Friday, September 28, 2007

Details....

The good news is that my body continues to respond well to Chemotherapy of which I am thankful. The better news is that I am learning to manipulate it so that I can continue to do Chemotherapy. Yep, I am continuing. Here is the status - basically, the tumor in my butt is so small that they are considering it a "thickening" of the rectum. Don't get me wrong - there is still cancer down there that we have to deal with, but nothing they can call a tumor. The spots on my lungs are still there, but so small that we will not worry about them (for now). The two of the three masses on my lungs are 75% and 50% smaller from the last scan (so pretty darn small at this point). One just won't take the hint and is maintaining isn't size. There is a always one party pooper!!! So, here is what is going to happen for the next eight weeks - I will continue with Chemo every other week (10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12) however, in addition to that, I will be getting a PET scan (basically a more involved CT scan), see the Radiation Oncologist, and see my Colon Rectal Surgeon all the week of October 8th to determine if we start radiation and/or surgery. Fun times! As my oncologist said, "Now is the time to ask those questions and see how we proceed." In the end, my oncologist is very pleased and, while he is not a fortune teller, he keeps talking about the "long haul" which to me translates to "you are going to be around for a while". That is all I want - to see the sunrise, go camping (when it is warm and with a functioning stove), to laugh and play, and, of course, see my boys grow up. Here is to the long haul! Thank you again for all your thoughts, prayers, food, help, karma, vibes, finger crossing and toe crossings. I depend on them - love, Ang P.S. Last night after dinner we celebrated with a mini cheese cake that my mom brought by. Mason was convinced it was my birthday so we sang happy birthday like seventeen times and ate cheese cake. Nolan, of course, can't eat cheese cake so he really didn't get it....he was memorized with Baby Beethoven.

15 comments:

Gina said...

What great news, yesterday at 2:00pm I sent up a prayer, and it came true. That crazy sexy cancer!!!! You know what I mean. Love you!!

Gina

Anonymous said...

Double Yahoooooo!!!!!Yahoooooooo!!!

Will give mum the good news.

Lots of Love Marie

Jennifer Burkhardt said...

Dear Angela, I (have chills on my arms and tears in my eyes) AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! Keep it up!! You are fighting the good fight!! Here's to the long haul!! YAY!!!!!!
Sincerely, lots of love and cheers,
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! Much to celebrate, and much to look forward to. Way to go, chica. I'm so happy for your family. Love you --

Anonymous said...

That's so awesome! Thank you! Here I was sitting at work, having a lousy Friday to cap off a lousy week and now I am able to put things in perspective. I can always count on you to remind me of the important things...and to hear that you continue to improve is SO great!

Anonymous said...

Chortle on Child, you done GOOD!
Keep up with your plan, between you and your Medical team you are on the winning track. love pat&mag

Anonymous said...

Excellent!!!!!

May everyday be like a birthday! I know that your wishes for wonderful healthy life are coming true!!!!
MC

Bob said...

Like I said yesterday before your appointment - it will be good. It was great to finally meet you and Grant yesterday at Swedish. If you want to know more about the infusion pump I'm using - let me know - it might be better than the "stick" that you have. Keep up the good work!
-bob

Auntie Jane Hainsworth said...

Sing along now....

"I know a girl named Angie."
"Kicken butt cancer is her trick."
"She does it with some laughter."
"And a little chemo stick"
"I said a stick.'
"A Chemo stick"
"Oh yes a stick
"Un-huh a stick"
"Un-huh a stick"
"Un-huh a stick"

No I'm not drinking.....yet
Love JE Auntie

Anonymous said...

This is the first time I've joined in the supportive writers team... but I just have to say that, you, Angela dear, were one to poo poo (pun intended) celebrating birthdays.... now, thanks to your son and cancer, you can celebrate everyday as if it were a birthday - just as each and everyone one of us continues to learn to do... because of you. Ironic isn't it? Happy birthday!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy I could bust! Every day with you in it is a better day. I'm looking forward to the best days ever. Long haul it is. That said...take it one day at a time and burn that candle on one end. Time to refill that energy reserve. You and I know that takes rest, rest, rest and lots of deep breaths.

Today, despite being overcast, is a very bright and shiny day. Just the way I like it ;-)

Anonymous said...

Way to go Angie, we are so relieved. Love Frank & Helen

Uncle Allan said...

Hi Angie,
Kat & I have been reading your blog and keeping up with all that is going on. It was soooo good to see you and you looked soooo beautiful at Lana & Kat's CABI Party. The pictures you posted of you and your boys were great. I am sure grandma & grampa enjoy them a ton. We are heading back to AZ on Monday and will continue to keep you in our prayers. I know with your attitude, family and support system you will whip this.
Love Uncle Allan & Kat.

Anonymous said...

Whooo-hoo!! Does this mean you will go buy another pair of nice tight jeans? You deserve it. Keeping fingers and toes crossed so you can continue to get more fantastic news ... and advance your denim wardrobe.
Peter and Jo-Ann

Anonymous said...

You probably don't remember me; Highline High class of 88, Liz Cavanaugh (now Ojemann). Mary Benham sent me your blog since we were emailing about friends going through cancer.
I just wanted to wish you strength!
I have 2 little boys too, live in Denver, was diagnosed with a melanoma (very scary skin cancer) in '04 but am considered cured.

Best to you and your family,
Liz