Just enjoying life . . .

Hi everyone.  Not much new to report.  I've been feeling pretty good.  Doing a little gardening, enjoying our incredible weather.  My symptoms have been very manageable.  I'm so grateful for a bit of a respite from the drama that is cancer.  In short, life is good.  I feel very blessed.

Take good care.

Until next time . . .

Pretty good news!

Well, for the first time in a long, long time, I have pretty good news!  Of the 4 large tumors in my lungs, 2 got marginally bigger while the other 2 shrank.  The one in my pelvic lining got quite a bit smaller.  My oncologist was pleased with the results, so he is keeping me on this drug.  I go back for another CT in 2 months.  Woohoo!!  I guess I'll have to get used to living my life in 2 month increments for a while, but that's OK.


Thanks again for all of your prayers.  They really do help!


I promise to update at least once a week.  So, until next time . . . 

My apologies for not updating sooner . . .

I am so bad at this stuff.  Those of you that know me well know that I don't say a lot unless I feel I have something of importance to say.  So, when things are going well or just going, I don't think about updating the blog.  So sorry.

I'm still on the Votrient.  I think it has been going quite well.  Really no side effects to mention right now.  One that I did have for a while has settled down.  The front have of my tongue felt like I had licked sandpaper.  Anything too hot or spicy, even toothpaste, really hurt.  Kind of a pain, but it's much better now.

The catheter is in and is working well.  It's so nice not to have to run to Roswell every time I need a drain.

Last week was a bit of a crummy week.  I just didn't feel very good.  Had some stomach issues, more acute pain on the left side of my upper back, and my cough was out of control.  So, I called Roswell on Friday.  The nurse I spoke with was great.  She went down the list symptom by symptom and told me what to do to alleviate it.  I didn't have to go in - Yay!  However, she asked me to have Ken help me with a drain even though I didn't feel I needed one, and report back if it was a lot.  The drain was pretty routine, only 100 cc's, so I don't think there are any issues there.  She also moved my CT scan up to tomorrow (Tuesday, 5/15), with an appointment with Dr. K. right after for the results.  Ugh.  I was looking forward to a couple more weeks of ignorant bliss.  Not to be I guess.

Yesterday was Mother's Day.  I hope all you mothers had a wonderful day!  I did.  My husband, kids and their families cooked dinner for me, my mom and my daughter-in-law, Sara.  It was very yummy!  After dinner, we gathered together to discuss my situation and what we might hear on Tuesday.  It wasn't easy for any of us. If the Votrient isn't working, I'm just not sure what the next step should be - or even if there is one.  But, I'm truly amazed at the love and strength I felt that evening  Family is the most important unit on the face of the planet.  I am so, so grateful for mine.  I can face anything with them by my side.  I am also so grateful for my faith which tells me there is life after this, and it's more beautiful and marvelous than we can comprehend.  More importantly, our family ties don't have to end at death.  I know I'll live with my family again, if we all stay true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What great comfort that is.

I'm sure I will update again tomorrow or the next day to let you know my "fate". Gotta maintain a sense of humor, right?

I love you all.  Again, thank you for your prayers, love and support.