Aches and Pains

One thing they ask every time I go in for my appointment is "Are you in any pain?" Even though I didn't think it was cancer related I let them know this time that yes, I am in pain in a few different places. They did some x-rays and the results came in today. The good news is, it is not cancer related. The not so good news is, it is arthritis. Boy, does that make me feel old-just because I have it and also the way it makes me feel.
Also, for the first time since starting chemo my numbers have gone up instead of down. They are at 213. It's still a far cry from where I started and could just be a little hiccup. We'll see.  I have one more round of chemo in three weeks before I have another CT scan at the end of October.

Prayers for peace

Today as I was getting my chemo, I couldn't help but overhear the patient next to me as she was talking to the nurse. She was sounding a little frantic because her numbers had been going down and were starting to go up. My numbers are down again... they're at 171. I am very aware of my blessings. I wish I could bring comfort and peace to the woman on the other side of the curtain...

An experience worth sharing

My oldest brother is 57 years old. He had a colonoscopy 7 years ago and wasn't due for another one for 3 more years. When his wife went in to see her doctor she scheduled a colonoscopy for herself. She mentioned my situation and the doctor became alarmed. He told my brother to schedule a colonoscopy right away.
He had his colonoscopy and called to tell me that they found 4 polyps. 3 came back negative and 1 came back pre-cancerous! I am so happy they found it before it became a problem.
Because now there is a family history and a personal history for him he needs to go in every three years.

There was really no way for me to catch mine early since screening for it doesn't start until your 50.
They estimated that my cancer has been growing for about 8 years. Starting at about age 36. I had NO symptoms until this past year and even they were pretty vague.

If my experience can make others aware and help to prevent cancer in someone else I am truly happy. It brings me great joy to know that it has helped my own brother.

CT Scan Results

Monday was my mom's first CT Scan that I did not go to. I was bummed and it seemed like I heard about 50 cancer commercials at work. She is sick with a cold and not feeling too well, but it did not effect anything and the appointment went on as usual.

Great news!! Her cancer markers are down, way down, to 209! Remember, that's all the way from 16,000!

The tumors are shrinking a little bit, not anything significant, but they are at least still responding to the treatments and a little smaller is better than nothing. She is still on the pill version of chemo which has been more convenient to do. And so far so good since the last dosage adjustment. She has felt more herself these days, which is amazing!!!

She is now enjoying a week with one of her brothers, and his family. Wish I was there!

Coming Up

My mom is currently at a girls camp, for our church, as a guest speaker. She was feeling well enough to go! I can not believe the progress she has been making since January, it has been incredible to witness.

In July I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and it has been hard being so far away from her. I have been home since the beginning of it all and not being able to see the day to day has been...an adjustment. It is comforting to know she is feeling good!

I would still prefer to be closer to her.

Her next big appointment is another CT Scan on August 6th,

three days from now.

Let's pray those tumors have shrunk lots more!

I am still in shock how widespread the cancer is. It is hard to believe. But as along as she is still responding to treatment, it is good news and things are continuing to look up...right?