Good News!

Yesterday concluded my final chemo session of round 4, which is good news in itself. But even better than that--at my pre-chemo exam with the nurse practitioner, I was told that my cancer marker number had come down significantly. Specifically, the CEA (carcinogen emryonic antigen), which had been as high as 1050 is now down to 330 (normal is 5!). Elise was in the room with me and I think we both silently said a prayer of thanks at the same time. After that, I couldn't wait to get the line hooked up to my port and continue the fight! I spent the afternoon napping at home and then enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by Elise (stir fried orange beef). That was a good choice on her part since my red blood cell count was down. Dan did the clean up, and I was left to my own devices. I love my family!!

Mom's humerus replacement surgery went well yesterday. I was only able to speak to her on the phone, and, as one would expect, she was somewhat rummy. I am not able to visit her in the hopsital or at the extended care facility until my blood count comes back up. so Dan and Elise will do the in-person visiting while I rely on the phone. I'm so relieved that her 2-week wait for surgery is over.

I just have to share something from Psalm 16:8 that I have been clinging to through all of this. "Because God is at my right hand, I will not be shaken". I've repeated that verse inside MRIs and CT scans, when I'm down, or when I think I'm just about to lose it! I also think of each one of you who is holding me in your thoughts and prayers. We will get through this together.

Love,
Linda

It's Going Well!

Just a quick update to say that the second session of my fourth round went well. The chemo suite was almost empty, so I felt that I was receiving extra special attention from the nurses. By the way, they are always wonderful, making sure patients are comfortable and well attended.

Elise and her housemate, Mindy, spent the weekend with us. We had a lovely day in Coeur d'Alene before Mindy flew back to Seattle this evening. Elise will stay here for two weeks so we can take care of some wedding details. She'll also be helping both my mother and me as needed. Tomorrow we'll take Mom to a couple of appointments which will lead up to her humerus replacement surgery on Thursday. After that, she will be in an extended care facility for about a week.

I appreciate your comments and look forward to sending you good news week by week.

Thankyou!
Linda

Session 4 Begins

I'm slipping! It's three days past my Friday chemo session and I haven't checked in. All went well, at least on my part. Unfortunately, my mom, who always serves as my chauffeur and caretaker, fell and fractured her left arm last Wed. We'll find out tomorrow if she needs surgery when we visit the orthopedic surgeon. In the meantime, my faithful friend, Carlene, responded to my last minute call to cart me down to CCNW (Cancer Care N.W.), and Dan picked me up on his lunch hour. Of course, he would be willing to take me both ways, but so many family and friends have offered to drive, I just can't resist taking them up on their offers.

Once again, I am thankful for the lack of nausea, etc. and am trying to remember to rest several times throughout the day. I consider it a day well spent if I manage to unload the dishwasher, make the bed and go at least one place outside these four walls! Thank you to everyone--you continue to call, e-mail, send cards and invite me to lunch--even after almost four months of this new life. I must admit, I am unpredictably up and down as far as my emotions go, but since that is quite normal, I'm trying to give myself a break. (Everyone else is!)

With gratitude for each one of you,
Linda