Pace Yourself-Blogpost

My latest measurement at MD Anderson this past week showed stable disease. No progression or reduction. I've been on the study combination Rad011/Avastin study for 15 cycles. Almost one year. We'll continue with this plan, which I sometimes refer to as chemo light, and ride "the wave of stability" until it is stable no more. It will actually buy us more time to determine our next steps. Why chemo light? I only refer to it as chemo light because compared to those who receive traditional chemos, or traditional chemos in conjunction with Avastin, I think I have it a bit easier. I'll take my fatigue, itchy rashes, nausea and angina over what some of those folks have to go through any day. However, I would appreciate it if someone would take the barium enemas back. 

So, it appears I am still the host nation of one 13.something cm stubborn-ass, currently inoperable, tumor on my liver. Again I am reminded of the wise words of one doctor who said "Jan, you're running a marathon, not a sprint." Most of those folks in that waiting room out there are in a sprint for their lives. You need to pace yourself because your race is a marathon. I've never run a marathon before. I haven't had to sprint since high school if you don't count trying to make it across  the UT campus before class starts. I was actually built for the "throwing" sports. Regardless, I'll take it. Smart doctor.

As for my other appointments, all is well. Cardiologist appointment went well. Normal EKG. Blood pressure is fine. Acupuncturist is still sticking me with needles weekly. Therapy, well let's just say it feels like needles sometimes, but I seem to be surviving.

I travelled to my tests with Julie on Thursday and to the appointment and chemo on Friday with my great friend D'Lisa. I've been very lucky to have great folks who are able to drop everything to accompany me. Thank you and love, love, love.  (Aside: Sorry Jules, but I think you knew I wouldn't be writing about the latest shitshow CT scan and resulting hilarious humiliation. Maybe some other time if I'm stuck for blog matter or if I'm ever writing a new episode of I Love Lucy.)

That's the latest update. If you are reading this blog as a note in Facebook the blogsite is located at www.janssundaypunch.blogspot.com.

smak, pow and thanks for all the well wishes and prayers,

jan