Return to Reality

The first few days of our Miami trip were a bit on the chilly and rainy side (still better than Illinois weather so we tried not to complain that much).  After rearranging some of our appointments/work back home, we opted to spend another five days...considering the forecast was sunny and in the 80's.  Why not?  The sun soothes my soul and warms my heart!  Good medicine.

On our return flight the pilots were kind enough to take the boys into the cockpit and explain all kinds of things to them.  The boys were in heaven.

Our adorable co-pilots...on our return flight home from Miami.

Last  Monday I had my follow-up CT Scan after my two rounds of chemo....and the following day we met with my oncologist to discuss the results and then continue on my day with chemo treatment.  She walked into the room saying she had good news for me.  The scan showed a 40% reduction everywhere (with the first two new chemo rounds).  In fact, she said "it was even better than she expected".  Oh happy day!  Happy day!

The plan is to do 2 more cycles of this protocol and then reevaluate.  I finish up the 3rd round last week and am now just recovering from the chemo fatigue, dehydration and on occasion nausea.

Enjoying the good news in my life.

Peace, Love & Miracles

Having a sleep over with one of my sweethearts....love that he still sucks his thumb (holding onto the baby days as long as I can).

Latest Update...

My apologies for the late update.  Somehow it is already February.  I have to be honest though, the deeper I get into this cancer journey, the more difficult writing blog updates become.  Anyway, you are here for an update...so here goes!  :)

On January 9th I had another CT-Scan of my chest, abdomen, and my pelvis area.  Due to the MRI back in November that showed growth (brain and bone), I could only assume there would be additional growth or new mets on this CT-Scan.  We met with my oncologist the following day....to confirm growth and she immediately begin talking about my next step.  I was grateful going into the meeting "prepared".  It somehow made the news more manageable, if that makes any sense.  I wasn't going to dwell on the news, I was ready to hear what we were going to do about it.  Strength and courage....two words I know I embody.

My oncologist knew in advance I wanted to begin the next step as soon as possible, so the day of our meeting (Tuesday, January 10th), I started another chemotherapy protocol.  It is similar to my other chemo protocol, in that I go to the hospital 4 out of 5 days a week (3 different chemo drugs this time around, instead of 2), and then I have two weeks off.

On a side note, I also had another brain MRI on Tuesday, January 10th.  Despite getting not so great news that my cancer had spread or grown in certain areas the day before....I did come out with some wonderful news on Tuesday.  My brain radiologist popped her head in and said my brain MRI from Tuesday showed ALL my brain lesions are gone!! 

Fast forward to February...I just finished my second round of chemotherapy and am now beginning my two weeks off.  We are leaving for Miami again tomorrow....hoping the sun and warmth will heal my soul (as well as cherish some family fun time).

Peace, Love & Miracles

Necklace one of my girlfriends wears as a daily reminder.  xo