Day 4 - SURMOUNT Clinical Trial - Heading Home

  Today is a much better day! While still tender, I don't have any of the pain I had prior. I was able to take ibuprofen along with Tylenol yesterday, and made sure to ice when we got home. All is moving in the right direction.

 I am expected to get my results on Friday, February 27th. It will be a nice birthday gift, either way. It will help to give direction to ongoing treatment options for me, and again, will help future people diagnosed with breast cancer either have an option to know their recurrence rate and treatment or will allow researchers to know to go another direction with their research.

Per Google AI:

"Participating in a clinical trial can contribute to a sense of purpose and happiness by providing a meaningful way to give back to others and society as a whole. Key aspects of this positive feeling include: 

Contributing to Medical Science: Your participation helps researchers advance medical knowledge, potentially leading to new treatments, cures, and preventative measures for diseases that affect millions of people.

Helping Future Generations: The information gleaned from clinical trials may directly benefit future patients and generations who face similar health challenges.

Altruism and Purpose: Engaging in a selfless act can enhance a participant's sense of self-worth, provide a strong sense of purpose, and increase overall well-being.

Community and Connection: Trials often involve interaction with medical professionals and sometimes other participants, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in combating illness.

Personal Satisfaction: The knowledge that one's involvement is making a tangible difference in the world often leads to increased personal satisfaction and happiness. 

Overall, the altruistic nature of clinical trial participation can be a powerful source of happiness and fulfillment."

 I fly out from PHL at 7 pm tonight and am hoping to catch an earlier flight in SEA to get home sooner. Otherwise, I'll have a 12 hour layover in SEA until my scheduled flight tomorrow morning!