Once in a while you should stop and look at a map just to make sure you are still going in the right direction. That is sort of what we did this week. There was a momentary panic when we thought we may be heading off course, but, we have found ourselves firmly on track and going full speed ahead towards our destination.
There was a lab error with the AFP. We believe the number at diagnosis while still high was diluted, maybe twice, to give us the almost 2500. The real numbers we are looking at now are well above 330,000. The concern came when we did not know if it was in fact a lab error or if the tumor had grown or spread or just did not react to the chemo we have been throwing at it. The CT scan we did today gave us our answer.
The nodules in the lungs are clearing up and the tumor on her liver has shrunk to 2/3 its original size. The Oncologist came to me with tears in her eyes and hugged me she was so happy. I took this to mean that I had not been as worried about this as I maybe should have been and also found it quite comforting that we are working with someone who is incredibly knowledgeable and competent to treat this disease. Moreover, she is doing so without checking her emotions at the door. She actually CARES about Amanda, not just her tumor.
So, after spending all day at the hospital I got to work late and stayed late and must be in first thing in the morning so, I have said it before and will say it again. So far, so good! (Manda summed it up by repeating Zoe from Sesame Street's "Happy Dance" song which is Zoe jumping around and around saying, "Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy" all over the place. We are indeed happy.
Mere :0)
Posts
5 comments:
what a relief!
Mere,
I have tears in my own eyes right now. I'm so relieved to know that Manda's oncologist is so compassionate and real. I honestly feel that in rough medical times, that can count for a big boost in getting better. I know Manda isn't likely to feel that energy, but you guys sure are. (Am not as earthy a type as that comment appears, promise.)
Know that we're out here caring too.
Forgive me - I can't remember what numbers mean what, but I do know that "shrinking to 2/3 the size" is definitely a good thing. So glad to hear all is going well!!
THAT IS SUCH GOOD NEWS! I AM SO HAPPY THINGS ARE HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION! SHE IS IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY!
We are so glad to hear this latest news. Here's praying it continues to go well from here.
Roger & Carol Faber
("gretel" is our ship's cat who has her own blog, which is why google thinks that's who's leaving this message)
Post a Comment