Dr. Joanne Virgilio

On November 21 I had an appointment with my Oncologist, Dr. Virgilio. This was actually the first time I have ever seen her because I was seeing specialists in Denver. Since surgery I have wondered what would happen now. I knew I would get CT scans, but didn't feel like I was under the care of a cancer doctor (my Dr's in Montrose are great and take amazing care of me, but I need more), I was kinda in limbo or something. Anyway I had my appointment and it was great. Dr. Virgilio knew my entire history already! She is fantastic! I had to get some blood drawn (already had my first scan) and I will see Dr. Virgilio again in 3 months, after I get more blood and another scan. Then I will see her in 6 months from then, then in a year, then every 2 years. I feel really good about it because even though I am currently cancer free (I'M A CANCER SURVIVOR!! :) ), we are on top of it and I am being taken care of!

It was actually really hard to go to her office! It brought back lots of scary feelings, but mostly I was thinking of all of the other people there with me. They are in all different stages of the process, some just getting a diagnosis, some in treatment and some are in the end of treatment or even their lives! That is so overwhelming to think of, especially because I know how they feel. It is so hard to face your mortality and think about your death. The month before my surgery I would video Aidan and I constantly, so if something happened he would have that. I wrote letters, got my will and power of attorney together. Jeff and I had to have some hard conversations. I couldn't believe I was 28 with a 7 month old and planning for "just in case". But, I can't imagine trying to go through this or plan if I didn't know where I get to spend eternity. Thank you Jesus for holding us in your arms, thank you that we know that no matter what we are in your care!

HERE IS THE PICTURE OF MY TUMOR! I NEVER POSTED IT! Just in case you don't know...It was on my appendix, and was 1.7 cm. It never showed up on any scans or lab work because it was .3 cm to small!!! But, if it had been 2 cm they would have had to take 1/2 of my colon!