June 11 2012

Hi everyone. I know this update is long overdue.  First the most important news is I had my second Cat Scan on May 21 which showed the largest tumor in the liver shrunk from 4.5 to 2.3. Great news.



If you remember the original scan in September was 6.3 cm or around 3 inches. The other news is that on June 3rd I moved to the coast with my parents. They had been staying with me in the mountains since my surgery in October. I began Chemo treatments at the cancer center in Jacksonville last week. I started weekly treatments on May 9 in Boone. I was really sick on the other treatment that I was having every 3 weeks. It was a very strong dosage. I have not been sick on the new treatment which is a much needed break. My Doctor in Boone told me that the usual time frame to stay on the strong dosage is about 7 months and May was 7 months for me. Apparently the treatment does about all it can do after 7 months. So now I am doing a weekly treatment that is not near as strong. Mom has not missed one treatment with me. She is a trooper! The only effects I am having now from the new treatment is insomnia and very sore muscles and bones. My new Doctor prescribed some sleep medicine for the insomnia which is helping and morphine patches for the muscles and bones which is not helping. But I just started the patch last week so we will see. Now if I can just get used to the hot weather. I miss the mountains already. Gilbert and Bella have adjusted to their new home quite well. As always, thanks to everyone for the continued cards, calls, emails and prayers. Love you all!