Scans, Labs, Oncologist, and Last Herceptin!

Well, I'm done!  I couldn't be more excited (well, I could be if I weren't tired from the Herceptin!).  I had my ct scans (chest, abdomen, and pelvis) and bloodwork done last week. Scans are all clear, and bloodwork is good.  One of the liver tests (alkaline phosphatase) was elevated, but I think that is from a minor bladder issue I have had since my colon resection.  We'll check it again in 3 months. 
Today I saw my oncologist and had my LAST Herceptin infusion.  I asked my onc., Dr. J, if I can call my self NED (No Evidence of Disease) now and he said yes, both cancers are in remission.  He said I was actually NED when I had surgery, because there was no evidence of the cancer after that.  I said I wanted to wait until I was done with everything before saying that.  It's not too exciting to be NED when you still have to go through chemo and radiation!
When my nurse called me back to the infusion room she had a big smile, and several other nurses congratulated me.  Unfortunately my 2 regular nurses weren't there, and one will probably be on maternity leave when I go back.  But it was nice that everyone was so happy for me. They know what a long road it has been!
In 6 weeks I'll go back to get my port flushed, then 6 weeks after that (3 months from now) I'll have labs done and see the oncologist again.  6 months from now I'll have more ct scans, labs, and see the onc. again.  I only need a mammogram and MRI once a year, so that won't be until next April.  Mammo and MRI are for the breast cancer; the ct scans are for the colon cancer.
Well, that is the cancer update!!  In other news, we moved Shonna back to KCMO a week ago.  She moved into a different house, so we had to paint and move furniture.  I MISS HER!  It was so nice having her here for a few months over the summer.  Now I have to get used to her being gone all over again.  I want to go visit her in October when my school will be on break.
Yes, I am going back to work, finally!  School starts Sept. 6th. Yikes!  Just a few weeks away!  I am looking forward to it.  I think I am really ready to get on with life.  Took me awhile!  I have enjoyed being home, but it's time to get back to working.  I'm only working 3 hours a day, though.  I wanted to be able to help Rachel out with Brennan and Charlie as much as possible. 
Charlie's surgery date is set for Aug. 30th. They will close the hole in his heart at that time.  It is a risky surgery, but it's necessary.  Until the surgery he will be getting worse because more fluid will be building up.  He'll be short of breath, and get worn out easily.  Even eating will be hard work for him.  He takes Lasix to reduce the fluid in his body, but they don't want to increase that before surgery.  So please pray for his comfort, a successful surgery, and a quick recovery.  Remember Rachel and Ken in your prayers too!  This will be a stressful time for them as well!
Alyssa and Jaren are doing well!  Cheerleading is in full swing, so that keeps Alyssa busy (she's coach), along with her part time job at Noodles and Co.  They like her so much there they want to make her shift manager already.  Jaren will start next week as a part time police officer in our local police dept.  He'll be fulltime in Nov. when he is done with school and gets sworn in.  They recently got baptised together in a nearby lake!  I'm so proud of them both!
Well, Brennan will be here soon, so I better get off the computer!  Charlie has physical, occupational, and speech therapy twice a week, so I watch Brennan during that time.  Tomorrow C has a ct scan, so B will be here early, and spend most of the day here.  I think I get Thurs. and Fri. off!!  I'll have to plan a lunch or something!
Blessings to all!!
Tina