Graphics by Jen Hageman. Photo by Liz Leisure.

Thanks girls!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

What's the plan?

When I saw Dr. O'Malley (my Gyn-Onc)on June 9th, he didn't "feel" there was any change in the size of the tumor just on examination but we will know for certain this week when I have my MRI on Thursday 24th. I have completed two "cycles" of chemo (each being 3 weeks) and he wants me to complete four cycles before we think about surgery. So according to my estimations that puts us around August 4th or so for the next MRI.

I think he feels if the chemo is working we won't attempt surgery and we will just continue on the same chemo path. But if the tumor grows he may want to do surgery. Although, according to MD Anderson docs, I should probably ask to see a sarcoma specialist then and see if there are "other" chemo options. They didn't think I should rush into surgery. And at first I wanted surgery but now I have changed my mind (cause I'm a woman!) and would really like to wait if it's an option.

So, overall, I am tolerating chemo well. I get tired and have some mild nausea but nothing too overwhelming. The weekend after my Neulasta injection I feel like I have the flu. I have some sores in my mouth and nose but no big deal! And I love not having hair all over the place! hehee

0 comments:

It's 2010! Time to Reflect...

Almost 18 months cancer-free...how long will it last? Such an aggressive cancer, this damn Leiomyosarcoma! Every CT/MRI I have had since my completion of radiation in August 2008 was VERY stressful. Even when I didn't realize it, "SCAN"XIETY loomed in the back of head. Knowing that I had a 50% chance of the cancer returning. Wondering if NOT having chemo back then was the right path. Since my doc's hadn't dealt with many sarcomas, did they really know the BEST treatments?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The last year and half has brought me so much joy and contentment. To be a GRANDMA! Wow. I love it! To become so much closer to my family. My sis is my best friend now! My husband and I couldn't be any closer. I get to see my daughter and her family every week when I go to babysit my little Maxton. My stepdaughter moved in with our youngest grandson, Marcus, for 6 months. He is a little angel. My Mom has been so much help to me through all my health issues. My stepdad and I have become closer than I ever thought possible. He has been down the cancer road as well. My Mother-in-law has moved closer to us and our relationship has grown. And then I began working at Samaritan and have some wonderful friends! I love that place so much! It's worth the 45 minute drive.

I HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE!
And I know how to live it...by the seat of my pants! :)

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive well preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, chocolate in one hand, a beer (or tequila) in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming "woo hoo, what a ride"

**HEY! DON'T FORGET TO GO TO "OLDER POSTS" JUST ABOVE THIS ON THE RIGHT. LOTS OF COOL INFO THERE TOO! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS ME WITH TIM MCGRAW!