scan results from May 31 '07

Well, this report was a little mixed. It sounds like there is a bit of bone involvement again in the spine (lumbar region), but there is also some sclerosing going on, which means healing. Same in the liver...there are some old spots that appear shrunken a bit, and some new spots that the oncologist thinks were actually there before but are just now appearing on the scans. This opinion is based on the very visual photo that they took of the liver when they took out the ovaries. So, since there was some new growth, and the other chemo was only moderately effective, we switched on Monday to Doxil. This has a better reputation for dealing with breast cancer cells than the Gemzar, so hopefully we'll see lots of tumor reduction. Complete would be nice. Monday we were at OHSU for treatment, (they also added Zometa back in for the bone mets), Wednesday I was at Ambulatory here in Corvallis for a Neulasta injection (keeps the white cell count up so you don't have to miss any chemo. Mine have been quite good so far, but I think he's erring on the side of caution.) Thursday I went to Salem for IV vitamin C, and today is quiet at home. Both the Zometa and the Neulasta have bone pain as a side effect, and yeow. I was side lined in the evenings for a couple of nights. Thankfully this regime is once per month and not weekly. I have an appointment with the herbalist this Tuesday, so we can get a tincture specific to this treatment plan up and running, and revise the other supplements I'm on.

Sarah is going in for her chest x-ray today to make sure things are still shrinking and not active. We do not yet have an appointment set with her oncologist, so we'll not have results back right away. Probably in another week. She's doing well-she's been picking berries at OSU in the mornings, and is enjoying the thought of a good paycheck. She's also wrapping up her "Pillowcases for Pals" project with her 4-H leadership group. They collected lots of donations, stuffed pillowcases with fun things and will take them to the hospital to give to children who need to be there for a length of time.

Robert got Player of the Game in his baseball game Wednesday night, so that was exciting. He'll be playing daily for Parks and Rec. this summer.

Everybody else is doing ok...working, doing music, taking care of the rest of us :D

Take care, love you, and thanks for the prayers!

Jeanne