Thursday, July 17, 2008

some answers

Hey all- Well I wanted to wait to write until I had gotten all the results and all the doctors appointments out of the way so I could give a full report. We were glad we made the trip to Omaha. It is always great to see Dr. Foster, even if I don't get all the answers I want, he still gives us so much hope. He was a bit concerned that I have been having more pain, so we ended up getting a CT done on Monday up in Omaha. Ugh, I had to drink that stuff again, would someone please come up with a better way to get the GI CT scan so I don't have to drink soooo much barium. It isn't even the taste that makes me sick, it is the quantity! Anyway, the results from briefly looking at the CT was that things were atleast stable. It seems like the bulk of the disease that is left is in the pelvis, no where else. That is good! The problem, from his standpoint, is that to get into the area, you have to work around the bladder and there is a great risk of having to end up removing the bladder and ending up with a urostomy, which is the last thing I want to have!!!!!! So, a bit hesitant about that. I had a CEA done there which was 7.9, but then I had it done here in KC the next day (thought i would go ahead and have it done to compare the two labs).. The result here is 5.1 so I think that is good as well. Things aren't progressing, they are atleast staying steady. I am still curious though about what exactly is in the pelvis, it could be more inflammation so I would like him to atleast go in and look at some point if possible, just to try and see what it looks like in there. That may be a possibility.
Overall, now we are going to stay the course until the two doc's can talk and put there heads together about the best plan. We are going to watch my CEA level a bit longer to see if it is staying about the same or going to go up. If it goes up I may have to start new chemotherapy. If it stays the same, I may be able to go on a break from chemo or do a pill form for maintenance for awhile, to give me a break from infusions. That would be nice too.
I saw the pain doc yesterday. He seems to agree that the source of the pain is from the ureteral stent. So he is going to talk to my urologist about the necessity of the right stent at this time. If I could get rid of that stent, now that we know my left kidney is a bit better than we thought, we might be able to remove the stent and possible decrease my pain significantly. IF not, I am just going to keep taking what I need to control the pain and hopefully can reduce the amount when the pain subsides a bit. I also probably have a UTI so that may cause the worsening of pain and now that i am on antibiotics, the pain may decrease a bit.

Whew... How was that for a summary. Was that too much info? I feel like I am having to write a summary for my boss or school or something, hehe. Let's talk about something else. Today I am going to go work out with one of my neighbor friends who is a trainer. We are going to "play around a bit" to see what I can do. THis will feel good. I am really wanting to start getting back into fitness and toning myself up and gaining more energy, strength, etc. This weekend is going to be a busy one, we have lots of people we are trying to get together with because we haven't seen so many of our friends in so long. We are also working on setting up a trip, we are looking into a Mediterranean Cruise. That is something I have always wanted to do, an area I haven't been yet. Ella is on a field trip with daycare today. She will be back with me tomorrow. We usually have a down day to rest up for the weekend. That is all for now. Talk to you all soon. Shawndra

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm soooo happy to hear that the CEA you had drawn here was lower!!! I do hope they are able to resolve your pain ASAP.
If it works with your schedule, we would love to plan on an evening out on Friday, August 1st, as we discussed yesterday. I'll be in touch soon!

Love, d

Anonymous said...

that is one great report shawnd!! we've been thinking about you and your meetings all week so i'm glad to hear that everything went well. have a wonderful weekend!!

liz

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
Wow, What great news, I was a little worried when it took so long for a reply, I was going to call your Mom, if I didn't hear anything today.
I can relate to the stint and the pain that goes with it, it is like having a kidney stone, trust me I have had both.
It was so good to talk to your Grandmother before she left for home. I'm praying for her also, our eyes are so important to us.
I get my neck brace next week, I can't waite. Next I'll have back surgery in Oct, I think thats when the Doc. wants it. Before long I will have all new bones and metal in my back.HE!HE! I'll be called the mental women.
Lots of huggs to you all!!
You are always in our prayers, I know I hardly ever write, but I check your blog daily.
LOL
Brenda

Anonymous said...

Hi Shawndra,

I'm glad to hear that today's results are positive. I hope you'll get a break from the chemo infusions, too.

My fiance and I have been to the Mediterranean twice, and I would go back right freaking now if I could. The Greek Isles, in particular, are spectacular. It's like walking in a post card. And the food...oh, the food...

What I am trying to say is: Yes! Go on vacation! And yes to the Mediterranean!! I think it would be great for you and the hubby to get away if you're able.

Sending you lots of hugs and good thoughts,

jg

Patty's said...

Glad to hear that your week went well. I are sorry we missed you last weekend, but your health is top priority. THank you for the update. I share your story with so many. You give so much hope to others. Way to Go!
Beth Patterson

Anonymous said...

A cruise sounds great! My 25 yr old daughter and her boyfriend just got back from a 7 day greek cruise and had a great time. I'm so happy to hear the appt's went well, levels are holding and a possible plan to ease your pain are in the works. It is always great when there is positive news. Enjoy the busy, hot weekend.

Anonymous said...

Yeah Shaundra! What great news. Now really go out and enjoy life!!
God bless you and your family.
Love Wendy

Anonymous said...

Sounds like your trip was a success. I don't blame you for wanting to rid yourself of ALL the cancer. Dr. Foster sounds like a real genius. Maybe he can come up with something that won't harm your bladder.

Hope the pain is better.

Love, Marny

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

We are so happy you had a good week. Thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. Enjoy you wonderful weekend with all your family and friends. We would love to get together with you and Ella. Just let us know a good time for you both. Keep Believing!!!

The Mudge Family

Anonymous said...

Shawndra have you thought about getting 'shaped-beam radiosurgery on your pelvis area?? They do it here in Michigan. There a not a lot of these machines, but maybe call and see if it a possibility?
Call: 1-888-313 BEAM at Henry Ford Hospital and ask! You can come and stay here with us if you need to. This is usually a one day treatment! It is awsome!! I will get it if I ever get CC on my liver again and/or lungs etc.. Sue

Anonymous said...

Here is the link...sorry I forgot to include it in last post!

http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=39181

Sue

Ashley said...

IM PRAYING FOR YOU SHAWNDRA!! YOU ARE SO STRONG AND BRAVE!!

Anonymous said...

HI
I read the great news of all being STABLE SO FAR, AND YOU KEEPING UP SO GREAT.

I WISH YOU A GREAT SPECIAL DAY.
THE DAY YOU WERE BORN, AND CRIED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THROUGHOUT THIS ILLNESS I BET YOU CRIED MORE THAN YOU EVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD, BUT FOR SURE KNOWING YOU, THE STRONG YOUNG WOMAN AND GREAT WIFE AND MOM YOU TURNED INTO,
I'M SURE YOU LAUGHED AND WILL GO ON HAVING A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AS I REMEMBER SEEING YOU AS A CHILD THE FIRST TIME, AND A FEW MONTHS AGO IN KANSAS CITY FOR A VERY, VERY LONG TIME.

HAVE A HAPPY, MAKE IT A VERY, THE MOST SPECIAL DAY.
YOUR 2008 BIRTHDAY.

LOVE,

ROSWITA AND ALL

Michele said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
Love,
Michele, also the birthday girl and colon cancer survivor

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

Wishing you a great day with your family and friends, and a year of good news and great strides in beating cancer!

Have a wonderful birthday, my friend!

Love,
Michelle