We are back from South Carolina with the verbal report on the CT scans taken last Thursday and Friday at the Medical University of South Carolina where the Zactima clinical experimental drug trial is taking place. These show virtually no change in the size of the tumors in my liver compared with the previous scans taken January 31st and February 1st. This is the third set of images with comparable results. We may conclude that my condition is “stable” at the moment.
One more set of results are due soon from the bloodwork accomplished during the visit. These results will either reinforce the “stable” pronouncement or present conflicting information. We rely on these measures to track the activity of the cancer cells and to keep an eye on other health indicators, especially those relating to liver function and the oxygen-carrying capability of the red blood cells.
These results could become a habit! I have found the news so hopeful that I have taken the bold step of renewing my AARP membership for five years. How’s that for confidence in the future! Although these results are encouraging, I am resisting the urge to jump to conclusions from three consecutive hopeful reports. The overall diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic cancer of the thyroid remains, nonetheless.
As soon as the bloodwork results are in, I will post them. In the meantime, we thank you for your support and faith in a positive outcome. Knowing you are there means a lot to us.
Copyright 2008
http://lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted April 30, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Hair
Mine is still with me, clinging tenaciously more than a year after the start of chemotherapy. Three times we have prepared ourselves for this most significant side effect of cancer treatment with three different types of medication; I have no explanation for the hardiness of my top mop, Pure orneriness, I guess.
Some hair loss is evident though minimal. Evidence: the appearance of naturally curly regrowth where before were limp strands with barely a wave. New growth is stubbornly independent. It goes where it wants, resisting all sprays, creams, gels, ointments and exotic hair treatments.
My hair is shaped by an expert hair stylist into what might be called a “Pixie” if it appeared on someone thirty years younger than me. At my age, nothing is going to make me appear pixie-like, so I’ll have to come up with another descriptive adjective.
Every time I see myself in a mirror, I am reminded of Judy, a high school friend. She frequently expressed frustration with her “naturally curly” hair. After the briefest contact with a comb her topknot appeared perfectly coiffed ready for a prom, a hike, a game of volleyball or the classroom, the envy of the rest of us.
We are, however, prepared due to the kindness of a craft-y dear friend. Thank you, Kristen, for the crocheted beret, made of the colors most flattering for me and ornamented with a silk ribbon in rainbow shades of blue. Just charming! and not at all pixie-like. With luck, it may be pressed into service only as an ornament, not an item of attire.
We heard of one family’s demonstration of solidarity with a child experiencing chemotherapy and resulting hair loss. Every family member had their heads shaved!
Dear ones, we treasure and feel all the positive energy headed our way. Thank you for being with us. Please forgive the delay getting this message to you. Google swallowed Blogspot; they had me jumping through hoops getting reconnected! Next stop: Charleston, SC and more CT scans. We'll be in touch soon.
Copyright 2008
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Mine is still with me, clinging tenaciously more than a year after the start of chemotherapy. Three times we have prepared ourselves for this most significant side effect of cancer treatment with three different types of medication; I have no explanation for the hardiness of my top mop, Pure orneriness, I guess.
Some hair loss is evident though minimal. Evidence: the appearance of naturally curly regrowth where before were limp strands with barely a wave. New growth is stubbornly independent. It goes where it wants, resisting all sprays, creams, gels, ointments and exotic hair treatments.
My hair is shaped by an expert hair stylist into what might be called a “Pixie” if it appeared on someone thirty years younger than me. At my age, nothing is going to make me appear pixie-like, so I’ll have to come up with another descriptive adjective.
Every time I see myself in a mirror, I am reminded of Judy, a high school friend. She frequently expressed frustration with her “naturally curly” hair. After the briefest contact with a comb her topknot appeared perfectly coiffed ready for a prom, a hike, a game of volleyball or the classroom, the envy of the rest of us.
We are, however, prepared due to the kindness of a craft-y dear friend. Thank you, Kristen, for the crocheted beret, made of the colors most flattering for me and ornamented with a silk ribbon in rainbow shades of blue. Just charming! and not at all pixie-like. With luck, it may be pressed into service only as an ornament, not an item of attire.
We heard of one family’s demonstration of solidarity with a child experiencing chemotherapy and resulting hair loss. Every family member had their heads shaved!
Dear ones, we treasure and feel all the positive energy headed our way. Thank you for being with us. Please forgive the delay getting this message to you. Google swallowed Blogspot; they had me jumping through hoops getting reconnected! Next stop: Charleston, SC and more CT scans. We'll be in touch soon.
Copyright 2008
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
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