[2023-01-05] Two years on
I had business "in the city" yesterday, and by that, I mean any part of Ottawa east of my home. So I took the opportunity to go to the lab at the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre for my monthly blood draw—just one day early.
Given that it was late in the day when I got to the lab, the result of my CA125 test was not available the same day, as they are when I go in the morning.
I checked the online portal for the last time at 11:30 last night, wondering whether that was a bad idea, should the outcome prove unfavourable. Alas, the result was not in, so no harm, no foul. I went to sleep.
This morning, I awoke to a message that a new test result was available for me. I logged on, held my breath—as I do every month—and opened the report of my CA125 cancer antigen test: 8. Normal. Steady. Low. I exhaled. I smiled. I was at peace.
Recently, I realized that many people celebrate with me each month when I share my latest CA125 test result—sometimes quietly, sometimes with a quick note to say, "Yay Jen!" Today's result—like the ones before it—does not represent a cure, nor does it guarantee that cancer will not return. It is simply a monthly affirmation of my vitality, a confirmation that hope endures, and a pretty little bit of pink in my day (perhaps yours too).
