Hello one and all,
We apologize for the delay in the blog post. Karen had her Xgeva shot, blood tests and her port cleaned last Friday (08/31). Her blood counts looked very good and were well within the appropriate ranges/values. Yesterday, Karen saw her oncologist. At this medical appointment, Karen's oncologist finally shared the results of her PET Scan from July 24, 2012. "Yippee" does not adequately describe how Karen and her mom felt after looking at the images from the first PET scan Karen had in February and comparing it with the scan in July. The doctor was extremely pleased with the results as it showed the chemotherapy treatments had fought the cancer except a small area in Karen's right humerus bone. The doctor advised Karen to continue to do what she is doing (exercising, food diet and vitamin intake, prescribed medications, etc.). To say the least, Karen and her mom were very thankful to God, the doctors, the nurses/caregivers and the wonderful prayers her family and friends have been saying. Karen also inquired about her cancer markers and found that they were initially 300 and are now at 142. The doctor indicated that he would like to see the marker ideally at 40, but explained that 142 was okay as long as the number did not increase. Karen will continue to receive her monthly Xgeva shot and take her daily hormonal pill. Upon leaving the facility, Karen had the doctor and the nurses laughing again as she shared one of her funny stories with the staff. Karen will have her next Xgeva shot at the end of September and will see the doctor in December. Karen was given the go ahead to see her eye doctor and dentist without restrictions. Even with the wonderful news, Karen's journey, however, continues on.
On another positive note, Karen's mom will be 90 on the 7th of September. The family will be hosting her 90th birthday party on the 16th. Contrary to popular belief, Karen's mom is looking forward to her 90th birthday celebration on the 7th and again on the 16th.
As Karen's journey continues on, Karen and her family members realized that maintaining a journal, log and/or blog was vitally important and very helpful in many respects. In May, this became especially helpful when Karen's insurance carrier disputed a medical procedure, which had occurred in February. Additionally, there are other medical records that the patient should keep (i.e. PET Scans, blood test results, brochures on cancer, etc.). In Karen case, every time she had blood tests conducted, the infusion staff provided her copy so she could see where her blood counts were and could compare them. Karen keeps a daily journal which records items such her pain issues, doctor/medical visits, items accomplished, exercises, etc. When Karen initially started her first chemo sessions, Karen and her sister would take her journal/medical records with them. The nursing staff were very impressed with the binder they showed it to other patients to assist them in their journeys. Anyhow, these are our words of wisdom as you go through your journey.
Once again, thanks again for your prayers and positive thoughts for Karen and her family.
Tip: Our gentle yet strong angelic friends are the defenders of peace, joy and love in this world.
