Post-Doc visit

Hi again:

Last Monday, Dr. Kenyon, Pat and I reviewed options for treatment based on the results of the Aug 15th scans. (The ones that show "near complete remission".) Dr. Kenyon is recommending that I take a break from the IV chemo drug, Navelbine, for awhile. I will continue taking the oral chemo drug, Xeloda, for a two weeks on, then one week off cycle. Dr. Kenyon will consult with Dr. Livingston (I presume :D )at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle regarding options on how to proceed. Jonathan, the herbalist, is also researching some options, so hopefully we'll get a good game plan.

This Thursday (Sept. 1) will be the first week in about 8 months that I will not be receiving the Navlebine. And the first week the chemo nurses will have a three hour plus break from the goofy Hazletons. It sounds like we just go a month at a time, keeping an eye on things, trying to improve my immune system so it can take over and fight off the ugly dragon. It is a possibility that within 4-12 months I'll be back on the Navelbine, so again-it's all an experiment and we watch, wait, and try to be really healthy in the meantime.

Nothing is set in stone, but will be based on the results of future scans and blood work. I'll still have two appointments per month at the hospital; one for a blood draw, and the second for a monthly Zometa injection. But the appointments should be really short in comparison.

Just like this blog posting!!! Incredible! (Sorry again about that last one. Our 12 year old was afraid you might still be reading that one when I began writing this one :(

Keep praying for complete, continuous remission, and wisdom for the doctors!

Thanks again (and again and again)
Jeanne H.