Well, that's the word: no change since the last scan. Although it seems odd, this is a "good" news scenario, since at the very least, the Xeloda is working to keep the cancer from growing. Of course, "better" news would be for all the cancer to disappear, but that is a bit of a reach for just 3 cycles of a gentler chemo. I do still have some symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) so this result is more or less what I expected, and I am very grateful that the disease has been halted, at least for the moment. AND.. everything else (liver, bone etc...) remains clean.
So, my oncologist (Dr. Chal Chal) is very happy with both the results and with my improved functioning. And I am doing better on a daily basis, just doing the ordinary things of life. He is optimistic for continued improvement, and will rescan after 3 more cycles.
So, I continue with the same chemo, Xeloda, same dose.... I will likely have a bit of trouble with my feet, but we will keep the dosage as high as possible for as long as possible.
Thank you to everyone who keeps checking in on me and for your posts, too.... I feel like a very ordinary person, just doing what each of us would do in the same circumstance, so I feel that praise is unwarranted and I can't really imagine you are talking about me! But it is so nice to see your responses.....
So, for me it is a time of gratitude and patience. "Hope is patience with the lamp lit" - Tertullian.
Cheers - Joanne
8 comments:
Hi Jo!
Stable is good! We are so happy to hear this news. We hope that you continue to be able to tolerate the chemo so that the stability can continue.
How was Minot - hope you had fun in Target! We tried to go across this weekend but with three hour border waits we gave up! I was thinking of you shopping this weekend!
Talk to you soon,
Kelly
Hi Joanne, Was watching for today's update - thanks for letting us know so quickly about your scan results. We too are grateful that you received such encouraging news. "Stable" is a very positive outcome. What seems especially significant is that your bones/liver continue to be clean. As Grandma Maloney would say "Deo Gratias"! By the way, you do deserve the comments you are receiving - your strength and courage is remarkable! Love, Nick and Lorraine
Hi Jo,
Thanks for the post. We were all sitting on pins and needles today waiting to hear your news. I'm glad to hear this positive result and wish you continued strength.
You may feel that you are ordinary but I think I can speak for all of us when I say that you are truly extraordinary and that your attitude and determination is inspirational.
Talk to you soon,
Darryl
HI JOanne, We are all thrilled with this news. Much Love, Loretta
Hello Joanne, Interesting how 'stable' - a neutral word most of the time takes on enhanced meeting in certain circumstance. Great news. You are far from ordinary woman - more like extraordinary!! Claire
Heh there: That is good news - you do respond well to the drugs - let's hope it continues to work well for you. It's great to get your pictures,and your sayings are thought provoking! Hope you get strength from everyone's wishes for continued good results.
P & G
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for all the updates. Glad to hear that things are stable.
Jennifer
Glad to check in and read "Stable", as you say such a result after only three rounds is good. And a clean bill of health in liver etc must have been a huge relief.
I hope your poor feet don't get too sore and that Spring will be kind to you.
On courage of course you deserve all the praise you get, you've dealt with some pretty crushing blows with dignity and fortitude and everyone respects that.
Love to you and yours as ever.
xx
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