Two Year Scans

I've had a few appointments since my last update so let's catch up.

June 2015, I had an appointment to check the status of the healing of my arm. There was progress, but not enough to allow me to do whatever I want. I was given the green-light to do controlled weight bearing activities like push-ups, but an unexpected fall on my arm would more than likely break the work that's there so I had to be really careful. It bummed me out that I still had restrictions, but I did what I could. By the end of the summer I was able to do three push-ups, so I did make progress. It took me weeks before I could even do one. The combination of the pain, and the muscular atrophy is what made it so difficult.

I waited until December of 2015 to get an update on my arm, and I finally received the news I had been waiting for. There was enough callous formation to lift all restrictions! I can do whatever I want now. It took two years from the original surgery, but late is better than never. Below, is an X-Ray of my right arm.

I had appointments with my oncologist since my last update and there has been no recurrence of my cancer. In late June I had my two year scans and my lungs are still clear of cancer. The future is becoming increasingly brighter. I have moved my checkups to every six months now to reduce the amount of travel while away at school. Also, my oncology and arm appointments are scheduled on the same day, so I only have to go to Penn twice a year.

Last year I moved out to Penn State main campus for my junior year. I adjusted really well. Being away from home this year was probably the most therapeutic thing that I have done since cancer. It was the healthiest I have been psychologically since cancer. I received really good grades, and grew as an individual. I got involved with volunteer work in the fall, and did some tutoring in the spring. I flew in an airplane for the first time. This was for an interview. It was a busy year. I look forward to returning in about a month for my senior year.

This summer my family and I went to Ocean City, MD for a week. This was our first time there since the summer of 2013 which was weeks before I would find out the painful lump in my arm would lead to a devastating diagnosis. My family made sure I was up to going back, and I knew the trip would be painful for me at times, but I owed it to myself to go back. Memories of the past were in my thoughts at times, but I got through it. It turned out to be a good vacation. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

I am getting stronger. I lifted weights this summer and made some progress with my strength. My arm still flares up from time to time, especially when performing movements above shoulder level. I just ice it and take Advil to reduce the swelling. It's usually feeling better the next day. I also have more energy than I did a year ago. 

I recently got my head shaved down to just stubble, and I think it looks much better than what I had. I was getting a "2" at the barber, but that was showing my baldness in the back. To save money from going every few weeks to keep it up for 10-15$ a cut, I bought my own razor to cut my hair myself. I'm not embarrassed about my hair now.

Lately I've spent a lot of my time researching companies and different areas to live. It's a lot of work, but it's exciting at the same time. I look forward to the next phase of my life.

That's mostly everything I wanted to write about. Next, I'll have a checkup sometime during my winter break.