Memorial Day, May 27, 2019

     Since last week, I have been meaning to write on this "blog".   I received the report from the recent CT scan and then spoke with my doctor about her latest thoughts.  More blood work and appointment with her will be May 31, Friday.
      It seems that there are more very small metastatic lesions on my liver, but the tumors in the lungs and the pancreas have decreased in size.   She would like me to stay on the Lynparza pills a while longer to see what may or may not happen to the liver lesions.  There don't seem to be more options than these pills right now.  
      I asked her if liver cancer progresses fast or slow and she said  (as I understood her), that there is no way to tell.  My dear cousin Tom Bickford, just died of liver cancer but he had more complications from former hepatitis and mine is not the same.   So, we really don't know at this point about  the progression or regression of this cancer.  
       I am feeling fine these days with no pain.  My tumor marker is quite high but maybe that is from the liver lesions(?)   I also get tired but then I rest.  
        I have been swimming a little and really enjoy the Gillespie's pool.  Yesterday the water was very warm compared to last week and I am thankful for that.  I am thankful for my family's concern and for their care.   Agustin and I help each other each day and this is a great gift that he is still healthy in ways that I am not, although I can still cook, keep things rather managed around the house, and that is a blessing for him too💗
        

     
     

Mother's Day, May 12, 2019

      Just a few words about the past week and an update on the health situation....
      I was informed that my tumor marker has risen to 2849, so, with that in mind, I am patiently waiting for the CT scan which will take place on May 22.  This will tell the true situation with the tumor sizes.  This is what they write on the test results:  Test results cannot be interpreted as absolute evidence for the presence or absence of malignant disease. Serum markers are not specific for malignancy and values may vary by method.

Values obtained with different assay methods or kits may be different and cannot be used interchangeably.

        Meanwhile, I am having very good quality of life, so much so that I am looking for trips to Colombia on the internet which may or may not take place, depending on what shows up on the CT scan and how I am feeling.  The trip itself is very tiring even in wheel chairs:):):)
         Since I had the tube removed and replaced with the permanent internal metal stent I am healing very well and will be able to go swimming soon.  It is a miracle again in my mind that such things can take place.  I have no pain or discomfort.  I do have neuropathy in my feet which makes my feet and toes numb.  And, I also have a little memory loss that may come with age or with chemo brain:)
         I am conscientiously taking my chemo pills twice a day as we wait to see how they may or may not be working.
         Today is Mother's Day, a day to celebrate "mothers".  I know so  many "mothers" in my life who are examples of caring and loving people, who surround me and their own families with constant security, who are put there by the Lord.  I am thankful this day for them.  
           I am also thankful for my husband who made me a mother and now a grandmother💗
            This song was recorded many years ago at Peakland Baptist Church with Carlease Burnette playing piano for me.  Thought it was appropriate for Mother's Day.  Actually, I posted it last Mother's Day too:):):)