Good news, bad news . . .

The good news is the tumors in my lungs are stable for the most part.  Minimal growth for some, shrinkage for others.  If only that were the end of the story.  It seems that I have a new little growth in the pelvic lining on my right side.  It is very small, not even measurable really.  But, this new little growth is keeping me from continuing on the study.  I guess I've been lucky up to this point that things haven't spread.  On the bright side, the rest of my organs are clear.

So, what to do now?  I was handed the paperwork for a new study to read and consider before my appointment next Tuesday.  I also have an appointment with my oncologist next Tuesday to discuss the possibility of starting the Adrimicin.  We have some decisions to make.  Right now, I'm leaning towards the Adrimicin.  It's a known winner - at least in the past.  I imagine we would get some good results with it.  These studies are so unpredictable.  I don't feel like I have time for unpredictability.  That's just my opinion.  When it comes right down to it, we need to make this a matter of prayer.  We'll let the Lord guide the proceedings.  After all, He knows better than all of us.

Until next Tuesday . . .

Things were going just too smoothly . . .

Things were going relatively well after the last infusion.  Last Thursday the neuropathy started with a little more enthusiasm than last time.  Friday, the body aches set in.  I won't lie - I felt lousy.  On Saturday I noticed my breathing was a bit more shallow than usual. Ken felt my forehead and said I felt warm.  My temp was only 99.5, but I had taken Motrin about 45 minutes prior, so we knew it was probably a little higher than that. We called Roswell and spoke to one of the doctors on their service.  He said to come in - had a bed for me on 7 East.  Woohoo. Oh well.  At least it was a private room.  Ended up staying until Monday.  Turns out I had a touch of pneumonia and a staph infection.  They put me on IV antibiotics which kick-started the recovery process.  I'm feeling much better.  Still get a little winded if I forget and go up and down the stairs at my usual clip.  The nurse advised me to pace myself, so that's what I'm trying to do.

The good news is, this little turn of events didn't get me kicked off of the study.  Next Tuesday I go in for my usual follow-up and blood work.  Friday the 27th is the big CT scan which will show if we're making any progress.  It also happens to be mine and Ken's 34th anniversary. What a romantic way to spend the day!  Well, not really.  Ken will be teaching.  Too bad, though.  I would have been happy to share my berry- flavored barium with him!

Until next time, everyone stay warm.  It seems winter has finally arrived.

No news is definitely good news.

Thankfully, I have nothing exciting to report. Aside from a bit of a cough, I feel quite good. I go in for my next treatment this Tuesday.  Hopefully, this round will be much like the last. My next CT scan is scheduled for 1/27.  Keeping fingers and toes crossed for good results.  However, if the results aren't good, my doctors tell us we have 2 other treatment options we can choose from.  At this stage of the game, options are always a good thing.

My hair has started to fall out.  I had my daughter, Katie, buzz me yesterday.  I look like Sinead O'Connor.  Fortunately, I found a really cute wig at Roswell a couple of weeks ago.  I can get one free wig per year from Roswell, so it didn't cost me anything.  Their wigs are really good quality.  I was thinking of staying with a salt and pepper gray color similar to my own.  But, Ken saw a cute, dark blond wig he wanted me to try on.  I loved it.  I guess when it comes right down to it, I'm not really ready to go gray yet.  It sounds strange, but I was actually looking forward to my hair falling out so I could wear my wig!  I have no idea how my hair will come back in a third time.  The 2nd time, it was thin in spots and much straighter than normal.  I'm thinking it will only be worse the next time it comes in.  Who knows?  Maybe this wig will become a permanent fixture. That would be OK with me.

Time to get ready for church.  I love Sundays!

Until next time . . .