, after all, since he/she/it wasn't in the operating room when the cancer was being removed from your body (nor did God prevent the cancer from consuming your liver in the first place).