Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Well, I went to see the orthopedic doctor for my crazy leg on Monday and discovered the I have lost 75% of muscle mass in my right leg (which is the one that had the femur radiated, but the femur bone looks fine). The PET scan did still show some cancer activity in my hip area. I have to start from square one with the leg which began with x-rays on Monday and an MRI on Tuesday, a physical therapy evaluation this coming Monday and then see the orthopedist again on Wednesday. So far, my insurance has authorized 6 physical therapy treatments to get started. The loss of so much muscle has really bummed me out because I feel I should have been starting this a long time ago. I could really use your prayers to get a lot of that muscle back, even though the orthopedic doctor says I definitely won't get all of it back. OUR GOD CAN DO MIRACLES!!!

The chemo has been fine. My neuropathy had been bad last week so they dropped my dose of Taxol down another 5% (which is a combined total of 25%) and my hands and feet have felt a little better yesterday and today.

This has been a long haul and I certainly appreciate all who continue to follow the blog and keep me in your prayers! In case it takes me a while to et back on, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Well, I got my results today and I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the liver lesions have decreased a lot and the bone disease remains stable. The doctor is pleased with this but as a precaution, he wants to continue chemo for 3 more months (the bad news). I had a treatment today and it really isn't that inconvenient, I would just like some of the side effects to go away. He did decrease the dose of Taxol by 10% more (20% altogether since he reduced it a month ago by 10%). That is what causes the neuropaathy, so hopefully that starts going away.

My mom and dad both went with me today and we went to lunch after because today is my dad's birthday, so we went to his favorite restaurant In-N-Out (truly his favorite!). We had a nice time and Kelsey met up with us too.

I see the orthopedist on Monday and I also have an MRI coming up to try to get my legs back to normal, so I would love it if you pray for those things.

I had a great day on Tues. & Wed. of this week. I worked longer than usual at work and still had energy when I got home and Wed. I actually went out shopping (which I haven't done for a looonngggg time). I have had more energy and even today has been good so far.

I appreciate your care & concern and all your prayers & support!!!

Oh yeah, the compression fractures I had in my back did not show up on the PET scan and I don't know if they should or not, but anything makes me happy and I don't have pain in my back, which I appreciate.

I know some of you are anxious to hear about my PET scan results, and so am I. I am not going to be able to get them until Thurs. when I see my doctor.

I've had a few falls lately and this week my "good" leg was giving me trouble also, so my general doctor has arranged for me to have an MRI of the lumbar (lower) part of my back, because I irritated it one time when I fell, and also my upper legs to find out what's going on. On Mon. I go to an orthopedist who will look at the MRI and help me to get walking correctly again. God-willing, by Christmas I'll be all fixed up and clear of cancer!!!!

Thank you for continuing to pray and I will blog as soon as I know the results on Thurs. I wish all of you a nice Veteran's day (especially if you don't have to work). I'm a fortunate one who gets the day off and my regular day off is Thursday--YEA!

Blessings to all of you!!

Wow, my computer is acting up and I wasn't sure I would get this out in time for all of you to be praying for me tomorrow. I have my PET scan tomorrow at 9:00 am and I covet your prayers for a clear scan. I may not know the results until next week but I will blog when I know something.

The chemo has certainly taken its toll on me. I have been exhausted and Kelsey has really stepped up but I'm wearing her out too because she is working a lot and she has a lot of homework. Please pray that she does not get resentful for all I am requiring of her right now.

I truly appreciate your love and support!!!! Many blessings to all of you.