Nothing like good news to boost morale and energy. Yesterday I met with Dr. Heyer to get the results from the two tests I had on November 1st. An MRI of the brain in the morning and a PET scan of the lung and spine in the afternoon. I am now accustomed to the MRI machine and surprised even myself. Good thing as I will need to have these every three or four months. The PET scan requires drinking barium and then being injected with radioactive glucose. At that point one is given a private room with recliner and very dim lights and told to sleep or relax for an hour so the fluid circulates. Not to read or be active. Nice environment for dozing. Then the scan in a CT type machine. PET (I’ve been asked this) means Positron Emission Tomography. About 20 minutes being gradually moved forward for the four scans. And they provided me with blankets. 🙂
REPORTS:
The lung lesion. The size has decreased to 1.1 cm. x .8 cm., not a huge amount but no larger than the original (1.4 x .9) and no other spots observed. The metabolic activity is lower than last spring; that is a good sign. Conclusion: Stable. Continue with the chemo every 3 weeks.
The metastasis to the spine. The radiologist noted more hot spots but the oncologist said that these could be signs of healing as well. He asked me about pain several times but I’ve had only occasional spinal pain – upon waking, which responds to Tylenol or walking around for a while – and was told that such is not a sign of cancer. 😉 Conclusion: Have a bone scan to provide another baseline measurement.
The metastasis to the brain. The 4 mm. little demon still showed up on the MRI. However, it is unknown if the tissue is dead or not! The fact that it is no larger and that there are no other demons poking around in my head is good news. Conclusion: Stable situation. Chemo has stopped growth.
Other. No new spots on liver, etc. so general impression is that things are going well and the treatment plan will continue with the Alimta every three weeks. I tolerate it well; a definite plus.
As you have probably noticed from my blog if not in person, I have experienced renewed energy and am able to resume most of my ‘normal’ lifestyle. It has been indeed a joy beyond measure. Although I experience 3-5 “low days” per treatment cycle, that has not kept me inactive, just considerably slowed down. I am most grateful that my body is able to handle the chemotherapy so well. One hears nightmare stories; but of course each person is different, as is the particular type of cancer, as is the prescribed kind of chemo drug. I could easily be in one of their shoes.
Since I last posted an entry I have played pickle ball several times, visited Shalem offices where I met with several of the staff and enjoyed lunch together, and made another visit to Blue Ridge Summit.
No photos this time. Just an update and thanks for walking the unknown path with me. This is the 8th month since diagnosis… and I wasn’t even sure I’d make it to my birthday. The combination of how weak and breathless I felt plus the facts about metastatic lung cancer presented a huge challenge. Now I wonder how I can feel so good. So continued thanks to each of you who suffer reading this blog of medical details and personal diary-type entries… yet who remain faithful supporters along the path of the unknown. This whole experience has provided numerous lessons: in slowing down; in trusting doctors, chemicals, time and the Source; in believing that just ‘living life’ is more important than ‘doing;’ … and that it really doesn’t matter how it all turns out … we are all in the same boat even though we may not realize it.
One of my favorite quotes is from Florida Scott-Maxwell, author of The Measure of My Days, written when she was in her 80s. The book is a gem and I highly recommend it for the wisdom imparted. And this piece is well worth pondering…
Life does not accommodate you, it shatters you. It is meant to, and it couldn’t do it better. Every seed destroys its container or else there would be no fruition.
To lighten your mood, I’ll close with one of her best. Enjoy!
‘No matter how old a mother is she watches her middle-aged children for signs of improvement.’
Ann's Hummingbird
we’re both up late tonight.
so pleased to read this excellent news. i’m celebrating with you.
did you get out to enjoy wednesday’s gorgeous fall day? i played in the dirt for several hours this afternoon. so therapeutic! i think the forecast for rain on thursday made wednesday even more spectacular.
blessings,
a
Dearest Ann,
I have been thinking of you a lot these past few days/weeks. Your latest blog post is fabulous news…and such an inspiration.
Much love and hugs to you,
Carol
DEAR Ann,
THANKS for your generosity, candor, willINGness, wit, wisdom, trust, faith and fruition-ing.
LOUD cheers and much love,
lisa
Great news Aunt Ann. I did chuckle over the last quote.
Dear Ann,
What a wonderful way to begin today—reading your blog!!! I rejoice with you—and also for US, your Danny Grad sisters as we anticipate being with you in June!
I rejoice with you this morning on reading your news. You are the light of the world.
Ah, what happy news. Thank you, Ann. You sound feisty, loving, and strong. I’ll look into the book that you recommend. The quote at the end of your piece made me laugh out loud.
Ann,
I continue to be amazed by your spunkiness and upbeat spirit. God has heard all of our prayers and has been with you all the way. Looking forward to Saturday.
Love, Betty
HIP HIP HURRAY,!!!!!! So happy to hear the great news…..a hummingbird is hard to.catch…..keep flitting……will be at your party (museum opening???) in spirit…..Love ya, Nancy
God is good! How marvelous to hear of your ‘official’ news of feeling better and responding to the medical support you’re receiving!!! Keep being you – it’s the best thing for us all:)
Ann, I always look forward to reading your blog. Thanks for introducing me to a new source as well. Blessings. Jayne
What a great ‘entry’ Ann !!!
You are doing so well and sound so upbeat and heartened by the results of your most recent scans.
I feel priveleged to have been able to follow your journey with you as you generously have shared your experience with all of us.
Thank you! And, God bless you !!
Great to hear your good news and that your energy is up and going… praise God!
Luv the quotes and will look up that book for sure. I’m all about gaining wisdom… 🙂
We are back from FL and having Larry’s Mom’s 90th b’day party. She thinks she’s “99.” Oh well… lol
God bless u, Jan
Dear Ann, Great news. Thank you for sharing it all with us, yes even the medical descriptions. You are a fighter and I look forward to seeing you in early January, (4), and then for our reunion in June. Keep up the good work and spirits.
Very good to hear – especially around Thanksgiving.
Such good news – stable, with great energy for fullness of life!
Thanks for this update, with all the good news found in all those details!
And thanks be to all who join you in this journey, and to the Source of it all. This reminds me of Tillich’s term, “Ground of Being.” Indeed — Source from which we come and to whom we proceed; Ground from which spring and to whom we return! Have a marvelous day on Sat. celebrating this miraculous time!
Dear Aunt Ann,
So very, very thankful that you are feeling so well and your test results have been so encouraging! We think of you often, and celebrate with you every time we read on your blog of how you can continue doing so many things that are so important to you. We are all well and keeping busy with the harvest and the corn maze on our farm. Much love is sent your way!
Ann dear,
O’ Joy, O’Blessings, O’Gratitude!
Much love and continued prayers,
Kit
Ann, dear one,
The news is so good! Thanks for sending all the details. We’re interested in every step of your journey. I’m moved by the comments from all those who love you. You are rich in friends!
Much love,
Allison
Such wonderful news, Ann! And I love the quotes!
Blessings and love,
Leah
Such a blessing for you that for medical reports were more encouraging! We all wish you well, Ann!!