Nap time

I had my liver biopsy done this morning and all went well. My side is a bit sore this evening and my head is still a little fuzzy, but all in all I cannot complain. I was aware of the process, but sedated enough that it did not hurt and I willingly allowed the doc (another swimmer, by the way...swimming: the way to meet your dream healthcare team) to place a long needle through my side, repeatedly.

Results will be in early next week.

On Tuesday I start my new chemo. It sounds like the side effects may start during the treatment, so Kelly is going to work from home so he can drive me and be here...just in case. I am eager to get a treatment under my belt so I know what to expect for future treatments.

Then, on 1/22 Kelly and I will go to the liver clinic at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore for their advice/opinion. Working with them has been a terrific experience thus far, and I look forward to meeting everyone there in person.

I am beat...so off to bed I go to try to get some solid sleep. (And convince Kelly to get some sleep too!)

Next Steps

I have received quite a bit of flack for my lack of blog entry after my last posting. It has been a busy week sorting out what treatment option to pursue next and I have been feeling under the weather.

On Monday Kelly and I went to Boston to meet Dr. Chan. Her recommendation was a chemo combination that showed promise in Europe, but before signing off on that she wanted to talk to Dr. B again.
AUGH.

On Wednesday Dr. Chan called to tell me after talking with Dr. B she was changing her chemo recommendation. Just in case the cancer in the liver is related to the cervical cancer. (Quick refresher: No test I have gone through has ever shown they are related. In fact, every test has indicated they are two separate processes.)

I emailed Dr. S for his advice, and he felt the chemo change was okay, but he did wonder if an embolization would be an option worth pursuing (Dr. Chan was not in favor of an embolization).

My gut is telling me I need to pursue the embolization.

So...long story short:

1) On Thursday I will have another liver biopsy; in part to do another test to determine (once and for all...I hope) if the cervical cancer and tumors in my liver are connected.

2) I will start chemotherapy (irinotecan) soon. The side effects sound similar to what I have been through before. I am not 100% sure of the treatment schedule yet.

3) I am in conversations with the liver center at Johns Hopkins to get a second opinion to Dr. Chan's opinion. I will be talking with them again early in the week.

I am flying by the seat of my pants here. I am following my gut, and am grateful for the solid, clear counsel of Dr. S.

Here I Am

We had a wonderful Christmas with the kids and our families. I had been in quite a bit of discomfort before Christmas, but on Christmas I felt great and was able to really enjoy the morning with the kids. We then had our parents, Kelly's grandfather 'Pa,' and his Uncle Bob and Aunt Brigid over for supper. It was a joyful, fun, simple Christmas.

And, I must confess...I was completely against having Play Doh in our house, but the boys love it. So I will live with little dried up bits of Play Doh as long as it comes with happy children!

As some of you know, I am currently admitted to the hospital. I went Friday to see Dr. S. due to some severe abdominal pain and a stomach bug and he felt the best option was to admit me for IV meds and fluids. I am feeling better as long as I stick to clear liquids. I am hopeful to be released tomorrow because I am supposed to go see Dr. Chan at Dana Farber (in Boston) on Monday for the 'big plan.' I'll see what the on-call docs say tomorrow. They all know I want to go, but they also want to be sure I am well enough to make the trip (about 8 hours round trip, plus the visit).

I had several visitors today, which was wonderful and helped to pass the time, but my little boys stayed home due to infection risk. We tried to FaceTime, but I really miss my boys. It is one thing hearing about their days, it is another to be part of their days.

Pictures

I am a big advocate of picture-taking. Both by professionals and on the fly with my iPhone. I am not a fan of how I look in all the pics, but I fight the urge to hit the delete button (which is oh so easy) because in each picture there was something I wanted to capture.

For the past few years, we have done a family photo session around Thanksgiving. Here is the family picture that made the Christmas card cut:

 

 

After our Thanksgiving photo session we select one image to print in a 16 x 20. And while I really like the picture we used for the Christmas card, we chose this picture:

 

 

A little less formal. A little more Murphy. A whole lot us.

 

So go, take pictures. Take perfect pictures, and horrible ones. Don't delete any right away. Go back and look in a few weeks, a few months. I bet all of them will bring a smile to your face.

 



PET scan results and my left leg

The news is not what we were hoping for. The neuroendocrine cancer is advancing.

The tumors in my liver are growing.
There are new tumors in my liver.
The tumors have spread to my lymph nodes.

Dr. S is working on a treatment plan with Dr. Chan from Dana Farber and in the meantime, I wait. With great confidence in Dr. S.

I found this out around 5 on Thursday. About 5 minutes later I punctured my left foot. Friday AM I went to my general practitioner and learned that the puncture was infected and that I have a blood clot in a major vein in my left calf. Treatment involves resting and blood thinners. 18 hours in and I am bored to tears....


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Candlelight

Tonight is the worldwide candle lighting to remember children who have died.

We light our candle in memory of Cora.

12.01.12

Today Kelly and I completed a 5K. There are Team SMAC shirts under the layers, but it was a cold morning!





We all went to visit Santa. Rory was so excited he couldn't stand still, Kyan was so nervous he shook, and Crosby was happy as could be.




Then, Kelly and I went to dinner with some great friends.




Today marked 9.5 months.
I am still here!