7 1/2 years post Stage IV liver resection

[dianetavegia]

I finally got my CEA results and it remains well within normal range 7 1/2 years after 80% of my liver was removed (Stage IVa) and almost 11 years since my original diagnosis (Stage III).

I see the oncologist for my final time tomorrow morning and will be discharged as 'cured'.

After the first year, the mortality excess of resected patients, in comparison to the general population, starts to decline until it approaches zero 6 years after surgery. After 6.48 years, patients alive without tumor recurrence can be considered cured with 99 % certainty.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25398280

I've prayed and been prayed over by so many of you and my local church and friends/ family these last years and I wanted to thank you all and lift up in memory many who prayed for me who didn't make it. Bev G's phone calls when I was having anxiety attacks come to mind.

I also wanted to offer HOPE. I'll be 69 in December and was diagnosed at 58. I still believe in miracles!

I can't lose the weight I gained after my HR *with NO chemo after liver surgery, no matter how hard I try. I'm talking 25 lbs. I am, tho, doing background acting 5 days most weeks and have had some featured parts in several movies and TV shows. If they have not been released, I can't openly name them. It's fun and it's sometimes hard work!

Diane Tavegia

[stu]

That’s great news . So glad your out having fun .
Stu

[Punky44]

Such awesome news!!

My mom is scheduled for her CEA and CT check tomorrow and I am praying for clear results so we can start down our journey of years and years of NEDville. Please keep us in your thoughts!

[Detox]

Congrats!

But always remember to take care of yourself, even after you've reached cure status.

And keep getting annual CEA tests. Can never be too safe...

[rachelfromnyc]

Hi Diane,

Thanks for sharing. I'm only a few months into my own stage IV diagnosis nightmare and these are the types of experiences I seek out and love hearing about. I'll be looking out for you on the big screen

Rachel

[michelle c]

Oh wow Diane, I can’t believe it’s been that long....time certainly does fly. I’m so glad you’re doing well. It really is a roller coaster ride and sometimes we just don’t know where the next bump or turn will be. But then we also go up and never go back down that scary drop.

I have just been to my GP, got my referral to have my tumor markers done as well as general blood tests and an ultrasound. She talked about me maybe having a full hysterectomy sometime in the future.

It’s been over ten years since I was diagnosed with stage III CC. In some ways it seems like yesterday. I think I still suffer from anxiety due to my diagnoses.

I miss Bev....still can’t believe she’s gone. She was so sensible, knowledgeable and had a wonderful calming manner. She suffered with anxiety too but hers decreased with her diagnoses whereby mine heightened.

Wishing you the best always, Diane.
Michelle xx

[Koreysue]

Diane! That is incredible news!
So very happy for you. You have definitely been an encouragement to me. I’d love to know which shows you are on once you are allowed to. That sounds really fun
Ksue

[tater]

awesome news. Good luck and thanks for sharing hope.

[Siti]

I am so happy for you that it brought me to tears. Thank you for coming back to give hope and encouragement to all patients here, especially those Stage 4 that have been told their disease is incurable. You’re a role model!

[jsbsf]

Today makes 2 months since my world was turned upside down. Thank you for sharing the encouraging news. I look forward to hearing more stories like yours.

[mariane]

Congratulations Diane! I am so very happy. Enjoy beautiful Southern fall.