Golden unicorn status achieved!

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Y’all, I have the BEST news to share with you! And we could use great news, am I right?

When I made my blog post the other day and reported that my scans looked stable that was prior to the final measurement calculations that I usually get with each scan. It was just what my oncologist could see comparing the current scan to my previous scan, no radiologist report. What she could see was no major change so that’s what she told me: stable.

Well, she called me today with the final numbers: I am NED (no evidence of disease)! This is the golden unicorn we all hoped for. We have been crying happy tears off and on today. My oncologist was giddy and reminded me that this is definitely not a common state that she sees frequently.

Hurray!

The measurements only take into account the lungs and lymph nodes that they have been tracking since day one. The bone lesions aren’t measured in this calculation. This is because the trial uses CT scans to track the lesions. Bone lesions are seen on the scans but they aren’t super sharp or specific. We can see them but we can’t SEE them if that makes any sense at all. MRI or PET scans are much better for tracking bone lesions. So because it’s sort of an ambiguous measurement with CT scans we assume that the bone lesions aren’t growing because we don’t see any new ones. But for sure the measurable disease (lungs and lymph nodes) is so small they cannot measure disease on the CT scan. I am so happy!! And relieved. And happy. And relieved. Haha!

I don’t know how long I will be in this space but today I celebrate and I would love to celebrate with you all too. Can you tell me how you’re celebrating this rare, wonderful, lucky, blessed, grateful, joyful, heavenly grace news?

Everything else from the last post still stands. Scans every 9 weeks to track things, telehealth from here on out until things change, side effects from the oral meds, immunocompromised, BUT beyond words awesome-sauce lucky duck NED!

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Published by Hannah

This whole blog is about me....just read it.

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20 thoughts on “Golden unicorn status achieved!”

  3. Wooohooo! Such awesome wonderful news! Will be raising a glass in honor in the sunshine to celebrate ansake cookies with the munchkin. SO happy for you and yours.

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  9. Hello,
    I don’t know you personally but just happened to find this blog of yours…
    SOOOO happy for you!!! Wonderful news!!! I actually was diagnosed with low grade breast cancer last Nov. I had a lumpectomy in January, and I’m supposed to do radiation now, but it has been postponed because of Covid. It’ll happen in May though, if I still decide to do it.
    I think I saw somewhere that you had breast cancer at one point? Can I ask if the lung cancer was related to it or your treatment for the breast cancer? I’m scared to do the radiation, but I think I will. I’m really scared about the Tamoxifen that they want me to take- not sure I’ll do that one. Love to you, I feel connected… I know how hard it is.

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    1. Thanks for the well wishes! It’s certainly been a wild ride so far. I am hoping for many many more years. Here is the link to my first post about what my original diagnosis is and what it is now. https://hannahincancerland.wordpress.com/2018/10/25/testing/ I don’t have lung cancer, I have metastatic breast cancer. When breast cancer leaves the breast and lands somewhere like the lungs or bones, it is still breast cancer. I also had a lumpectomy and did radiation for stage 1 breast cancer. The whole story is here on the site. Also did Tamoxifen. That was a breeze!! Radiation was also super easy for me compared to chemo and compared to the medications I am on now. You can do it! Never hesitate to reach out and ask for help when you’re feeling defeated. There are loads of women out there doing what you are doing (unfortunately), but they are also super willing to cheer you on. Good luck!

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  11. Hannah, you don’t know me but I’m celebrating anyway! I’m a grandmother to a gymnast who wish she was doing gymnastics with Olivia… my husband used to work with Misty…and he got to NED about 6 months ago, having been diagnosed with leukemia (AML) exactly a year ago… so, many clapping hands and happy dances fir you here, too!

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  13. Congratulations Hannah!!! I am SO HAPPY for you!! I have been thinking about you a lot ever since we met at the Warrior Weekend, and have wondered how you were doing. This is incredible news, congratulations!!! ❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕 celebrating in your honor tonight! 😘😘😘 Amanda

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  15. Dearest Hannah, I read your post, then I reread it to my family, and we ALL are OVERJOYED! I’m not sure how the others in this household are going to celebrate aside from the wide smiles I witnessed on their faces, but I know that I will be basking in some warm sunny rays as I sit in meditation this morning, letting the warmth and joy of this news wash over me. In these uncertain times, your news fills me with hope and joy. Thank you for the gift you have given us all with this tremendous news. We love you and your adorable family, and send you all big virtual happy hugs :). Love Ruth, Matt, Kelly, Natalie, Carola, Champ, Joey, and Tootsie

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  16. This is such amazing news! So very happy for you and your family to have so much more time together. What a gift! Sending hugs and love you way! Xoxo

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  18. Hannah, I just read this post and I am elated for you! I will be celebrating, albeit a little late 🙂 Wishing you and your family well ❤️

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  19. Hannah, I come here to catch up occasionally (and to be inspired) and am thrilled to read this! It’s been awhile already, but hoping things have remained stable and/or improved. You are superwoman!!

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