Changes

Sorry I have not had an update in a couple of weeks. After the good CT scan on my liver, we had a little bit of a setback. But not that unusual in this stage of the game. My tumor markers increased so Dr. Crane wants to start a new chemo June 24th. The different with this one is that it will be through an infusion at Rex Hospital instead of oral chemo which I did myself at home. I will be doing this once a week for three weeks with the fourth week off. We did plan on doing it once a month. But dad did some research and discovered that if I do it weekly, the side effects could be less toxic if at all - except some fatigue. Some of the big hospitals are doing it monthly so people will not have to travel. But I am fortunate to live right down the street to Rex and I can go to my parents house at anytime in between. I have been told that its nothing compared to what I did 5 years ago so that's a great thing. I have decided to take another leave of absence from work starting June 25th. I worked years ago with my first time around with breast cancer (heels, scarves, suits & stress). So I decided to work on my health this time and spend time with family and friends. Work has been so great and the people there are like a second family to me. I am very lucky to have their help and support throughout this ordeal.

I have had some back issues that started this past weekend. We are having a MRI done on Wednesday to see if anything has changed. I do have a small lesion on my lower back but it was not bothering me when we did my last MRI in May. So we did not do any radiation on that area. We shall see if it is has changed or touching a small nerve. Anyone who has lower back pain knows that a small nerve can cause difficulties - cancer or not. But the steroids he gave me on Sunday is keeping the inflammation down. And add some pain pills, things are looking better :-).

Mom is here being my nurse, maid, dog walker, etc. You name it. When Mom and Dad are not available, my brother Mark has taken over as my keeper going with me to the doctors and writing down eveything they say. Its much easier on me to have someone else asking the questions. And some old high school friends are flying in on Thursday for a visit. I feel really good right now (except for stupid back). So I am enjoying some time at the beach and pool relaxing.

Thank you again for all your prayers. Every time I see my doctor, he still says my race is a marathon - not a sprint. So keep that in mind.

Love, Jennifer