Stability and Positivity

Hello Everybody. I know that you are anxious to find out what happened this week at the doctor, so here it is. I will be short and blunt. I had both a PET scan and a CT scan. They both measure my tumors but the PET shows more detail and if there are any new spots. There are no new spots but both scans showed that all of my major tumors that they are watching have grown approximately 1mm. The doc said that it is uncommon that both scans have the same precise result as they did this time. They are allowed a margin of error which is 5 percent. That means that if the tumors grew less than 5 percent, they are considered stable because there could have been a measurement mistake. Even though this is within the margin of error, it is unlikely that there was an error because both scans had the same result.

So, tumors grew a little in two months. I was told not to panic yet. I need to continue with the drug and my next scans will tell us weather it is time to look at other treatment options or not. My blood pressure is still too high, so I was also started on another blood pressure medicine.

Yes, I was bummed about this result and I debated on continuing it or not. I decided that I am not ready to give up and I will continue until the doctor officially says that it isn't working anymore. My side effects are a little more intense now. I am super tired a lot, I have headaches and I now have bald spots on my head. I am not worried about the appearance because I am a princess no matter how I look. I am getting tired of being tired, but my family has become accustomed to it and we are dealing with it. We need to get my blood pressure under control and my headaches then everything should be fine.

I still believe that everything happens for a reason and I know that God ain't finished with me yet. So, I will keep going, doing what I do, and watch the boys grow up. At times it is difficult to stay positive, but I feel like I have been fighting for so long without armor and now it is time to arm myself and fight harder. I will make it through this! Especially with prayers and encouragement from many of my friends.

Thank you so much for caring and being a friend to me! This Christmas, I hope that everybody remembers that God put you here for a reason even if you don't feel it. There are so many reasons to be happy this Christmas, and if you can't think of one just be glad that you were able to see another Christmas pass.

Sorry, I was a little winded this time. I had a lot to share. I love you all and once again, thank you so much, even if I don't know you, thank you for your concern and support!

Heather