Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I can read people's faces quite well. Back in June when we first heard the news about my CT scan, the look on the surgeon's face, a young woman, was disturbing. The words that came out of her mouth were, "It's not good. The CT scan is not good." She then went on to explain where all of the tumors were entangled and that surgery would not be possible. Obviously, Dave and I both burst into tears and she tried to reassure us that there was hope--we should not lose hope and she would send us to the best oncologist in Seattle.
My oncologist was smiling today. The minute he walked in the exam room, I noticed his smile. It was a good smile. My own feelings were that things were shrinking but I was obviously way off base in reading signals from my own body before my diagnosis so I have been hesitant to rely on my impressions. Evidently, Tum, the tumor with tenticles, is not faring so well with the chemotherapy. The large tumor in my colon has reduced in size from 7.5 cm to 1.6 cm in diameter. There is no evidence of any tumor entangling my small intestines or my uterus. Of course, the major concern is my liver tumors. The CT report says there is a "dramatic decrease in the size of many of these lesions." The biggest one has decreased in size as well. My liver function is normal and it always has been (probably due to all of the Seattle coffee I drink.) So basically, I am now left with a shrinking tumor in my colon and several shrinking tumors in my liver. The oncologist was pleased with the significant results since I have only had 4 chemos.
The plan is to continue with what is apparently working--chemotherapy. I will continue with my regular schedule of chemo every other Monday. Again, I will have four more chemos and then we will again see via a CT scan how well Tum, the tumor without tenticles, is handling it all.
Thank you to all of you out there who have been praying for me. The prayers have helped. And I will rely on all of you again through this next round!
19 Comments:
Wonderful News! Keep on fighting and we will all keep on praying - I am smiling from ear to ear right now! In fact I may just break out in the dance of joy! Blessings to you! Love, Leslie
By 
, at
7:57 PM
Janet,
We are THRILLED to hear your great news! What a joy to know that the chemo and all that goes with it is paying off!!!!!
You and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers!
Rose and Larry
By , at
8:04 PM
Wow Janet, Phenomenal news! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Consider yourself hugged. Lani
By , at
8:07 PM
YAY! Wonderful news, Janet. Thank you very much for updating us -- you've been on my mind all day as I was waiting (impatiently) for news. And this is the best birthday present Dave could ask for!
Pat J
By , at
8:33 PM
Dancing here...
By 
Chuck Sigars, at
9:04 PM
Janet---
This is great news!! I will keep sending good thoughts your way.
:) Lisa
By Lisa Eaton, at
9:43 PM
That sounds wonderful, just wonderful.....
By , at
10:33 PM
Janet - such happy, happy news! Wonderful results!
I am amazed at your daily blog entries, and that Janet-esque spunk and humor was coming back stronger every day - a sign that the fight is Janet 1 Tum 0, and the scan results support that.
Keep it up and I hope you feel more comfortable and stronger by the day.
*hug*
-Susan/Sonia
By , at
12:54 AM
Wonderful news, Janet! Keep up the great work and positive spirit! You can beat this thing!
-Curt
Woo Hoooooooo! So happy to hear this fantastic news. Here's to as many more visits as necessary with smiling oncologists, and three cheers for increasingly-modern medicine!
Carroll
By , at
7:42 AM
Praise God!
Keep fighting the good fight my friend... Keep fighting.
By Brother Terry:, at
7:54 AM
Janet and Dave,
This time with tears of joy I "ditto" the 11 comments before mine.
Cherry
By , at
8:44 AM
Popped over from Chuck to hear the good news: YAY!
By , at
10:21 AM
AMEN, Sister! Doing the chicken dance of joy! I cracked up yesterday when I read your blog about killing mosquitos, and this is making me laugh even more, with incredible gladness! Love in Christ, Mary
By , at
12:33 PM
Janet, I'm so glad to hear this news. You are in my thoughts. Keep fighting and keep up your wonderful outlook. You are so blessed.
Janet, FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!
Janet and family,
Wonderful wonderful news. I knew you all could do it. Sam
By , at
7:43 PM
What wonderful news!
By , at
7:58 AM
And I DO believe your positive attitude and willingness to keep yourself open is a big part. Keep blogging....it's a part of who you are and how you are lifting up the rest of us on your journey!
By , at
8:00 AM
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