I must say that the last comment really got me thinking....somebody from the UK looked at the site (and read the postings of the last almost 5 years) wow, now I'm impressed. People have told me that I do a good job and a few have joked that I should write a book. I figure this is my book: a book about our lives with Cancer. I found a status page in the blog site and found that people from China, Japan, Netherlands, etc. have viewed this site. I do realize that anybody can read it but I am humbled that many people from all over the world are. I understand people are reaching out and looking for answers, feel good stories, and hope. I wish this was like a fairy tale that ended with a Happy Ever After.
Tom was back in Detroit earlier this month for his tests and results. Tom broke up the tests a little so that I could go with him on a Sunday morning for his MRI. It was a beautiful sunny winter day with clear roads. I drove there and most of the way back grateful that we had such a mild winter thus far. Then Tom and his sister went back for another day of test and stayed over for the results and blood work. Tom did not see Dr. Ali this time. The doctor he saw told him that his scans were once again stable. He also told Tom that he had to deal with these nasty side effects as the drug is keeping his cancer at bay. I know that Tom appreciated hearing this even though it is not exactly what he would like to hear.
Tom has been slowly feeling the effects he felt last December before going off the treatment. It is hard to see him slip back into this pattern. He is trying to act like it's not that big of a deal, but after 22 years of marriage he can't hide it from me. I am starting to constantly ask him again how he feels and he smiles and say "Wonderful" so I tell him, "Me too"
February is also our babies birthday and on her special day was her last "Daddy/Daughter dance" that the school sponsors. I think they had a good night together and Tom said that she did not leave his side much. They danced a lot and then went out for dinner. I was so glad that they had this time together, special memories that will last a lifetime.
Back to the Happily Ever After; well to no one's surprise I believe we can have that in the next life. Hebrews 13:14 "For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven."
Amen
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Advice
Tom had gone off the XL-184 for Christmas and his trip with the boys to Vegas. He had a great time and gained 10 pounds. He came back was able to start back up on the treatment. The chemo effects are starting to return, but he has kept a good attitude during all of this.
Today Tom and I went to the U of M to get Dr. Worden's opinion about staying on the trial or switching to the newly FDA approved drug for MTC. Dr. Worden went over his symptoms and reasons to switch. He is not privy to the trial Tom is currently on, but has patience who failed so he has some knowledge of the trial. He suggested that Tom stay on his current treatment. He said that Tom should be taking this drug while he can take advantage of it's benefits. The drugs are similar, but not exactly. He advised Tom to stay on this until the results do not benefit him. Basically if it's working don't mess with it.
When we left the Cancer Center Tom looked at me and said, "Do you think this was a wasted trip?" I do not ever think getting information and a professional opinion about cancer treatment can be a waste of time. I am grateful that we have a doctor we feel will give us solid facts and a valued opinion. It was a nice trip (sunshine and dry roads) to spend with my man. We had a good day together and I appreciate his positive attitude.
Kids are all doing well. I had Parent Teacher Conferences with the boys teachers and it was all pretty positive. Cody is like his dad and likes to talk. Kyle is quiet like his mother. However all three kids got positive comments about their work habits and how they respect their teachers. Cody had his last Conference Wrestling meet tonight. Though his record will not give him bragging rights, I am proud of his efforts. It's hard to start this sport as late as he did. He has made much improvement and he is a Freshman going up against a lot of Jr. and Sr. high boys. I hope he continues it through his High School years and I'm told it will help him for Football.
We have a busy week ahead. Saturday Cody has a individual wrestling meet and then Tom and Katie will have their last Daddy/Daughter dance (on her 12th b-day). Sunday Tom and I head to West Bloomfield for one on Tom's scans. Then Tom will go back on Tuesday for scans and the results on Wednesday. Life does not slow down for a moment!
Thanks prayer warriors for your continued prayers. What would we do without your support? I am glad that we were given clear advice to make a good decision. I am grateful that Tom is here with me another year :) I hope that Tom can remain positive and fight this nasty disease for years to come!
Today Tom and I went to the U of M to get Dr. Worden's opinion about staying on the trial or switching to the newly FDA approved drug for MTC. Dr. Worden went over his symptoms and reasons to switch. He is not privy to the trial Tom is currently on, but has patience who failed so he has some knowledge of the trial. He suggested that Tom stay on his current treatment. He said that Tom should be taking this drug while he can take advantage of it's benefits. The drugs are similar, but not exactly. He advised Tom to stay on this until the results do not benefit him. Basically if it's working don't mess with it.
When we left the Cancer Center Tom looked at me and said, "Do you think this was a wasted trip?" I do not ever think getting information and a professional opinion about cancer treatment can be a waste of time. I am grateful that we have a doctor we feel will give us solid facts and a valued opinion. It was a nice trip (sunshine and dry roads) to spend with my man. We had a good day together and I appreciate his positive attitude.
Kids are all doing well. I had Parent Teacher Conferences with the boys teachers and it was all pretty positive. Cody is like his dad and likes to talk. Kyle is quiet like his mother. However all three kids got positive comments about their work habits and how they respect their teachers. Cody had his last Conference Wrestling meet tonight. Though his record will not give him bragging rights, I am proud of his efforts. It's hard to start this sport as late as he did. He has made much improvement and he is a Freshman going up against a lot of Jr. and Sr. high boys. I hope he continues it through his High School years and I'm told it will help him for Football.
We have a busy week ahead. Saturday Cody has a individual wrestling meet and then Tom and Katie will have their last Daddy/Daughter dance (on her 12th b-day). Sunday Tom and I head to West Bloomfield for one on Tom's scans. Then Tom will go back on Tuesday for scans and the results on Wednesday. Life does not slow down for a moment!
Thanks prayer warriors for your continued prayers. What would we do without your support? I am glad that we were given clear advice to make a good decision. I am grateful that Tom is here with me another year :) I hope that Tom can remain positive and fight this nasty disease for years to come!
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