Lunch today at Max's Autodiner

Hoping to see some of my KC friends at Max's Autodiner at 80th and Wornall today.  I'll be there at 11:45.  If you've never been there, it's a little place where you order inside then eat out on patio tables.  It's very inexpensive but the burgers are highly rated.  There's a big parking lot next door. 

Going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come!

We should arrive Wednesday mid-afternoon if everything goes as planned.  We are leaving NH, tomorrow morning and plan to drive to Bedford, PA.  Rick has made hotel reservations so we won't be hunting for a hotel at the last minute.  Tuesday's destination is just outside Indianapolis.  You can tell we are getting older - in the past we would aim for 12 hours of driving.  Now that we can take our time, 8 hours is the goal.

I had chemo last Wednesday but I needed a transfusion on Friday.  My next treatment is scheduled for 6/26 but we'll likely push it off for a week.  I could use the break, to be honest.

Tumor markers...

188.5!!!   Loving gemzar, tumor markers down from 275!

Another Wednesday, another treatment

We showed up at 8:30, on time for our appointment, I had taken my pre-meds, and my blood draws were quick.  We met with the PA and were out of his office at about 9:45 but the chemo wasn't administered until about 10:45.  I don't know why it takes so long but it makes me crazy.  The chemo takes 30 minutes.  So we spend a lot of time sittin' and waitin'. 

I requested a prescription for Marinol as there has been a lot of recent press about it being very effective.  So we 'll see how that goes.  I've tried other variations of MJ and really haven't liked any of it.  And then there's the part where it doesn't seem to have any real effect on me.

We picked up my sister and went to lunch at the British Beer Company.  I had half a reuben, and Rick and Mona shared a pizza that looked pretty good.  We'll have to go back when I'm in the mood for pizza. 
     
That's about all the news until I get the results of the CA27-29 tumor markers.  If you remember, they were 275 at the last check.  With any luck, they will drop another 50%...a girl can dream!  I'll let you know when I hear.

33rd Anniversary Chemo!

 

Nothing like celebrating your anniversary while getting your chemo!  I had mentioned on the way to Dana Farber that today was our 33rd anniversary.  Rick had not realized that today was 5/22 so while I was waiting to be connected to the Gemzar, he went out to the local Hallmark store, bought a balloon, card, and truffles.  He's pretty special!

 

We had a little pre-treatment surprise - while my red blood count was OK, my white count was well below the safe range. So we had to discuss whether we'd delay or skip treatment.  Or I could have treatment and come back tomorrow afternoon for a Neulasta shot.  I did choose this last option as I really didn't want to skip a treatment that has been highly successful.  Having the Neulasta shot means I will need to take Claritin for a few days to ward off the bone pain it causes when it stimulates the bone marrow. 

 

Hope everyone enjoys the Memorial Day weekend.

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Beautiful weather and beautiful results!

The weather here in New Hampshire is fabulous - sunny skies and temps between the mid 60's and low 70's.  And to go along with the gorgeous weather, I have more good news - my tumor markers dropped from 500 on 4/11 to 275 on 5/1!!!  When you find a chemo that works, the results can be dramatic!  And the better news is that this chemo is not too harsh with its side effects.  My blood counts are a little low, but not so low that I couldn't have treatment on Wednesday and I have my week off so now I've got two weeks for blood counts to rebound. 

And did I mention that I went on another little trip...to San Juan with my sister!  We spent six days oceanfront and by a nice pool enjoying the sun and 80 degree weather, and maybe a cocktail or two :>)  We had a really great time despite a few service issues with the hotel (Marriott).  She got really lucky in the casino and came home with all her money...I, on the other hand, was not that lucky.  But it was fun hanging out with her and it's a good thing she has a strong grip - she had to open every single water bottle because I had no chance.  Those caps were ridiculously tight.  And she treated me to a great meal for my birthday in Old San Juan.  We both came home with fabulous tans - we were at the pool in our favorite sun-worshiping position by 8:30 every morning!

And one more piece of good news - I have a new great granddaughter. Katie and Deven (Ron's Christine's son) welcomed to their family Miss Lilyana Regina, 7 lbs 14 oz  this past Tuesday.

Beautiful!!!

Happy Dancing is in Order!!!

My oncologist sent me this message a short time ago:

Hi there,

It looks great. The report says there is a new spot in the liver, but that is compared to December. We don’t know what that looked like before we started the gemzar. The chest looks fantastic, and the adrenal lesion is no longer active.

So, let’s keep going with the gemzar!

 

Actually, I think the liver met was there according to my CAT scan in January.

 

So what we have here is significant regression!  Woohoo!!!! 

 

Gemzar is my miracle drug!