Wednesday, August 7, 2013

big week

Today I go in for scans.  I won't find out the results until Friday, when I fly back to Florida.

I was so hopeful when we started this drug.  Now I'm not so sure.  The armpit in my tumor (I just went to erase that error, but figured that's kind of what's going on here) continues to grow.  I now have some numbness in my upper arm, and it zings every now and then with certain movements  (mostly when I'm loading the dishwasher-should I stop?).  I'm sure it's pressing on a nerve.  And at what point are we going to have to take action (surgery or radiation)?

The rules are that these scans have to show less than 25% growth of overall tumor burden to continue the trial.  I am planning it.  Not sure what we would do if I get kicked off, I guess it depends on where the cancer is (I'm sure anything in the brain will disqualify me as well).

The good news is, there has been no pain since it went away that first dose.  These two tumors in the armpit shrunk most definitely and quickly after the first dose, but have now grown back to original size, or possibly bigger.  I haven't felt anything new pop up.  So that is also good.  Who knows?

I will for sure let you know.  Thank you for all your thoughts and lovely prayers.  I am sorry to have neglected my blog.  I admit to falling into some sort of semi-depression lately.  But physically I feel good.  Tired, but at the end of the day that's hard to complain about.

Mostly I'm just scared.  Sure I put on a happy face while I put Luke to bed, but when he goes to the kitchen for a drink I sob ugly sounds in the dent where is warm body has just been.  My sweet little boys!  And then just as suddenly, I have to pull myself together when he climbs back in.  This is the double life I live.  How long can I keep this up?  And which life will win in the end?

8 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for the update. Lots of us are praying for you and I've been checking the blog to see how things are going. You continue to inspire me.

    (On a side note, my son said that a beetdigger was a lame mascot. I grounded him for a month.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hang in there Alisa! This is crazy tough. So are you. Much love!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've followed your blog for a while, and we are definitely pulling for you. These times of uncertainty and up-and-down hope are the hardest. Several times I have gone back to the miracle of your PET scan results after ipi, and that brings a reminder that the impossible is in fact possible. It reminds me that God does give grace and extra time to enjoy those hugs and snuggles and all the best things in life. Blessings on you and your family, and on your upcoming results.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've been thinking about you so much today after reading your post this afternoon. My heart hurts for you. Leading this double life has got to be exhausting. It amazes me how you keep it together around those adorable boys. You have the sweetest soul and deserve nothing but the best. You are loved and prayed for by so many!! Hoping for wonderful news on Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was just driving around wondering about you yesterday. We keep praying, and we'll continue to do so. Thank you for being so honest here. This is how I keep up with you since we're all so busy this summer with our own kids...I haven't talked to Sonja in a while. The Lord has performed many miracles in your life, and I have no doubt there is another one in the works here. Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You had me convinced that you weren't too worried, but I should know better than most how pervasive the worry is. I hope everything is amazing with these scans. Good luck! You're in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Alisa-Much love and prayers!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. We are praying for you Alisa!!! You are so inspiring!!

    ReplyDelete