I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting for the results of my PET scan and MRI yesterday. I received good news and bad news. Sometimes I wish it was just good news, but that doesn't seem to happen to often. Good news....the PET scan has shown that the density of the tumor has gone down by 60%. This means that the chemotherapy is working and is effective. Praise God!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how relieved I was to get this news and now I have the strength and courage to move forward and do whatever it takes to beat this thing. Bad news....I have a clot in my lung. This is common in cancer patients, not only because being in bed a lot but because the body's ability to dissolve clots isn't as effective after chemotherapy. So what this means is that I now have to give myself two injections of blood thinners daily in my abdomen. Not the highlight of my day, but at least it will prevent any further clotting and it will help to get rid of the clot in my lung.
I also want to let you all know that I felt your prayers during the tests yesterday. I felt unbelievably calm and at peace. I did not have any anxiety. In fact, I almost fell asleep during the PET scan. Thank you all for your prayers. Please know that they are working!
I have three days left to enjoy spending time with the girls and Jason before round two starts. I am going to eat everything in sight...still having a hard time putting some weight on. And I am going to make sure I am prepared for the hair to go. It is coming out more and more each day. Today, the doctor said that patients typically feel a tingling sensation on their head just before the hair falls out. I had that feeling this morning in the shower...I was wondering what it was and now I know. So I am anticipating that the rest of my hair will be gone within the next few days. Whether it falls out on its own or if I shave it...it will be gone.
Again, thank you for all of your prayers. They are working!
9 comments:
What beautiful news! Thank God for chemo and doctors and all the good things that have come together for you. Your strength and courage and upbeat attitude are a real inspiration for a lot of people. Prayers continue, with every thought of you.
Bev Johansen
Praise God!!!!!!!! Have a wonderful Mothers Day Sue! Have a beautiful day with your family.
Oh I am so relieved to hear the chemo is working. That is huge, 60%!! I am sorry to hear about the clot and the daily shots but if that too works, it will be worth it. These are all temporary things on a journey for a long rich life with your family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Susan Thomas
That is wonderful news, Sue!! Wow...60%! And after only one round of chemo! I'm so glad that your tests were easier on you and that you were able to relax a bit. I'm sorry to hear about the blood clot,but it sounds like they've gotten things under control. And perhaps the blood thinners will keep others from forming. Hang in there!
Jennie K.
Yay! That is wonderful news! It's ALL wonderful news! Shrinkage by 60%, AND they FOUND the clots BEFORE they became a problem & have a solution for that particular issue! Yay, yay, yay!!!!
Knowing round #2 is coming stinks...I know. But also know you have SO many people praying for your comfort, peace and healing. You are "experienced" now, for lack of a better term. You now have some "tools" under your belt to help you get through it. You better know what you physically/mentally need, instead of that whirlwind overwhelmed feeling you had when all of this first started.
You are fighting the good fight, my friend. Your faith was always strong before...but now it is becoming more "refined." Keep up the awesome work!
Happy Mother's Day from one survivor mama to another!
Jami Helvick
Great news, Sue! Thanks for posting ALL of it for us. Don't worry too much about the injections. I've been a diabetic for many years, and I do 4 injections @ day. It'll become just another part of your routine.
Have a great Mother's Day with your family and try to relax as best you can.
All will be well.
YEAH! What great news! Hope you have a great Mother's Day Weekend!
Lori Carter
Praise the Lord Sue - what wonderful news on the shrinkage front. The Lord is listening and acting. Hope you enjoy the cookies!
Heather Teskey
Sue, I'm a high school classmate of your sister, Cheri, so I don't know you personally...but I did want to write a bit of encouragement to you.
4 years ago, our youngest daughter, Abigail (who is now 7), was diagnosed with a brain stem glioma. This tumor resides half on the cerebellum and half on the brain stem--as a result, it is completely inoperable. When we received the diagnosis, we took some time to pray, wait on the Lord, and listen. We know that Abigail's life is completely beyond the reach of doctors (because of the location of the tumor), so we can do nothing more than rely on God and love her every day she's with us.
For the first few months, we had periodic MRI's to monitor the tumor's progress, but now we're down to once a year--our appointment comes up again in June sometime. For the past couple of years, the doctors have noticed that the tumor is getting more diffuse (less defined) and less dense (lighter on the MRI). Praise to God Almighty!
I remember the shock of hearing the diagnosis, but God has comforted us as we confronted very similar questions to yours. Will we ever see her ride a bike? Get her drivers license? Get married? Have children? We will keep you and your family in our prayers...especially that the tumor continues to shrink!
God's richest blessings on you and your family...
Scott A. Gorman
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