Friday, November 7, 2008

here's the news

Hey everyone- Here is the update; things went well with Dr. Foster. As usual it was great to see him. He did his exam under anesthesia as well as put my port-a-cath back in so i can restart chemo. It sounds like, from my most recent CT scan and the exam, that he doesn't see a lot of new stuff, which is good. Things seem to be stable, which is good. Except my CEA level has gone up. So for now, I need to get back on chemo and see how the CEA numbers go, if they are going down after 3-4 months, then there is a possibility he might be able to go back in and try to clean out more of the cancer. If the numbers don't go down, I will probably need to try another type of chemo. So please pray that the chemo again works and keeps things at bay and gets those CEA's to go down so I have that possibility of another surgery. The disappointing part, is that if we take this path, the hope of removing my ostomy may be non-existent. It may be permanent, which is very disappointing to me, but extending my life is more important and I know that, even though everytime I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes. it could be worse!! There are a lot of positives with it. anyway, I have been resting quite a bit the last couple days.
I am looking forward to hopefully a low key weekend. It is a lot chillier here, so I am hibernating. have a great weekend everyone! shawndra

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well Shawndra B, I know that the ostomy topic really is a sore subject and for me to say "the news could be worse" would be unfair. I don't know what it's like to face the trials you are. All I do know is that if that is what they tell you needs to be done, then that is what you'll do.....and you'll do it with grace. I will keep praying for those levels to go down. Actually I will say a prayer that they do whatever they need to to go away! Miracles, they are out there and we can ask for them. Until next post, stay warm and cozy.

Astraea said...

I'll be praying for those levels to go DOWN DOWN DOWN!! Glad the visit went well. Enjoy the coziness of your family this weekend.

The Mama Monkey said...

I have been following your blog for a long time now, but don't think I have ever posted. As always, you are in my prayers! I am glad things are stable and hope that CEA moves down!

Cuddle up tight with that baby!

nancygrayce said...

Oh, Shawndra! I'm praying for you. I pray your CEA levels go down and that things will be looking up! You have such a sweet family and a darling little baby girl!

Amberchlopaz said...

God bless you, Shawndra. You have such an incredible heart about you. Thank you, as always, for sharing so much with us, some of us virtual strangers, and yet, somehow, "virtual" friends. Joyce

Anonymous said...

We will continue to pray for you and hope that you get the miracle you deserve.

I am going to be in OPKS from November 11-28 and I would be happy to do anything you need. E-mail me if there is anything I can do to help.

kmacandsuzyq@hotmail.com

Susan McRae

Anonymous said...

Dear Shawndra, I'm very happy that your appt went well & that things are stable. I will pray that your CEA levels go down & that you have minimal side effects from the chemo & that it works. I'm sorry about the possibility of the ostomy, but I'm sure to that sweet little girl, it would only be a battle scar from the time her mommy fought so hard to get better for her. You're in my prayers, have a beautiful, cozy weekend!! God Bless, Vickie

Anonymous said...

Shawndra do you kow what chemo you're going on?? I did 10 rounds of folfox4 and it brought down my CEA, but it didnt have much change in my tumors-infact they grew a bit. I am sorry you have to go through this continually...your in my prayers as usual as is your beautiful family. Sue

http://cancersucksbigtime.wordpress.com/

Anonymous said...

Hey Shawn-D,
Thinking you of all on this cold, dark gray in Chicago. Makes me want to hunker down on the couch near a bunch of good friends while watching a series of funny 80's movies. Hope you can do something like that sometime this weekend- just relax and laugh!!! Good times. :0) You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love, Hill

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, sounds like all in all good news, I think the cea will go down once you are back on "normal" chemo maybe the pill form just didnt do the trick, cause they seemed to be going down prior to that...I think your miracle will happen , your cea will go down and you will get more of that mean nasty cancer out, even if it means a ostomy, it also means time w/family,friends & you doing here on Earth the mission God has for you...You will beat this, and if you have a battle scar from it, thats ok, cause your still here and thats the best gift of all ((hugs)) I have a cea test ordered too, Im scared to go, since the gi docs called me precancerous he wanted to screen me, Im scared to know more ...or maybe to know at all...I know what a wuss I am and how strong you are...you inspire me in so many ways.
Love ya girlie, I feel your my sister in email and im here for ya if you need me day or night to talk, ya got my number...
((hugs)) enjoy your weekend, the holidays are fast approaching, I love this time of year, enjoy some cuddle time w/Ella and Doug and have a blessed weekend, your in my prayers, as always!

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Please know we are always here for you! Keep Believing!!!

The Mudge Family

Anonymous said...

Keep on believing and keep on fighting!

Hugs and love to you!

Betty Boop

Anonymous said...

Hi Shawndra,

You are in my thoughts all the time. I know that your positive attitude and high spirits are working just as hard as all those medicines to fight your cancer. Go you!!!

-Megan Curran