So, we knew the tumor markers were slightly increasing during this past six-month round of preventative chemo.
I have been ready to jump on it, but my oncologist, Dr. Jillian Hill, said my body needed the break. That was mid-January and the tumor markers were at 5.5.
Two months later, the tumor markers are now up to 14.8 — not horrible but not great. (To be in remission, your markers must be under 2.5) We will be starting back on regular chemo on Monday. It will be the full course of four medicines, including taking home “the bag” of 5FU again. I HATE the bag!
Another fun element — Dr. Jeffrey Howard wants to do more chemo embolisms. I did this two years ago where they drop chemo beads directly into a lobe of the liver, going through a vein in the upper thigh. I’m ready!
I have been BEGGING for this! If it will wipe out the tumors, I am all for it! It wiped out most of the tumors last time, and two were healing. In January, the liver was stable, and there were no changes in the sizes of the tumors. Now, those two have shown growth, and there is a small new third tumor. Don’t get me wrong, this is a lot to do physically, but worth it! It is scheduled for April 7 in Tupelo.
I knew I would likely be back on chemo for six more months. I have been trying to prep Pepper and the family about a possible extra six months, well, a year if you include the six months of preventative to follow.
Y’all, God is SO GOOD! To have the doctors and nurses and medicines to take care of this problem, and for surrounding me with such amazing family and friends and PEPPER, #GODISGOOD! GOD IS AMAZING! I am incredibly blessed and I am bombarded with that knowledge every day — even the rough days.
So for all those who I have been threatening to visit all summer, you can escape another year! I was planning a big “coming out” party in May. (I live that “quarantine life” year-round!) I have been telling people that I am going to visit so much, people will get sick of me!
Enjoy your year’s reprive, but get prepared for May 2021! I will be everywhere!!!!! I will be making up for lost time, people! And know that I do not have a problem with being annoying! PREPARE YOURSELVES!!!
have you not thought about getting a second opinion for like in Alabama or in Texas
if had not gave us Dr. Kerlan I would lossTracy
I only want the best of you I will be glad to drive you any where you need to go to see a Doctor I’m going to stop fussing now.
You are not fussing. Dr. Howard is the second. Dr. Hill is a very good oncologist and we are following the national protocols for people with my type and stage of cancer. When we have exhausted the protocol, I can go to the clinical trial stage at some place like MD Anderson. Luckily, that’s not the case yet! Love you!
have you thought about a second opinion
I will drive you where you want to go
love you
Got you on my prayer list. Now I’m going to put the date on the calendar when we can visit. I love you and God loves you. He has been your sustainer through the journey and He is not leaving you now.
Yay! You will get tired of me!!! You have been warned! 🤣😂
My heart ❤️, mind and thoughts and most of all praying for you and Pepper through this trial that God has chosen for you . You are a blessing to so
many and knowing you will beat this with God by your side along with Pepper singing his HeHaw songs . God bless y’all and you fight with everything you have got and then some . Love 💕 and hugs ! 😘😘😘😘
Thank you so much ❤️