Remission

Technically, I'm in remission. However, I still need to be followed closely in case this nasty disease comes back. With most cancer you're considered cured after five years, but ACC is a slow growing cancer that usually shows up again ten or more years down the road. Last week I had some follow up appointments-one with my radiation oncologist, one with a new ENT. I had a CT scan and a chest x-ray to check for recurrence at the original sight and metastasis to the lungs. My life has been so busy lately I haven't had time to worry about cancer. We're having the basement finished, my husband is preparing for an out of town conference in November, it's our 10th anniversary this week, and then there's just normal life! Although I am pretty sure that I am not done dealing with this cancer, I don't feel like it will be back any time soon. Right now I'm experiencing some late side effects of radiation treatment-jaw pain, reduced mouth opening, etc. I'm moving forward with some consultations with doctors and a physical therapist and I intend to take an aggressive treatment course in order to deal with it quickly and permanently.