January 2013 Trip to CTCA

Burrrrrrr it's January in Chicago and it rained, snowed and the wind chill was below 0!! If you haven't experienced all of this believe me you don't want to!! Very cold and it sticks to your bones! It didn't keep us from going shopping tho! My friend Marti came with me this time for support and I so appreciate her taking her time to help me! God bless you girlfriend!!! We arrived on Tuesday 29th. Wednesday morning at 6:30 we were headed to the hospital for my PT scan. No eating and only unflavored water after midnight. I finished at 9:00am so the cafeteria was next on the schedule. After that I had a blood draw through my port. The results were posted the next day on my CTCA portal. I had a doctors appointment at 8:45 on Thursday. This trip was a calm trip as I knew that the chemo I was on was working to decrease the cancer on and in the bone. I just needed to hear that from my doctor. As I waited for her to come in the room, that calm was still with me. I've learned to listen to the spirit in me for it is my healer, God! Once again the doctor gave me the report I expected! All cancer is decreasing! The scan report states that all structures including the base of the skull, spine, ribs, sternum, bilateral shoulders, humerus, pelvis femurs have decreased in metabolic activity! The L5 vertebral body has decreased metabolic activity with maximum SUV of 7.9 versus 12.7 on the prior! All others have decreased in metabolic activity. A second lesion in the left humeral head which previously had maximum SUV of 8.3 today has a 3.1! There, that's start from the horses mouth for all you that know medical terms! For those that don't it says there is a great decrease of the cancer growth. All the other blood results where good also. So all in all this trip has been my favorite. 3 months ago when I started on this chemo I didn't think I would be able to stay on it. It was so hard on my stomach, severe cramping for 4 hours everyday for 2 months, mouth sores, fatigue, and no appetite. When I returned for a checkup in November I just wanted to quit taking the chemo. Oh I'm so glad I toughed it out. My doctor also said I don't have to come back for 3 months!!! That is such great news all the way! I want to thank all of you for keeping me in yours prayers! You're the best! God bless you all! There is no Dought in my mind of His Grace!! I am very Proud of You and how you never question your Faith!! Love You Babe!! Robbin