“Unchanged”(many times), “Stable”(many times), “No NEW Evidence of Intracranial Metastatic Disease”, “Stable Radiation Fibrosis”, “No Evidence of Recurrence”, “No, No, No, No NEW” (here, there, and nearly everywhere).
It all adds up to another good report at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute yesterday. Even the things that may seem like concerns likely aren’t. Yes, the radiation fibrosis plagues my poor, little left lung. Yes, I’ve a slightly collapsed lower lobe in my right lung. (Gotta work those lungs, use the spirometer, climb those hills, lift those lobster traps!) Yes, there is increased size of sclerotic lesions in the left and right pedicle of my L4. But even though the report says “likely osseous metastases” (secondary cancer), it was decided that it is most likely instead a result of aging. (Something I’ve always wanted to be privileged enough to experience!) We will see what is decided in 6 months when I’m scanned again. For now I am just amazed at how well I am, all things considered! My Lady Lorlatinib continues to keep her red high heeled boot on that nasty little ROS1 cancer. How she stays so strong and vigilant is a miracle.
My blood work was also good. Some of the changes I wondered about were likely caused by the prednisone I had to take for the first time in preparation for the scans. After 9.5 years, I had my first allergic reaction to the contrast last time, so forever more I must pre medicate. Little did I know it is such a high dose that I had the jitters and insomnia last night… Big sigh. But no allergic reaction, so that’s a good thing. My cholesterol was just above normal. Everything else (not affected by the prednisone) was NORMAL. (Another beautifully boring word.) My neuropathy (as reported by me!) is unchanged and tolerable (another one!). Research saves so many lives. Call your members of Congress to ask for reinstated research $!
It was a beautiful day for a drive despite the bumper to bumper traffic into and out of the city. The leaves are beginning to change, we chased the moon home, saw several deer, a heron, turkeys, a fox, and a large (eagle size) unidentified bird. Dan even stopped by the Penobscot Narrows Bridge so we could catch that moon we had chased for hours. It was a long, but necessary trip with a good outcome. We are lucky to have family and friends happy to help with Ruby Jean and the goats so we had no home worries while gone. We feel blessed and grateful.
I’ve continued my advocacy work with the American Cancer Society. Here’s a link to the latest project I was asked to participate in to encourage everyone to ask your representatives for funding of cancer research.https://researchvoices.fightcancer.org/story/corinne/ https://act.fightcancer.org/a/cancer-research-funding-isnt-optional-its-essential-2?_gl=1*ym2s0l*_gcl_au*MTI0NTQzODAwNy4xNzUzMDMwMDg4*_ga*ODA3MDExNTg5LjE3NTMwMjk5NDA.*_ga_YVX9D1V8EX*czE3NTc2OTk5NTYkbzIkZzEkdDE3NTc2OTk5NzEkajQ1JGwwJGgw
My art play has taken a bit of a back seat to the garden, canning and freezing, making pickles, and helping Dan get in his lobster traps. Hopefully I’ll do some more dyeing in the next few weeks. So far I’ve done some with goldenrod and marigolds, and I have sunflowers drying and waiting to be used. Ruby Jean loves our walks up the hill, picking beans (self serve), and being a boat captain. With the return of school came the return of weekly family breakfasts for any who can come. Soon it will be apple picking time! Life is full.
polepole ~ breathe 