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969 days ago
I received the booster infusion on Thursday. I've only got one more "set" of these to go. The end is in sight. I'm feeling great. The most annoying side effect is an unpleasant metallic taste in my mouth a few days after each infusion. It seems to be more pronounced with each infusion. I had an opportunity to give a "testimonial" at church on Sunday about how I believe my mindset and my faith in God have helped me deal with the recurrence and (I believe) helped me go into remission so swiftly. I do have quite a lot to say about a lot of things. I started writing a book after the first diagnosis and one of these days I'll get around to finishing it. It's basically an autobiography with some life lessons/philosophy added in. Some people might be quaking in their boots at the thought of me writing an autobiography (some juicy stuff - go figure). While it will be an honest look at events from my perspective, it wouldn't be done in the spirit of "I'm going to ...
976 days ago
I saw Dr. Lloyd last Thursday. My parents went with me so that we could get the "official" report on the PET/CT scan. He again said that the report showed no cancer activity at all and that I was completely clear. As I expected, he wants me to finish up the full six treatments so after seeing him I had the 5th infusion last Thursday. After the chemo is finished, he will want me to receive Herceptin "indefinitely". Herceptin is not considered a chemotherapy drug but is still given intravenously every three weeks. I'm hoping that someday another delivery system will be developed (pill or shot). Anyway, I am feeling awesome and am grateful to be in remission. I attended a "Cancer Wellness" retreat this past weekend. I was really looking forward to three days of rest, relaxation, and time to myself. I was not disappointed. My household can be somewhat chaotic and, with three school age kids, it's the very rare moment that I'm home alone and everything ...
983 days ago
I was supposed to go to the infusion center last Friday for a Procrit shot but I forgot. I drove in first thing this morning and while I was there, ended up seeing Dr. Lloyd. He asked if he had called me with a report from my PET/CT scan. I said, "Yes, you did. Thank you." He said, "It was a VERY good report, Cheryl. All the areas that showed active cancer on your last scan are now inactive." I asked, "Does that mean that now I can technically say I'm in remission?" He said, "Yes." I told him, "I never expected anything less." He laughed and said, "I like your confidence." I shed a few tears of gratitude in the car as I left the medical center. Not a bad way to start the week. Of course, he didn't say, "Let's forget the two other infusions I had planned for you." I have one scheduled this Thursday. I've held unwavering faith that this would come to pass. Is it a miracle? All of life is a miracle. I ...
987 days ago
Phone message left yesterday at 2:29 pm "Hi Cheryl. Dr. Lloyd calling. You had a very good report on your PET/CT scan so we'll discuss it at the time of your next visit but it was very favorable with marked improvement in all aspects of the cancer. So, congratulations on what's a very good report. Bye, bye."
990 days ago
Curiously, I didn't experience a "down day" after the last big infusion. Albert and I had a gig on Saturday night, March 3. I took a short nap late that afternoon but, otherwise, was fine. I was able to do my regular Sunday stuff. I received the Gemzar booster last Thursday, the 8th. No problems with that. Dr. Lloyd wants a PET scan now so I'll be doing that tomorrow. He has high expectations that things will be much improved over the scan I had in November. Early on in the treatment I was anxious to know of improvements. I wanted proof that things were "working". It's odd but now I'm not on pins and needles to know the results. I KNOW that things are better, I can feel the difference and mentally, I've come into a place where I believe in the truth of my healing. In other news, the band is rehearsing, it's going very well. We've got some dates scheduled. I was able to squeeze in a little more recording time this weekend. We're anxiously awaiting news from ...
