The latest blood work results are in from our recent trip to MUSC in Charleston, SC. For the first time in many months, both cancer markers are tracking downward meaning there are fewer cancer cells counted this time versus the last count in April.
The CEA (CarcinoEmbrionic Antigen) test that measures cancer cell generation is down 16% versus the April measure. This is the lowest level recorded since August 2007 when I volunteered to participate in the experimental drug study, a 74% drop from the starting point. The oncologists give greater weight to the CEA results than the Calcitonin measure which they consider relevant, but of lesser significance.
The Calcitonin (thyroid specific) measure is down 10% versus the April result; since August 2007 a drop of 57%. As opposed to a basketball game in which the highest point makers win, this contest becomes more successful as the numbers in the blood tests decline. Fewer cellular bad guys swimming around my circulatory system frees up the good guys to get on with their job of restoring my health. The lower the count, the healthier I become. The last time these two measures both dipped down at the same time was one year ago.
I know I’m healthier now than I was then because I feel stronger. The icing on the cake is the test results that prove it.
We hold you in our thoughts. Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Graduation
Doctors’ visits delineate the life of a person with cancer, marking the passage of time and the progress of the illness. During the initial diagnosis and development of a treatment plan I saw the oncologist every two weeks, just barely enough time to note changes in symptoms or the appearance of side effects indicating response to treatment. With the illness in a critical, fast moving phase, frequent assessments afforded a nimble response to intercept and deflect further decline.
In my case this was especially crucial because surgery, radiation and targeted chemotherapy were all ruled out. At that time, the origin of the cancer was still unidentified to a certainty: without a target, treatments were meaningless. The source would simply continue sending cancerous cells back to the liver and perhaps to new sites as well.
Then, an experimental drug clinical study to treat the form of cancer I have was found at Medical University of South Carolina. Participation in this study mandates check-ups there with the study oncologist every three months. With active treatment underway, my primary oncologist here in Virginia, ever watchful of developments with this new treatment, extended visits to 6 week intervals: the first graduation. Later, when tumor growth began to slow, however gradually, and then halted, he extended visits to three month intervals.
Last week, after seeing the MUSC reports of tumor shrinkage, he promoted me from 3 month visits to SIX MONTH check ups, a significant change signaling confidence in the efficacy of the current treatment. This is cause for celebration!
A wonder! The power of many to shape positive results! Our gratitude to each of you for staying the course with your contribution of positive energy to our cause.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: July 22, 2009
In my case this was especially crucial because surgery, radiation and targeted chemotherapy were all ruled out. At that time, the origin of the cancer was still unidentified to a certainty: without a target, treatments were meaningless. The source would simply continue sending cancerous cells back to the liver and perhaps to new sites as well.
Then, an experimental drug clinical study to treat the form of cancer I have was found at Medical University of South Carolina. Participation in this study mandates check-ups there with the study oncologist every three months. With active treatment underway, my primary oncologist here in Virginia, ever watchful of developments with this new treatment, extended visits to 6 week intervals: the first graduation. Later, when tumor growth began to slow, however gradually, and then halted, he extended visits to three month intervals.
Last week, after seeing the MUSC reports of tumor shrinkage, he promoted me from 3 month visits to SIX MONTH check ups, a significant change signaling confidence in the efficacy of the current treatment. This is cause for celebration!
A wonder! The power of many to shape positive results! Our gratitude to each of you for staying the course with your contribution of positive energy to our cause.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: July 22, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Scale-iness
Each doctor’s visit begins with a question: “How do you FEEL?” They see and quantify symptoms and side effects by observation, lab results and imaging reports. They want to know how I rank unobservable measures such as pain and nausea on a scale of 0 – 10, zero being normal and ten being the worst imaginable. Many elements, experienced individually with varying degrees of intensity, contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing or gloom that in itself influences perception. Here is my current self-assessment compared with the last taken ten months ago.
Each item is assessed by selecting a number representing how I feel at that moment from the 10-point scale. When the list is complete, I check back and compare the current reading with the previous one to see what, if any, changes occurred. The periods between assessments are long enough that the likelihood of carryover influence is minimal.
PAIN 4 (↓ 1)
NAUSEA 3 (↓ 2)
FATIGUE 4 (↓ .4)
STRENGTH 5 (↓ 1)
DIARRHEA 6.5 (↓ 1.5)
RASH 2 ( ↔ )
EDEMA 1 (↓ 1)
SKIN SENSITIVITY 2 (↓ 4)
SIGNATURE 2 ( ↔ )
TASTE 0 (↓ 3)
APPETITE -4 ( ↔ ) 0=norm;<0=high;10=none
DRY MOUTH 3 (NA)
POSTURE 2 (↓ 2) weakness on left
SLEEP DISTURBANCE 3 (↓ 1) distress, insomnia
ANXIETY 3 (↓ 1)
DEPRESSION 5 (↑ 1)
This exercise may appear to be an obsessive infatuation with numbers. However, it is in my own interests to attempt to accurately communicate these criteria to the doctors so as to balance the information found through accepted scientific methodology. My self-assessment becomes one factor in their prognosis. The professionals have their tools; these are mine.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: July 9, 2009
Each item is assessed by selecting a number representing how I feel at that moment from the 10-point scale. When the list is complete, I check back and compare the current reading with the previous one to see what, if any, changes occurred. The periods between assessments are long enough that the likelihood of carryover influence is minimal.
PAIN 4 (↓ 1)
NAUSEA 3 (↓ 2)
FATIGUE 4 (↓ .4)
STRENGTH 5 (↓ 1)
DIARRHEA 6.5 (↓ 1.5)
RASH 2 ( ↔ )
EDEMA 1 (↓ 1)
SKIN SENSITIVITY 2 (↓ 4)
SIGNATURE 2 ( ↔ )
TASTE 0 (↓ 3)
APPETITE -4 ( ↔ ) 0=norm;<0=high;10=none
DRY MOUTH 3 (NA)
POSTURE 2 (↓ 2) weakness on left
SLEEP DISTURBANCE 3 (↓ 1) distress, insomnia
ANXIETY 3 (↓ 1)
DEPRESSION 5 (↑ 1)
This exercise may appear to be an obsessive infatuation with numbers. However, it is in my own interests to attempt to accurately communicate these criteria to the doctors so as to balance the information found through accepted scientific methodology. My self-assessment becomes one factor in their prognosis. The professionals have their tools; these are mine.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: July 9, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Michael Returns to (His) Life
For almost three years Michael has been anticipating my needs plus shouldering the Chores of Living – everything that keeps the engine of life going from day to day. Prior to D(iagnosis) Day it took two of us to keep a finger in the dike. As this health crisis engulfed us, we immediately pared back to essentials.
Now, with my returning strength, we are reverting to a more equitable division of responsibility: I feel better for carrying my share and Michael can return to his choice projects without guilt or incurring an insurmountable backlog.
Relieved of a dual share of responsibilities, Michael is now resuming HIS life. Mostly that means puttering aboard Prudence, tinkering with new ideas and realizing creative improvements to make her sail better. The great seven year rebuilding project was finished in 2004 but, paradoxically, the To Do list never gets shorter.
A major project, released from hold and recently completed, was assembling and documenting the life work of Michael’s father, the inventor/engineer Solomon Adler. The objective was to find a suitable home that would preserve his scores of patents and drawings, along with a collection of hand-made working prototypes demonstrating the developmental stages of what became the PaceSetter sewing machine series, still being manufactured by the Brother Corporation. Now, a deed of gift has transferred ownership of this meticulous collection to The Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American Invention.
With greater frequency these days, I find Michael stretched out in the recliner with a book and a glass of iced tea at his elbow. I grin with pleasure to see him, if briefly, stepping aside from a demanding burden to refresh himself and take care of his own health.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: July 2, 2009
Now, with my returning strength, we are reverting to a more equitable division of responsibility: I feel better for carrying my share and Michael can return to his choice projects without guilt or incurring an insurmountable backlog.
Relieved of a dual share of responsibilities, Michael is now resuming HIS life. Mostly that means puttering aboard Prudence, tinkering with new ideas and realizing creative improvements to make her sail better. The great seven year rebuilding project was finished in 2004 but, paradoxically, the To Do list never gets shorter.
A major project, released from hold and recently completed, was assembling and documenting the life work of Michael’s father, the inventor/engineer Solomon Adler. The objective was to find a suitable home that would preserve his scores of patents and drawings, along with a collection of hand-made working prototypes demonstrating the developmental stages of what became the PaceSetter sewing machine series, still being manufactured by the Brother Corporation. Now, a deed of gift has transferred ownership of this meticulous collection to The Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American Invention.
With greater frequency these days, I find Michael stretched out in the recliner with a book and a glass of iced tea at his elbow. I grin with pleasure to see him, if briefly, stepping aside from a demanding burden to refresh himself and take care of his own health.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: July 2, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
I Ran
The traffic was heavy at morning rush hour along Staples Mill Road past the Amtrak station. Mindful of gasoline economy and environmental pollution, we opted to walk the block and a half separating us from a caffeine boost at Dunkin’ Donuts. No crosswalks defined pedestrian safety zones for crossing at the intersection. A sidewalk offered safe passage to walkers, although scattered pebbles and random tufts of grass suggested lack of use in this auto-dependent, strip mall-saturated suburb of Richmond.
Spying a break in traffic between signals, we (unlawfully) stepped onto the six-lane highway and began to cross at a brisk walk. As we reached the midpoint, traffic began to move, devouring the gap between us.
Move out! every instinct screamed at me. Before I realized it, my mind had leapt past the assessment, judgment and decision processes, bringing me directly to action: Run!
With Michael keeping pace at my side, a brisk sprint brought me safely, with margin to spare, to the far side of this heavily traveled roadway.
Without a conscious thought, I had run for the first time in almost three years! I feel as if I have leapt a giant chasm on the way to recovery. Recently I have been subliminally aware that I was approaching a milestone: pushing myself to the next level of my treadmill workout by adding sprint intervals. Now the real life spontaneous evidence has forced me to accept that I am ready to move on without delay.
A sense of capability floods my being. I am grateful to have your company; your support has put wings on my feet and determination in my heart.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: June 28, 2009
Spying a break in traffic between signals, we (unlawfully) stepped onto the six-lane highway and began to cross at a brisk walk. As we reached the midpoint, traffic began to move, devouring the gap between us.
Move out! every instinct screamed at me. Before I realized it, my mind had leapt past the assessment, judgment and decision processes, bringing me directly to action: Run!
With Michael keeping pace at my side, a brisk sprint brought me safely, with margin to spare, to the far side of this heavily traveled roadway.
Without a conscious thought, I had run for the first time in almost three years! I feel as if I have leapt a giant chasm on the way to recovery. Recently I have been subliminally aware that I was approaching a milestone: pushing myself to the next level of my treadmill workout by adding sprint intervals. Now the real life spontaneous evidence has forced me to accept that I am ready to move on without delay.
A sense of capability floods my being. I am grateful to have your company; your support has put wings on my feet and determination in my heart.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
"Relay for Life"
This is the third year I have qualified to participate as a cancer Survivor in this nationally sponsored, locally organized event and the first time I have been able to attend. Not being much given to social welfare gatherings that throw together persons largely unknown to one another who nevertheless share support for the designated cause, I set off with a sense of obligation rather than anticipation to join fellow survivors, their caregivers and other concerned parties.
The event was not a cookie-cutter replication of scripted, rah-rah half-time style boosterism to court media attention. The keynote theme is HOPE. Cynically, I suppose, and subconsciously I expected to hear: “Look what we are doing for you to keep your hope alive.” What I heard instead was an appeal to reach out to each other for support and inspiration. The unexpected turn-around rattled loose my expectations, allowing me to hear a broader message with diverse meanings.
It was a moving event, especially so to see persons with illness far more advanced than mine smiling, their eyes triumphant as they completed the quarter-mile course, their caregivers beaming at their sides.
Despite the size of the gathering and my negative expectations, I felt a one-on-one connection with the employee of a local retirement community who packed the box lunch I enjoyed. I could envision a person spreading the tuna fish salad on a roll and filling the deviled eggs, then, with heart, assembling the contents and sending it out directly to me. The idea that someone who didn’t even know me would reach out to me in that caring manner was comforting. The gesture reinforced my commitment to keep stepping along with a positive attitude toward whatever outcome awaits me.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: June 26, 2009
The event was not a cookie-cutter replication of scripted, rah-rah half-time style boosterism to court media attention. The keynote theme is HOPE. Cynically, I suppose, and subconsciously I expected to hear: “Look what we are doing for you to keep your hope alive.” What I heard instead was an appeal to reach out to each other for support and inspiration. The unexpected turn-around rattled loose my expectations, allowing me to hear a broader message with diverse meanings.
It was a moving event, especially so to see persons with illness far more advanced than mine smiling, their eyes triumphant as they completed the quarter-mile course, their caregivers beaming at their sides.
Despite the size of the gathering and my negative expectations, I felt a one-on-one connection with the employee of a local retirement community who packed the box lunch I enjoyed. I could envision a person spreading the tuna fish salad on a roll and filling the deviled eggs, then, with heart, assembling the contents and sending it out directly to me. The idea that someone who didn’t even know me would reach out to me in that caring manner was comforting. The gesture reinforced my commitment to keep stepping along with a positive attitude toward whatever outcome awaits me.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Comforts of Family
One of my six brothers just departed after a four day stay. Each family visit has its own flavor depending on the menu of participants and the recipes of current and past events that evoke the aroma of emotions long dormant.
If the Gallup organization were looking for a poll sample they would have no need to look further than our family for diversity of age and occupation. From the oldest (me) to the youngest covers a span of 16 years, a generation’s worth of viewpoints. So, when I want support, I call the siblings closest to my age in the family lineup. Their viewpoint is more likely to incline towards mine where wisdom is measured by the extent of life experience. They are less skeptical of an older sister’s dicta, since the divergence between their life experience and mine is smaller.
When I want to open windows and let in the fresh air of contemporary thinking, I consult with the younger end of the family. If I hear “Hey, dude, what’s up?” I know I have reached back far enough to connect with the entire spectrum of contemporary opinion.
We have an attorney, an editor, a teacher, a retired marketer (me), a computer genius, a retired clamdigger, a retired phlebotomist (now a professional grandmother), a mechanical whiz, and a retired quality control specialist and former Marine. And that is just siblings; the range of occupations becomes yet more diverse if you include spouses, children and grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
If it takes a village to raise a child (thank you, Hillary), then it required an entire suburb to raise the Chapmans.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: June 10, 2009
If the Gallup organization were looking for a poll sample they would have no need to look further than our family for diversity of age and occupation. From the oldest (me) to the youngest covers a span of 16 years, a generation’s worth of viewpoints. So, when I want support, I call the siblings closest to my age in the family lineup. Their viewpoint is more likely to incline towards mine where wisdom is measured by the extent of life experience. They are less skeptical of an older sister’s dicta, since the divergence between their life experience and mine is smaller.
When I want to open windows and let in the fresh air of contemporary thinking, I consult with the younger end of the family. If I hear “Hey, dude, what’s up?” I know I have reached back far enough to connect with the entire spectrum of contemporary opinion.
We have an attorney, an editor, a teacher, a retired marketer (me), a computer genius, a retired clamdigger, a retired phlebotomist (now a professional grandmother), a mechanical whiz, and a retired quality control specialist and former Marine. And that is just siblings; the range of occupations becomes yet more diverse if you include spouses, children and grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
If it takes a village to raise a child (thank you, Hillary), then it required an entire suburb to raise the Chapmans.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: June 10, 2009
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