We Have Remission (Written by Jennifer Marino. Edit by Domenic Marino)
And in saying “we,” we are talking about not only Jen and the Marino family, but all those who helped us to get to this point. This includes Dr. Moskowitz and all the nurses, doctors and staff at Sloan Kettering. This also includes our supportive family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers.
Dom and Jen went into Sloan Kettering yesterday. It didn’t start off as the best day as it was the most traffic Jen has had yet on the commute. As she was driving and a truck would not let her in on a merge, she pulled off her scarf and just looked at the driver with her shining head has a beacon! It worked! He let her in.
Jen was extremely nervous going into the appointment, as she had no idea what results to expect. She has had some sensitivity in her lymph nodes, swollen ankles, slight chest pressure, and a small cough (all explained later as normal for having a small cold the previous week).
After arriving late, she quickly had her blood tested, vitals and pulmonary function test. When Dr. Moskowitz came into the exam room, he said, “Well, you can tell everyone you are in remission.” Jen and Dom were thinking the same thing, but Dom asked sooner, “Is she?” The answer was yes.
Blood levels are not quite normal, but after a month of chemo are better than most people who have had this treatment. (Nurse Emily gave Jen an A on her blood results). Dr. Moskowitz only saw a little activity left on the thymus, but he sees this often after this chemo treatment and is not concerned.
Jen will next see Dr. Moskowitz for a check up in June. She will see him quarterly for the next few years. Jen will have another PET scan in early September and every six month after to make sure all stays well.
The appointment ended with a big hug between Jen and Dr. Moskowitz, a big kiss and hug between Jen and Dom, a flood of tears, and lots of phone calls on the way home.
So, we have remission. Your positive thoughts, prayers and kind communication have taught us the power of compassionate and sympathy. Oh yeah, all the meals and gifts also helped!
Happy Spring and new beginnings to you all.
