Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The Results are IN

Drumroll, please... First, the rash on my left arm is a bacterial infection to be treated with oral antibiotics. I started them and broke out in hives on my arms, legs and abdomen. These were discontinued and I started an antibiotic cream.

The lymph node results came back as NO CANCER CELLS!!!   However, the radiologist (who was the same one who read the last PET/CT scan results) was unsure if they got the correct lymph nodes, so we scheduled another biopsy for the coldest day of the year Monday, January 6.. The nurse wanted to make sure my car would start, so I was scheduled at 8:30 am.  My mom already had a cough and cold, so I told her to stay home and stay warm. Mark could drive me in his fancy car with seat heaters. Another ultrasound and some small talk about Olivia Joy with the ultrasound technician.

This Breast Center was the same clinic that made my official breast cancer diagnosis over 4 years a ago. This time, they took samples of 2 lymph nodes.  The one from last time and the one just below it.

Biopsy Part 2

We waited and waited (cue the crickets :) and....NO CANCER CELLS!!! 

This morning, Dr. Laudi discussed the plan. I am going to stay on course with Erubulin for 2-3 more rounds at a slightly increased dose, then do another PET/CT scan to check progress. 

To recap:  Liver spots are gone, L4 spot is significantly smaller, there appears to be a questionable faint spot on my right scapula.  The rash was a bacterial infection and Dr. Laudi thinks the lymph node activity had to do with that infection. 

Skin rash after a dose of oral antibiotics and a few days of antibiotic cream.  Healing nicely.

Mommy's little helper.

I appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts and support.  Through these years I am grateful to know I am here today and Olivia is here, because of all of you.  From my heart, I THANK YOU!



Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year 2014

Goodbye 2013.  Hello 2014.
Happy New Year!
Celebrating!

We started the New Year as we do every year, remembering Mark's dad who died on New Years Day in 1990.  His father was a runner and used to run around Lake Calhoun every day.  He died while out on one of his runs.  We called Mark's mom to see if she would like to meet us for a late lunch. We drove to the Bloomington Baker's Square and enjoyed some good food and conversation. 

The manager surprised us when he approached our table saying one of his regular customers had just paid for our meal.  So grateful to start the year on this note... with a sweet act of kindness  :)    

Photo by Olivia Joy (just kidding, she fell asleep in the car)