Mon, 4/13/15 Chemo #5
Hello Friends and Family,
It’s a gorgeous sunny spring day in MN!
I did my 5th chemo infusion today. It went smoothly and quickly. Very nice. My Oncologist is pleased with my results from the treatment (FOLFOX with Avastin). The tumor in my colon and the ones in the liver and lung plus the affected lymph nodes are shrinking. Fabulous news!
Per the last CT Scan (4/9), the cancer had spread to the lung (they weren’t’ sure if it was just benign nodules and were just watching). However, it’s only one 4mm nodule and it has already shrunk to 2mm. I still have 3 more nodules, but they’re less than 3mm and unchanged by the chemo, so they’re pretty likely not cancer. A lot of people get small nodules in their lungs for numerous reasons. Most never even know they’re there.
Anyway, I’m back to the jazz hand gloves and not drinking anything cold--instead, it has to be lukewarm—ick! And I have the hand/finger/foot neuropathy which feels like pins and needles but usually only when cold. Monday (today) and Tuesday are my "good days". That’s because of the steroids. They’re great because they keep the nausea away while I’m wearing the portable chemo. But…it gives met the attention span of a 2 year old. (But no beard yet. Whew!)
I’ll admit that I’m a little anxious about Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Those are the rough days. The ones where I realize, “Hey, I have cancer.” The side effects increase in number and strength. But…I’ve planned out my week so I don’t have to go anywhere those days. I’m going to try and rest –and let my Mom and kids do things for me. That’s nearly impossible for me to do. Not the rest part. The part about letting someone else do MY job. If I had enough energy I’d write out a 20-page memo on how and when to do everything the “way I do it” and I’d include pictures and diagrams. People love that. (Not!) Pray for my family. They have to deal with my craziness!
I'm very thankful, though. It could be so much worse. God has been very merciful. The cancer is shrinking; my blood tests are all going back in to the “normal” range. And I have you! I am very blessed!
(Oh yeah, I won’t get the results of my CEA tumor marker test until tomorrow. I’ll post the results when I can.)
As always, thank you for your prayers and encouragement. You’ve been a great example to me. I am so fortunate to have you. Have a wonderful week. You all are FABULOUS!!!!
Comments (12)
Good news, indeed. Glad your mom is there "put everything away in the wrong place" (my mom thinks it's funny when I have to call her after she visits - - to ask her where she put something!) :) Love you - so very much. Keep hanging in there on the tough days - know that you are continually in my prayers and on my mind.
Super happy about the shrinking tumors! Will be remembering you the rest of the week and praying that you tolerate the chemo affects okay. I am like you when it comes to doing things a certain way or putting things in a certain place! Hang in there! You'll have plenty of time for the "treasure hunt" when this is all in your rearview mirror! Love you lots!
Great progress Sarah. Shine on. Pete & Tracy
Sarah, I just wanted you to know that our family has NOT forgotten you, or your family. We read all of your posts, and have tried to stay up with you, as you plow through this trial. You set a wonderful example for all of us, and we are very proud of you, and your fight. We are remembering Scott and all of your girls also. Give a "shout out" to all of them, from us. I am glad you are enjoying a little bit of spring. We pray for you continually, along with all of your friends and family. Think about some great times with family and friends, on your low days. We are all pulling for you ! I hope that this week is better than you anticipate ! Nate Berg, Cherine, and the boys
Ah, Sarah, you are fighting with finesse. What a positive attitude! Your markers are great! We will keep praying for a complete, complete recovery. Hugs.....
Sarah, Thank you for updating us. Praying for strength and wellness through the rest of the week. Praying for Scott, the girls and your mom :-) thank you for letting us help through prayer. Love you!
Hello Sarah: Thank you so much for the update. My prayers continue for your to have a complete healing that stays that way for the rest of your life. Mom is probably very busy, but I am still waiting for a call from her to help fill the hole that was left after her departure. Chester Crowell
This is definitely the tough time of the fight, no question. Keep plowing ahead. We are all behind you, and God is all around you.
It is so encouraging that you are seeing such positive results and hopefully that makes the tough days a little easier to bear. We continue to lift you up in our prayers---for your healing and strength to push through the treatments and side affects.
Thank you for taking the time to update us, Sarah. We love you!! Paul and Darla :)
More great news! Hooe the next few days go better than expected (:
Keep strong and the prayers are with your wonderful family as well. Working together with God's intervention you will win this fight and you will see your grandchildren in a few years! Keep focused and positive!