Good News
Ok... so here's the big news. You already know it's good... so much for a big finale.
My partner, Urs, had a progression in her cancer 3 months ago and had to change to a different chemo therapy drug. After 2 1/2 years of weekly IV chemo, she Really wanted to try an oral drug so she could get away from the IV stuff for a while. (Also known as 'having a life outside of the doctor's office'.) Her doctor wanted to keep her on IV chemo and try to knock back the cancer with aggressive treatment. (Which equates to baldness and generally feeling like shit day after day.) Her doc relented and we have just completed the first 3 months on the oral chemo.
Results??? No new progression of the disease!!!
We are SO relieved! This time, more than any other, we were very worried that the chemo would not work. It's just been too easy to take a handful of pills every day! Urs has had few side effects from the drugs and her severe shortness of breath has completely cleared up. She has hiked, biked and walked places this summer that have been impossible for her for the last 2 1/2 years. She feels like a normal human being and I feel like I got my partner back!
Since we both know that this will not last forever, we know that we need to take advantage of her good health and the time away from the doctors to do more of our favorite thing... travel! Our dream is to take the motor home and drive the circumference of the country, but having parents in fragile health and a business to run kind of makes the timing bad. Maybe someday. She still needs IV drugs once a month to strengthen her bones and a quick check up with the doc, and that's all for the next 90 days. So, we have to be back here at least once a month, but other than that, we're pretty free until her next CT scan in January.
More good news... my mom who has bounced between the hospital and nursing home for the last 8 months, gets to go home tomorrow! Yea!
So... that's the news! Good news all around! We've been given the time... now we just need to decide how to use it!
My partner, Urs, had a progression in her cancer 3 months ago and had to change to a different chemo therapy drug. After 2 1/2 years of weekly IV chemo, she Really wanted to try an oral drug so she could get away from the IV stuff for a while. (Also known as 'having a life outside of the doctor's office'.) Her doctor wanted to keep her on IV chemo and try to knock back the cancer with aggressive treatment. (Which equates to baldness and generally feeling like shit day after day.) Her doc relented and we have just completed the first 3 months on the oral chemo.
Results??? No new progression of the disease!!!
We are SO relieved! This time, more than any other, we were very worried that the chemo would not work. It's just been too easy to take a handful of pills every day! Urs has had few side effects from the drugs and her severe shortness of breath has completely cleared up. She has hiked, biked and walked places this summer that have been impossible for her for the last 2 1/2 years. She feels like a normal human being and I feel like I got my partner back!
Since we both know that this will not last forever, we know that we need to take advantage of her good health and the time away from the doctors to do more of our favorite thing... travel! Our dream is to take the motor home and drive the circumference of the country, but having parents in fragile health and a business to run kind of makes the timing bad. Maybe someday. She still needs IV drugs once a month to strengthen her bones and a quick check up with the doc, and that's all for the next 90 days. So, we have to be back here at least once a month, but other than that, we're pretty free until her next CT scan in January.
More good news... my mom who has bounced between the hospital and nursing home for the last 8 months, gets to go home tomorrow! Yea!
So... that's the news! Good news all around! We've been given the time... now we just need to decide how to use it!
posted by Barb at 9:20 PM
9 Comments:
Well, that is FANTASTIC news (well worth waiting for)! Thanks so much for sharing with us. I imagine that you both feel like you have a new lease on life...
Sooooo, where are you traveling to next!?
great news, barb!
Barb, that is great, great news. I hope the news will continue to be good for both you and your partner, because, as Pee Wee Herman once said, The road's a'callin!
Yay!!!! That's FANTASTIC. Definitely take advantage.
The pics of the bike statue from France are really cool.
Don't worry about not running enough during your vacation. That's why it's called a vacation. You'll bounce right back. And I bet 80% of the 8 lbs is water anyway.
Well that's GREAT news!!! Well worth the wait! I'm SO SO happy for you guys and hope that your travels bring the fun and thrills that you're anticipating! Hope everything continues on such a positive track!! Be well..
That is so great to hear!! Woot!
Thanks everyone! I'm sure you can imagine how relieved we are! The only big thing we have planned is a trip to Las Vegas. Bright lights and big city! Whee!
Barb & Urs,
That is FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC! Maaaan I love to hear that kind of good news. Your fighting and your guts inspire me to no end.
Also, yeah for mom. I'm sure she feels good to be home.
Stay tuned...
I'm a little late to the game, but Barb, I am so happy and excited for you both. Enjoy whatever time life gives you-- you have both earned as much.
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