Yes indeedy - an update from your recalcitrant blogger!
So this is what has happened in the last 3 weeks (hmm...guess I need to go back a bit further than that). When we returned to Vernon, Linda had a CT scan to review the fistula and the collection in her abdomen. Imagine our surprise when the radiologist who read the scan announced that there was a 3.5 cm lesion (yes the dreaded cancer) on her liver. We didn't believe it and quite forcefully said - no there isn't a lesion there because...(much medical terminology spouted from my mouth - the gist of which was we knew there was something in 1 lobe and it had to do with fatty sparing and blood vessels). Anyway, Dr H decided to be thorough and Linda had 2 different kinds of scans (red cell and sulphur colloid) and both showed that the area in question was typical of hemangioma rather than c. So great relief in our home - even though we were sure there wasn't anything there - goodness, we are frail creatures when it comes to any suggestion of more disease. This living with fear is the pits!
Linda has got herself set up with a speech therapist. The first visit was an assessment and the therapist indicated that her impairment was mild and gave her a whole swack of exercises to do for prosody which she has been doing sporadically. I think the best exercise so far has been Kim's (from Saskatoon) visit. I thought there was a marked improvement in her speech when she and Kim were blethering on and on about school stuff. This week, her nephew, Chris, has been here from Manitoba - and again, more natural practice is resulting in clearer speech.
She started her 'mop-up' chemo yesterday. It's capecitabine in pill form - she was not impressed with the size of the pills but they have gone down and stayed down. It's a 2 weeks on, 1 week off regime and will continue for 6 months. There's not a whole lot in the medical literature about whether this chemo is really helpful in warding off this particular kind of cancer from recurring but Dr Temple in Calgary (who knows a lot about PMP ) has recommended it and we're going along with his suggestion. We've read about all the possible side effects and have armed ourselves with bag balm and vitamin B and maxeran.
Linda continues to get stronger - fewer afternoon naps, more time spent up and about, more ventures out into the wide world without the wheel chair.
Thank you for giving us this; good news, insight, faith. Your fears are logical, though unpleasant, with this ordeal. Having pulled through the last 95% the eggshells don't get any easier to walk on. Love that you took the time for us.
ReplyDeleteFirst time I've checked the blog in a couple of weeks and "bingo" - there you were with a new update! Seeing and hugging you both was so good for the soul last week! And I'm sure you both enjoyed some precious time with Chris this week. I love you both oodles . . Kim
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the update. We are thinking of you both everyday...
ReplyDeleteHEY! Thanks Lorraine. As one who checks for news on a daily basis, this was a great surprise this a.m. I know that nothing will slow up your speech progress Lin... only duct tape LOL And glad you're doing that chemo followup too. Know it can't be a lot of fun, but staying well is what I'm glad to hear you're doing! I've got one week, then off for two. WAHOO! If you're up for a visit, let us know. love you guys.
ReplyDeleteWhew! That was a great update!How do you keep it all organized in your brain Lorraine? Good to hear how everything is going. Love Lizzy
ReplyDeleteLinda & Lorraine, Great to read your update. I am so happy to hear you are getting up and about more and withour the wheelchair. I think of you both dauly and it was great to catch up on the news. I hope the side effects are minimal for you Linda. Well report cards await so I better get at it. Talk to you soon.
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Hi L and L: Ren tells me he saw you at the show the other night Lorraine and he mentioned that Linda drove to town! Heh it's great that your getting back to doing the normal wonderful daily things. We are hoping that the chemo pills won't be too hard on you Linda and that you continue to get stronger. Look forward to seeing you. Ren and Den
ReplyDeleteGood morning you two! Dunno if you plan on continuing with this blog, but I continue to check for updates as I think of you all the time. Hoping all continues to improve, and look forward to the time you come our way!
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