Remember, things are different now

Last Friday was an onco visit. Everything's a-ok, but we had questions. How often will follow ups be? We were relieved to hear that successive PETs will be superlative, a good old cbc every six months will suffice. (Hey, it's lighter on the wallet too.) Plus, as the radi-onco pointed out, from here on out I'll spook at every little bump and lump, I'll probably be nervous enough to be over-cautious. I'm pretty sure I know how to be a compliant patient. Anyway, I'm elated that we can eliminate unnecessary sources of radiation and its consequences. Recurrence in Hodgkin's is less than 10%, with the most risk in the two years following treatment.
That led us to second question: when can I get this stupid port-a-cath out? Initially, doc onc said "two years" with a straight face. But I guess he saw my complexion (maybe I yelled a little) and he changed his answer to "whenever you want." You know, the chance that the tumor will not change in size or activity after radiation treatment is less than 5%. And the likelihood that I would need more chemo in that case is slim. But why rush to take it out? It's ugly. Period. Sure, vain you say, but it's raised, it's scarred, I have to flush it with heparin every four weeks, and I want it out. Some people keep their ports. Morbid. Seriously. It's psychological! Want to get sick? Just keep thinking about what if you get sick.
Can I get back to life (FOOD) as normal? Doc says sure, just don't become neutropenic anymore. Bring on the sushi! Any contraindicatives? Absolutely no hormonal medications, they increase risk of breast cancer, and I don't need that additional risk. Interesting, I would have never thought of that. Radi-onco acknowledges that limited use is fine, but 25 years of it may not be. Who knows what long term studies have yet to show.
Things will be getting back to normal, but not quite. One thing I resolved is to really take greater consideration for myself. Natural foods only, no more processed foods, soda, refined sugars, preservatives. I'm not invincible anymore. I can't just throw junk into my body and expect it to handle it. Things are different now.

Speaking of all natural, my wish was granted when upon receiving this delicious gift. Thanks hon :)