Our San Francisco trip left smiles on our faces and strawberry margaritas in our tummies! What looked like new tumor growth and active cancer cells was really residual swelling from the radiation. Heather's MRI displayed the swelling had all but disappeared, so no new tumor growth. The MRS is a good baseline for her next visit, which does not happen for two months - April 21 to be exact.
We had all been on pins-and-needles for the last month after being told what Heather's MRI suggested. I think we all prepared ourselves for bad news and had been thinking about what the next step forward would be. We did not talk about it as much as think about it. Because only positive thoughts enter into our lives, we could not allow our fears to take control. But when we all sat in Dr. Chang's office on Wednesday, our legs were shaking, our smiles at bit forced. Then Dr. Chang wheeled around in her chair with her smile, and I think we knew, but just had to hear the words: Your MRI looks good.
So what does this mean? It means Heather still has her tumor, but it does not appear to be growing. That may not sound like great news, but it is. Heather will always have this stupid tumor and it will someday start to grow again. The cancer cells will become active again; however, if she is on her Temador and it starts to grow, the Temador is designed to attack it. If the tumor grows while she is on Temador, the treatment will be changed. However, so far so good on Temador. And the radiation is designed to work for several months after the treatment ended. So, the swelling was most likely from the radiation (normal) and the radiation could still be killing off some of the tumor, creating dead cells.
She is finally being weaned from her steroids. Once again, we have found some humor in the face of something not in our control. Heather has lead the way to acceptance, and I guess humor is one way to deal with it. Her puffy face and extra weight gain from her high dosage will soon disappear - well maybe in about three months.
Of all the things that Heather has gone through, the puffy face - and maybe the moustache that came with it - has bothered her the most. Mike, her boyfriend of 2 - 1/2 years, has been by her side and has helped to let her know she is beautiful know matter what. Every time I look at her, I see beauty, but I am her mother.
Heather's blood work is fabulous. She has that checked every week. All her doctors - in fact all the medical team treating her - is so proud of her attitude and her inner strength. She has emerged as a role model for anyone who is facing a life-threatening disease. She continues to view this as a bump - OK, a mountain - in the road of life, but she is going to drive over it to see what lies ahead. We remain incredibly proud of her and thankful that she is our daughter.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
WOO-HOO
The UNO/LFAC event was very successful! We raised about $45,000 for Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center. I am so grateful for all the support from friends and businesses and the community. Without all the volunteer time and every single dollar donated, we could not have reached and exceeded Head Coach Mike Kemp's $30,000 goal.
Michele - without you, this event would not have been. We know your plate is full, but you still found time to make certain everything pulled together. We love you and thank you for always being you!
Amy - although you were unable to attend, your constant words of support helped us feel we were always doing well. You have always been very positive with our cause and have celebrated our successes. Thank you!
Mike and Heather - when you were able to be there, you kept the cause close to my heart. I know you wanted the event to be as successful as anyone. Thank you!
Robyn - your artistic and creative ability made our event look professional. And all the work you put into our posters, brochures, donation board, etc. is unmatched by anyone. Your boundless effort to make everything perfect has given Leap-for-a-Cure a boost. Thank you!
Bob - your positive attitude toward everything helps us to keep looking up. Even though you could only be at one game, you could not have chosen a better one. Having you share in the last night met so much to us and to Heather. You are her rock; that is a bond that can never be broken. Thank you!
Jean - your energy with people and connectedness with the community is unmatched. Whenever I am with you, I know smiles and laughter are not far. Your willingness to be "there" at all times is incredible. Thank you!
Jeff - you are our crazy mingling friend. You make everyone feel a part of the "party," so no one feels left out. In addition, you are more perceptive than most people might think; thank you for all your words of wisdom throughout.
Brandi and Jeff - you two were FABULOUS emcees. We could not have asked for any better than you two. Thank you!
Obviously, UNO hockey coaching staff and players - thank you for being so willing to support our cause.
And to all of our other friends and family who volunteered time to help our effort, THANK YOU!
Aaron and Elicia
Chad
Vic and Ruth
Deb and Bill
Deb and Dave
Dave and Kara and Matthew, Mark, and Sam
Dick and Cathy and Charissa and Carly
Kate and another Kate
Brian and Jenna
And to the other people - some of my students, friends of friends, friends who came from their seats to help count money, Heather's medical personnel, and volunteers I met through brain cancer connections - thank you!
Finally, to the businesses who helped throughout - from equipment donations to monetary donations - thank you!
Sometimes it is fun to write about something other than brain cancer.
Michele - without you, this event would not have been. We know your plate is full, but you still found time to make certain everything pulled together. We love you and thank you for always being you!
Amy - although you were unable to attend, your constant words of support helped us feel we were always doing well. You have always been very positive with our cause and have celebrated our successes. Thank you!
Mike and Heather - when you were able to be there, you kept the cause close to my heart. I know you wanted the event to be as successful as anyone. Thank you!
Robyn - your artistic and creative ability made our event look professional. And all the work you put into our posters, brochures, donation board, etc. is unmatched by anyone. Your boundless effort to make everything perfect has given Leap-for-a-Cure a boost. Thank you!
Bob - your positive attitude toward everything helps us to keep looking up. Even though you could only be at one game, you could not have chosen a better one. Having you share in the last night met so much to us and to Heather. You are her rock; that is a bond that can never be broken. Thank you!
Jean - your energy with people and connectedness with the community is unmatched. Whenever I am with you, I know smiles and laughter are not far. Your willingness to be "there" at all times is incredible. Thank you!
Jeff - you are our crazy mingling friend. You make everyone feel a part of the "party," so no one feels left out. In addition, you are more perceptive than most people might think; thank you for all your words of wisdom throughout.
Brandi and Jeff - you two were FABULOUS emcees. We could not have asked for any better than you two. Thank you!
Obviously, UNO hockey coaching staff and players - thank you for being so willing to support our cause.
And to all of our other friends and family who volunteered time to help our effort, THANK YOU!
Aaron and Elicia
Chad
Vic and Ruth
Deb and Bill
Deb and Dave
Dave and Kara and Matthew, Mark, and Sam
Dick and Cathy and Charissa and Carly
Kate and another Kate
Brian and Jenna
And to the other people - some of my students, friends of friends, friends who came from their seats to help count money, Heather's medical personnel, and volunteers I met through brain cancer connections - thank you!
Finally, to the businesses who helped throughout - from equipment donations to monetary donations - thank you!
Sometimes it is fun to write about something other than brain cancer.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Just a Quick Update
We are headed to San Francisco in February. The radiologist, Dr. Chang, and the tumor board feel that the "something" could be new tumor growth, or active cancer cells. Thank goodness we are on top of the situation so little time is being lost. Heather will start her chemo tomorrow night (2/3) for 5 days, then on Feb. 25 she will have an MRI/MRSpectroscopy, which will help determine what the "something" and "leakage" is. Even though the pathology report states "consistent with new tumor growth," the report could be wrong. We will all feel better once we visit with Dr. Chang.
Heather's steroids have certainly taken a liking to her. She gained 12.5 pounds in one week! When she told Dr. Popa that her knees and ankles ache, Heather was expecting to hear, "That's a side-effect from steroids." Instead, Heather heard, "That's because you have gained so much weight"! They both got a chuckle from that.
We will have more TV coverage soon. Channel 3 (KMTV) filmed a segment last night at our house as we were working on the UNO Hockey / Leap-for-a-Cure event. Robyn, Jean, Jon, Michele, Mike, Heather, and I were all busy as the photographer filmed. Nothing was staged. We were very busy folding brochures, updating our signs, writing for the program, writing the script, etc. Carol Wang was very professional and very nice. She fit in well and was very easy to talk to. She also interviewed Heather and me, so it will be interesting to see how the story is developed and aired. At this time, we don't know when it will be on TV. We have been very fortunate with media coverage: KETV (Channel 7), Omaha World Herald (2 stories), KPTM (Channel 42), and now KMTV (Channel 3)! Hopefully, Omaha is getting word: BRAIN CANCER needs support and funding. I don't want to go on the bandwagon, but FYI: funding has been cut for brain cancer.
Lastly, I want Michele to know how much we appreciate her efforts, time, and energy as she has really pulled the UNO event together. Without her involvement, we would not have been able to do it.
Let's all PRAY for good news in San Francisco and for a successful UNO Hockey / Leap-for-a-Cure final weekend!
Heather's steroids have certainly taken a liking to her. She gained 12.5 pounds in one week! When she told Dr. Popa that her knees and ankles ache, Heather was expecting to hear, "That's a side-effect from steroids." Instead, Heather heard, "That's because you have gained so much weight"! They both got a chuckle from that.
We will have more TV coverage soon. Channel 3 (KMTV) filmed a segment last night at our house as we were working on the UNO Hockey / Leap-for-a-Cure event. Robyn, Jean, Jon, Michele, Mike, Heather, and I were all busy as the photographer filmed. Nothing was staged. We were very busy folding brochures, updating our signs, writing for the program, writing the script, etc. Carol Wang was very professional and very nice. She fit in well and was very easy to talk to. She also interviewed Heather and me, so it will be interesting to see how the story is developed and aired. At this time, we don't know when it will be on TV. We have been very fortunate with media coverage: KETV (Channel 7), Omaha World Herald (2 stories), KPTM (Channel 42), and now KMTV (Channel 3)! Hopefully, Omaha is getting word: BRAIN CANCER needs support and funding. I don't want to go on the bandwagon, but FYI: funding has been cut for brain cancer.
Lastly, I want Michele to know how much we appreciate her efforts, time, and energy as she has really pulled the UNO event together. Without her involvement, we would not have been able to do it.
Let's all PRAY for good news in San Francisco and for a successful UNO Hockey / Leap-for-a-Cure final weekend!
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