hipgrandma's Cancer Blog
December 9, 2006
| the holidays are gonna be happy | Views: 168 |
Yes, yes, YES —I have some good news to report. Went to see the gyn/onc yesterday as I hadn’t been feeling so great this week—little fevers, shakes, muscle aches, etc. He referred me to a cardiologist (that doesn’t sound like good news, right? but just wait).
We talked for a long time and both Dan and I had many questions we had been researching. Actually, Dan didn’t tell me he’d been doing some intensive research, including phone conversations with the NIH, and had a big question for the doc. Question is—what research or clinical evidence is there that 6 chemo treatments is better than 4? Answer (which Dan already knew, of course): there is no evidence and that’s just how the protocol has been for many years (possibly due to the interests of the pharmaceutical companies). There was research done in a by-gone era on the efficacy of six treatments over three, but not on four or five.
Upshot of this long discussion is that in the first week of January I will have a pet scan and if it is negative, I will NOT (I repeat, notnotnotnotnot) have chemos #5 and #6. Chemo #4 is still scheduled for Dec 19, but that might be . . . the last one. Holy mother.
If chemo is over in 2006, then January 2007 will begin the super-duper-all-natural-cancer/chemo/radiation rehabilitation plan. Details to be revealed at a later date.
In the meantime I’m still having the little pissy and not so little and not so pissy chemo side effects to deal with, so I’ll let you know how the cardiologist visit goes.
Here’s a camera phone picture of the sunrise we watch each day. That’s Biscayne Bay behind me. This particular day (last Tuesday) included a sighting of three dolphins.
Hello, chamber of commerce, here’s Grandma and Kai Kai (18 months on Dec 11) playing on Miami Beach on Dec 7th. It was a bit warm at 80 degrees, but otherwise sunny, breezy, and nice. Sure makes the cancer crap a lot more survivable.
01.09.07 - 
Thanks for your support -
That Kai Kai is so studly! Must have really good looking parents.
That is such great news and the weather looks amazing there! I am so happy for you. hope you get more good news at your next doctors appointment.
Oh, yes, let’s hope the chemo can be apocopated. As soon as they stop assaulting you with treatment, you’ll begin to feel better. And please do tell us about natural rehab—maybe I can use some of your ideas. Right now, I’m focused on taking Don’s methadone, which isn’t exactly natural. I’m giving Jack and Sher your blog address. They called tonight and send their best. They just observed their 30th anniversary! Sher’s address is scarternorth@yahoo.com—bucky
Woo hoo! I read somewhere that Dec 19 has some magical life enhancing properties. It’s certain to be your last chemo. Thinking about you with love…
Excellent news, Jane! Keep up the good work. You have the best healthcare team around you that anyone could possibly have, and lots of people out here praying for you. There is much to live for, especially that cute little guy who looks just like a mini-Orion. He must bring back some nice memories for you while he creates so much joy. Let us know how the natural treatment goes. We bet you can help many CA patients with your experience.
Love,
Suz & Jeff Mitchell
Yeah! Go Jane! Looks like now you may be done before me! What great news!
Jane,research,Dan acting as your advocate(along with you)and now—- the great news of a change in the chemo plan…this is wonderful news.Hope to see you soon,keep enjoying life as it appears that you are,and finding joy in each day.You are an inspiration.Love,Dana
Jane,
I was so pleased to sit down at my computer this morning and read the good news! I have felt from the beginning that your indominatable spirit and the “leave no stone unturned” approach Dan and you are taking to your treatment will lead to a full recovery.
Jesse and Shaun say you are looking great. I will be checking that out for myself very soon.
Love and Hugs,
David
Yeah Jane! Something to look forward to. We will pray for you and we admire your strength and humor through it all. Enjoy those ocean breezes for us. Love, Bibi and Shepard, Stephanie, Elena and Katharine.
Hi Mom,
I am going to put all of my energy into sending out a prayer that the 19th will be your FINAL chemo! I think we would all feel the weight of the world lifted off of our shoulders if we could see you happy and free of this horrible treatment…can’t wait.
Love, Ariella
so ecstatic to hear the news jane…your gville family is loving you from afar…oh, and jose says hello…our tempeh reuben is to die for, and it’s all thanks to him…hope to serve one up for you really soon.
love.
maya