The past few days have been challenging and I'll catch you up on the latest...
I had a cat scan on Monday and because I've been coughing, wheezing, and running out of breath, I expected that the darn old pneumonia was still bugging me. But it wasn't pneumonia. We met with the doctor Tuesday and he told us that the good news is the blood clot is gone. But the bad news is that the tumors are growing again. The symptoms are back because my airway is getting blocked. He was very kind but he explained some very tough realities. He has already used all the statistically most effective chemo drugs to fight the cancer. What we're left with is deciding between three not very cool options:
1.stop treatment
2. take part in a phase 1 clinical trial at a university in Seattle or Portland (this sounded like a good idea until he explained what it involved and the risks...) 3. try another chemo drug that hasn't proved to be as effective statistically, but has worked with some people
We decided on option #3 and I'll start with this new drug tomorrow. If my symptoms start to improve, we will know that this drug is working.
Greg and I have been feeling like we did that first week I was diagnosed almost a year ago. It was so disappointing and shocking and difficult to process. I am not afriad of what's ahead and I know that the Lord has me in His loving hands. But it's still hard.
But this weekend we are going to the Oregon Coast for a week and we'll be enjoying lots of family. I am so excited about this trip! Jake is coming from Nashville, Besty and Cam will be camping not too far from where we'll be staying, and the Russells will get to go for a few days. We've also let my brothers and sisters know so if it works out, maybe some of them can come for a few days.
Thank you for continuing to pray for us. We love you and are so thankful for you. Love, Julie
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7 comments:
So sorry to hear your news. It sounds like you made the right choice, though. Cancer is such an individual disease that statistics don't always mean much. This new chemo could be just the thing for your tumors. I will keep praying that that is the case, and think of you often.
Cindy L.
Julie,
I'm sorry the tumors are growing. I will pray that this new drug will work!!!! Enjoy the coast...we were just there last week...beautiful.
Love,
Heather M.
I love you guys so much, and I'm praying that the old-school chemo will do the trick!! We can't wait to see you this weekend!
Julie,
Thank-you for sharing the good and not so good news. Cindy stated it well above. (I ditto her comments) Have a wonderful time at the Oregon Coast.
Love, Lauri
I wish I hadn't scheduled my trip to Hawaii this next week. Let me know if you are going to be there Saturday and Sunday, we could get over there. Mom and Dad and Darrel are here. It was fun showing them the studio and firing up the light show. Perhaps you could come down and play and record some stuff? Anywaay, I'll see you soon. Enjoy the coast, I am jeolous! Well, there is a coast in Hawaii, but its not the Oregon coast. Are any cousins going to come for a visit?
All the best,
Love Jer
Julie, I wish I was able to pop out to the coast too. I love the Oregon coast. I hope that my mom and I will make it out to see you in July. My mom is sure excited and so am I. I can't wait for you and Greg to meet Zoë. I love you and am praying for you! :-)
Abbie
Lung cancer is a "tuffy", but doctors don't have crystal balls. Miracles do happen and people beat the odds sometimes (seen it). You're doing your part, your friends and family are doing their parts and everything else, as you well know, is out of your control.
On the flip side, it's exciting news that you're going to get a chance to head out to the coast and meet up with family! It's been years and years since I've been out there. I'm sure you'll have a blast!
Think of you often and will hope Option #3 makes a positive difference. Cousin Debbie
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