Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
It has been quite a couple of weeks. The patient waiting, the anxious waiting, the not thinking about it waiting, the being consumed by thinking about it waiting....oh brother I hate waiting. However, before I tell you the results...I have to tell you the story that has brought me to this point. Read on and you'll see why it's been quite a couple of weeks!
It all started on Tuesday, August 31st....MRI at 7:00am at the Cancer Center. No big deal, been through this many times before, laid on the table, head in the MRI machine. If you've had an MRI before you know the loud noises (even with earplugs..omg) that this machine puts out. Came out for an IV of dye, back in again for a few more minutes and then finally finished and a major headache after forty-five minutes. I was hoping to get the technician to give me a hint of what he thought the images looked like...but couldn't get him to budge...oh darn!
My appointment with Dr. Hu (medical oncologist) was not until Thursday, Sept 9th...how in the world am I going to be able to wait that long. As it turns out, I was able to find out sooner. My sister, Tracy, is a CRNA at St. John's and she knows my surgeon and works with him quite often. After my test, I texted Tracy and asked her to call him to see if he could pull the scan and/or results and have him tell her the results. He is a very good and very busy doctor and was unable to find anything out until Thursday, 9/2. When he viewed and read the scans, he thought he saw some change in the nodule that is at the tumor site. (This nodule, which has been there since my original surgery, is either scar tissue or resistant tumor, without surgery we are unsure which.) He considers this change in the nodule as tumor regrowth.
Oh my goodness....you can't imagine my disappointment. It was terrible waiting for the results, but now even more terrible I'm thinking after 10 months of hard fought battle, the tumor has started to grow....what the hell! We went to the Lake of the Ozarks for a long, relaxing weekend, but I can't say it wasn't difficult and not without tears. All I could think of as I looked around was that I am so thankful for the last 10 months but oh my gosh, I want more time; selfishly I want MORE TIME....PLEASE!!.
I have to tell you friends, it took me several days to regroup and refocus myself for the continued fight. But I assure you...the fight continues.
Tuesday, September 7th, I called St. John's to get copies on CD of my MRI's and CT Scans. I got on the brain tumor center at Duke University website and referred myself as a patient. Within 45 minutes, a doctor called me back, asked me if I wanted to come to Duke, of course I told him 'yes'. He said okay and told me what I needed to do. I picked up my CD of scans and my pathology slides and had them at FedEx by 4:15 that day. Once they have looked at everything, the doctor will call me back and we'll see where that goes. They are doing some awesome stuff at Duke. Most importantly, the doctor's message is "there is hope!"
The story continues....
Thursday, September 9th, I have blood work and see my oncologist. He comes into the room and says, "The MRI results look good, there is no evidence of recurrent or residual tumor growth." I said "OH MY GOSH, WHAT?" "But the surgeon said there is regrowth!" He shows me the image results documented from the radiologist and circles and underlines the results. I can't flippin' believe it...I was speechless. UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE!! My blood work came back looking good, my platelets are back up and my white cell count is up. Since I am doing well with the chemo drug, I can continue with chemo therapy. Of course we need to keep our heads about us and remain cautiously optimistic, but it feels great to get good news.
To the surgeon's credit, he may not have had my last scan to compare to this one, there probably are differences in monitor resolution, there could be many reasons for the misinterpretation of the results. He is a great guy and a great surgeon and I would highly recommend him and his staff.
I'm sure you are asking, "What about Duke?" Well, they are supposed to be reviewing what I sent and I am anxiously waiting for a call back. I am very interested in speaking with them and hearing what they have to offer and how soon I could get an appointment. What it so awesome is that I know I have options.
Well, that is the story today. Please continue the heartfelt prayers, they are most definitely being answered. We are on the road to good things happening!!
Patience is a virtue!
+Peace,
Sandy
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
MRI Today
I am grateful for simply being.
I had my MRI this morning at 7am......Anxiously awaiting the results....stay tuned!!
Please keep praying everyone.
Come to me, all that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. --Matthew 11:28
+Peace,
Sandy
I had my MRI this morning at 7am......Anxiously awaiting the results....stay tuned!!
Please keep praying everyone.
Come to me, all that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. --Matthew 11:28
+Peace,
Sandy
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Last Treatment!!!
Do not live your life looking in your rear view mirror...live for each day, basking in the wonderment and possibilities God has opened to you. What a way to live!
Wow...has time flown or what? Six chemotherapy treatments, too many blood tests to count on all my fingers and toes, too many needle sticks, doctor visits and co-pays to count as well....but here I am...still thankful for everyday that God has blessed me with waking up and living my life and enjoying my family and friends. What more can I ask for? I think this is simply what it's all about, I am so blessed.
Monday, August 23, 2010...last chemotherapy treatment...Waahoooo!! Even more amazing, no major adverse reactions...well at least by comparison to the Temodar fiascoes...in January, February and March...that was a major yikes! That was not a pleasant ride, by any stretch of the imagination. I have come through this last 5-1/2 months, relatively well in my opinion. I have felt really good physically, well most days, and mentally...well again most days.
Yesterdays doctor visit went well....my white blood count is okay, but my platelet count was low, too low to get the full dose of treatment. He reduced it by 10%, so I got 300mg (instead of 330mg). That was disappointing. I really wanted this last treatment to be the full dose...to carry me through to whatever my next challenge will be. I need to be careful and notify my doctor of any bruising and bleeding. If it gets too bad, I will need a platelet transfusion. I get my Neulasta shot today. I go back in two weeks for another blood test and doctor visit. Within this next 2 weeks, however, I will have another MRI and pray the results continue to be in my favor. I asked about having a body scan just to make sure the cancer has not spread anywhere else in my body. Dr. Hu said that rarely does my type of cancer spread to anywhere but the brain. They have seen it spread to the spinal cord, but he has no reason to believe that would happen to me. I like that belief!! So we keep up the prayers everyone.
I find something to be happy about every single day. I am a 293 day survivor!!! Forever am I grateful for so many, many people praying for me and supporting me. Never, ever would I be able to do this on my own without God carrying me and you all being here with encouraging words. thoughts and prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! There is no way I will ever be able to repay the blessings I've received.
Live this day one precious moment at a time.
+Peace,
Sandy
Wow...has time flown or what? Six chemotherapy treatments, too many blood tests to count on all my fingers and toes, too many needle sticks, doctor visits and co-pays to count as well....but here I am...still thankful for everyday that God has blessed me with waking up and living my life and enjoying my family and friends. What more can I ask for? I think this is simply what it's all about, I am so blessed.
Monday, August 23, 2010...last chemotherapy treatment...Waahoooo!! Even more amazing, no major adverse reactions...well at least by comparison to the Temodar fiascoes...in January, February and March...that was a major yikes! That was not a pleasant ride, by any stretch of the imagination. I have come through this last 5-1/2 months, relatively well in my opinion. I have felt really good physically, well most days, and mentally...well again most days.
Yesterdays doctor visit went well....my white blood count is okay, but my platelet count was low, too low to get the full dose of treatment. He reduced it by 10%, so I got 300mg (instead of 330mg). That was disappointing. I really wanted this last treatment to be the full dose...to carry me through to whatever my next challenge will be. I need to be careful and notify my doctor of any bruising and bleeding. If it gets too bad, I will need a platelet transfusion. I get my Neulasta shot today. I go back in two weeks for another blood test and doctor visit. Within this next 2 weeks, however, I will have another MRI and pray the results continue to be in my favor. I asked about having a body scan just to make sure the cancer has not spread anywhere else in my body. Dr. Hu said that rarely does my type of cancer spread to anywhere but the brain. They have seen it spread to the spinal cord, but he has no reason to believe that would happen to me. I like that belief!! So we keep up the prayers everyone.
I find something to be happy about every single day. I am a 293 day survivor!!! Forever am I grateful for so many, many people praying for me and supporting me. Never, ever would I be able to do this on my own without God carrying me and you all being here with encouraging words. thoughts and prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! There is no way I will ever be able to repay the blessings I've received.
Live this day one precious moment at a time.
+Peace,
Sandy
Thursday, August 5, 2010
"Belated" Doctor Visit and 5th Treatment Update
I envision radiant health in my body this very moment. I feel stronger and more alive, renewed and energized.
Once again I am sorry for my delayed blog update, but I've been crazy busy. Busy is good, because it means that I am feeling good!
My last doctor appointment was on Monday, July 26th. All of my labs looked good so I was able to get a full dose of chemo this time. Then had a Neulasta shot on Tuesday, the 27th. I was really tired and achy, but that passed by the weekend.
Good news....I don't have to see the doctor again until August 23rd. If my labs continue to look good, I will have a full dose of chemo again. That will be my 6th and final treatment. How about that...it means that I will have made it through all 6 treatments without an allergic reaction. Life is good and God is gracious!!!
I constantly ask God to bless me with the strength to continue this battle that he has given me to fight. I thank him daily that he is letting me win!!!!
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish and it will be done for you.
--John 15:7
Blessings for a peaceful week,
Sandy
Once again I am sorry for my delayed blog update, but I've been crazy busy. Busy is good, because it means that I am feeling good!
My last doctor appointment was on Monday, July 26th. All of my labs looked good so I was able to get a full dose of chemo this time. Then had a Neulasta shot on Tuesday, the 27th. I was really tired and achy, but that passed by the weekend.
Good news....I don't have to see the doctor again until August 23rd. If my labs continue to look good, I will have a full dose of chemo again. That will be my 6th and final treatment. How about that...it means that I will have made it through all 6 treatments without an allergic reaction. Life is good and God is gracious!!!
I constantly ask God to bless me with the strength to continue this battle that he has given me to fight. I thank him daily that he is letting me win!!!!
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish and it will be done for you.
--John 15:7
Blessings for a peaceful week,
Sandy
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Doctor visit update
I am deeply grateful as I receive the blessings of answered prayer.
My last medical oncologist appointment was Tuesday, July 13th. Appointment went well, uneventful. My labs came back okay. Platelet count is coming up. WBC is up, (thank you Neulasta!), however I am still slightly anemic.
I saw my radiation oncologist on Thursday, July 15th for a 4 month follow-up. What a great guy...very spiritual and not afraid to show it. I like that in a doctor. He reviewed my MRI results and is very pleased with them. He checked my neurological reflexes, etc and says I'm doing awesome. I told him that I have 2 more treatments, but am a bit concerned about not doing anything after these treatments are done. He said, we aren't doing nothing, we have prayer and will continue to have prayer. How about that?! I said, it's the power of prayer that has made me an 8 month survivor so far. He said, you aren't just an 8 month survivor, you're a survivor every day! AMEN to that!! I go back to see him in October.
My next oncologist visit is Monday, July 26th and will have chemo the same day as long as my counts are okay. 5th treatment, just 1 more to go.
I know I'm sounding like a very broken record, but.....thanks again everyone for all of the prayers and support. Oh my goodness....I most definitely wouldn't have come this far without my huge circle of prayer partners. I'm amazed by every ones generous prayers for me. It's an awesome feeling...thank you for making me feel special.
Every day is a miracle filled with opportunities to give and receive.
Have a blessed day,
Sandy
My last medical oncologist appointment was Tuesday, July 13th. Appointment went well, uneventful. My labs came back okay. Platelet count is coming up. WBC is up, (thank you Neulasta!), however I am still slightly anemic.
I saw my radiation oncologist on Thursday, July 15th for a 4 month follow-up. What a great guy...very spiritual and not afraid to show it. I like that in a doctor. He reviewed my MRI results and is very pleased with them. He checked my neurological reflexes, etc and says I'm doing awesome. I told him that I have 2 more treatments, but am a bit concerned about not doing anything after these treatments are done. He said, we aren't doing nothing, we have prayer and will continue to have prayer. How about that?! I said, it's the power of prayer that has made me an 8 month survivor so far. He said, you aren't just an 8 month survivor, you're a survivor every day! AMEN to that!! I go back to see him in October.
My next oncologist visit is Monday, July 26th and will have chemo the same day as long as my counts are okay. 5th treatment, just 1 more to go.
I know I'm sounding like a very broken record, but.....thanks again everyone for all of the prayers and support. Oh my goodness....I most definitely wouldn't have come this far without my huge circle of prayer partners. I'm amazed by every ones generous prayers for me. It's an awesome feeling...thank you for making me feel special.
Every day is a miracle filled with opportunities to give and receive.
Have a blessed day,
Sandy
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
4th Treatment and MRI Results
God gives the very best to those who leave the choices up to him!
Sorry for my delayed update....life can be crazy sometimes!!
I had my MRI on Friday, June 25th and my oncologist appointment on Tuesday, June 29th. The MRI results were good...no tumor regrowth! The small 'enhancement' at the tumor site that they saw in January and March seems to be a bit smaller as well. When it was first seen in January, the doctors weren't sure if the 'enhancement' was scar tissue or resistant tumor. Since it appears smaller, it could very well be resistant tumor, they just don't know. The only way to really know is surgery...not doing that right now. Still all in all, this is exciting news!
As far as my blood counts, everything is so, so. My platelets are low, which is a side effect of the Carboplatin, so the chemo I had on Wednesday, June 30th was a 10% less dose than my previous treatment. Reducing the dose was more preferable than not taking chemo for several weeks to try to bring my platelet count up. I also had a Neulasta (bone marrow stimulant) shot on Thursday to help increase my white blood cell count. I didn't feel as sick with this treatment, which I attribute to the lesser dose, plus I took more anti-nausea medicine.
Next oncologist appointment is Tuesday, July 13th. Next appointment with my radiation oncologist is Thursday, July 15th for a 4-month follow-up. I am anxious to hear what he has to say about the MRI results!!
Only 2 more treatments to go...mid July and then early August to finish. I would imagine I will have another MRI then.
I am feeling good and remain thankful for every day and all the prayers sent my way. The power of prayer is absolutely unbelievable...I am so blessed!!
Every day is a gift, not a given right!
Sandy
Sorry for my delayed update....life can be crazy sometimes!!
I had my MRI on Friday, June 25th and my oncologist appointment on Tuesday, June 29th. The MRI results were good...no tumor regrowth! The small 'enhancement' at the tumor site that they saw in January and March seems to be a bit smaller as well. When it was first seen in January, the doctors weren't sure if the 'enhancement' was scar tissue or resistant tumor. Since it appears smaller, it could very well be resistant tumor, they just don't know. The only way to really know is surgery...not doing that right now. Still all in all, this is exciting news!
As far as my blood counts, everything is so, so. My platelets are low, which is a side effect of the Carboplatin, so the chemo I had on Wednesday, June 30th was a 10% less dose than my previous treatment. Reducing the dose was more preferable than not taking chemo for several weeks to try to bring my platelet count up. I also had a Neulasta (bone marrow stimulant) shot on Thursday to help increase my white blood cell count. I didn't feel as sick with this treatment, which I attribute to the lesser dose, plus I took more anti-nausea medicine.
Next oncologist appointment is Tuesday, July 13th. Next appointment with my radiation oncologist is Thursday, July 15th for a 4-month follow-up. I am anxious to hear what he has to say about the MRI results!!
Only 2 more treatments to go...mid July and then early August to finish. I would imagine I will have another MRI then.
I am feeling good and remain thankful for every day and all the prayers sent my way. The power of prayer is absolutely unbelievable...I am so blessed!!
Every day is a gift, not a given right!
Sandy
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Quick update..June 24, 2010
God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.
Psalms 27
Want to give a quick update....not much going on with me right now. I'm feeling good, and all seems to be going well. I met with my new doctor last week. I have a MRI tomorrow morning, Friday, June 25th. I should get the results at my next doctor visit on Tuesday, June 29th. I expect my next Chemo treatment to be on Wednesday, June 30th.
Pray that all goes well over the next week.
Thanks everyone, I'll be back in touch next week.
My trust in God grows ever stronger.
Have a great weekend everyone.
+ Peace
Sandy
Psalms 27
Want to give a quick update....not much going on with me right now. I'm feeling good, and all seems to be going well. I met with my new doctor last week. I have a MRI tomorrow morning, Friday, June 25th. I should get the results at my next doctor visit on Tuesday, June 29th. I expect my next Chemo treatment to be on Wednesday, June 30th.
Pray that all goes well over the next week.
Thanks everyone, I'll be back in touch next week.
My trust in God grows ever stronger.
Have a great weekend everyone.
+ Peace
Sandy
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