I can just imagine the scene: Dr Keller comes in and tells us to follow him to the monitor where he pulls up Bobby's CatScan pictures, the May pix right next to the August pix. He clicks through each slide noting each of the nodules we've been keeping an eye on for the past 2 years particularly the left adrenal gland, and he's amazed that everything has shrunk by a miraculous 50%. Then he says, "whatever your doing, keep doing it!" And we reply, "well, we're eating well, exercising, and praying."
Whelp, that's not exactly the way it all came down today. Instead of miraculous reduction, we saw some discouraging increase in the size of the adrenal glands. To fully assess the situation, Dr Keller has ordered a PetScan and Brain Scan. If the activity is limited to the adrenals, we'll likely schedule surgery in the near future. There are more questions than answers at this point, but we are just trying to take one step at a time. We are thankful that the report wasn't worse, but mindful that we are still in a battle with a formidable enemy.
Thank you for your prayers for wisdom and discernment to make the right decision in the days ahead.
Love, Juli
Another Fork in the Road
So I guess we'll take Yogi's advice and take it.
We have a checkup with Dr Keller today to look at the most recent CatScan and assess the situation. At the appointment in May where there was an indication of growth in the left adrenal gland, so we're a little apprehensive about that changes have occurred over the past 3 months. If there's more growth we could be looking at surgery. If all's well, he'll probably continue on the Afinitor. If somewhere in between, who knows?
We had a fun time in Memphis last weekend. Bobby & I went to his 40th High School class reunion. I had no idea Bobby went to school with so many old people. Of course, I'll get my turn next weekend when we drive to San Antonio for a similar gathering of my Vicenza classmates. It's been 35 years since my graduation. How did it fly by so quickly? I suppose it has something to do with all the great friends we have made along the way. You have enriched our lives and made the journey so enjoyable.
Love, Juli
We have a checkup with Dr Keller today to look at the most recent CatScan and assess the situation. At the appointment in May where there was an indication of growth in the left adrenal gland, so we're a little apprehensive about that changes have occurred over the past 3 months. If there's more growth we could be looking at surgery. If all's well, he'll probably continue on the Afinitor. If somewhere in between, who knows?
We had a fun time in Memphis last weekend. Bobby & I went to his 40th High School class reunion. I had no idea Bobby went to school with so many old people. Of course, I'll get my turn next weekend when we drive to San Antonio for a similar gathering of my Vicenza classmates. It's been 35 years since my graduation. How did it fly by so quickly? I suppose it has something to do with all the great friends we have made along the way. You have enriched our lives and made the journey so enjoyable.
Love, Juli
Really Really Ridiculously Overdue Post
If you ever saw Zoolander with Ben Stiller you'll get the really really ridiculous part of the title. Otherwise, you'll at least get the overdue part.
It's been a fast few months without a whole lot of inspiration to post an update. We had a slight setback in May when Bobby's catscan showed a very slight increase in the size of the left adrenal gland after pretty steady reduction over the previous months. We went off on a tangent thinking it was time to have surgery to remove it, along with any reproducing cancer cells that had taken up residence. But after consulting with several different doctors, the consensus was to take the wait and see approach, scan again in August and take it from there.
So we pressed on with some fantastic summer vacation plans, which included a weekend in Tucson for my nephew's wedding followed by a week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Driving and hiking through the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks was absolutely incredible. The majesty and magnitude of the beauty of that part of the country just took our breath away. I kept thinking, why did it take me 50 years to see this? Thanks to the generosity of some friends from church, we stayed in the most amazing cabin right on a river inside Grand Teton National Park. So peaceful and beautiful. Thanks again, Nancy & Phil!
After a couple of weeks back in the Tulsa heat, we escaped again to Colorado for a week to see Michael. He's been working at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail, a family camp near Lake City. It was great seeing what he's been doing and who he's been doing it with all summer. Knowing he's in such a good place and having a such a great time makes it more bearable having him gone this summer.
We are remembering Leslie even more than usual this week as we mark the 3rd anniversary of her "home-going." The hole is as big and deep as it's ever been, but just like we felt about Michael being in a good place, we know Leslie is in an even better place. She has a better understanding of the mysteries that perplex us, and a depth of joy and peace that we have only glimpsed. But I sure would give anything to have her walk through the door again, toss the keys, and wave her hand, "Hey!"
Bobby's next appointment with Dr Keller is August 10th. I promise to post a speedy update.
Blessings,
Juli
It's been a fast few months without a whole lot of inspiration to post an update. We had a slight setback in May when Bobby's catscan showed a very slight increase in the size of the left adrenal gland after pretty steady reduction over the previous months. We went off on a tangent thinking it was time to have surgery to remove it, along with any reproducing cancer cells that had taken up residence. But after consulting with several different doctors, the consensus was to take the wait and see approach, scan again in August and take it from there.
So we pressed on with some fantastic summer vacation plans, which included a weekend in Tucson for my nephew's wedding followed by a week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Driving and hiking through the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks was absolutely incredible. The majesty and magnitude of the beauty of that part of the country just took our breath away. I kept thinking, why did it take me 50 years to see this? Thanks to the generosity of some friends from church, we stayed in the most amazing cabin right on a river inside Grand Teton National Park. So peaceful and beautiful. Thanks again, Nancy & Phil!
After a couple of weeks back in the Tulsa heat, we escaped again to Colorado for a week to see Michael. He's been working at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail, a family camp near Lake City. It was great seeing what he's been doing and who he's been doing it with all summer. Knowing he's in such a good place and having a such a great time makes it more bearable having him gone this summer.
We are remembering Leslie even more than usual this week as we mark the 3rd anniversary of her "home-going." The hole is as big and deep as it's ever been, but just like we felt about Michael being in a good place, we know Leslie is in an even better place. She has a better understanding of the mysteries that perplex us, and a depth of joy and peace that we have only glimpsed. But I sure would give anything to have her walk through the door again, toss the keys, and wave her hand, "Hey!"
Bobby's next appointment with Dr Keller is August 10th. I promise to post a speedy update.
Blessings,
Juli
Good News or Good News?
Yesterday was our quarterly checkup with Dr Keller, and I'm pleased to report that it's all good. I wish I had a video clip of Dr Keller walking in the door saying, "So, do you want the good news, or the good news?" He is every bit as excited that the Afinitor seems to be working as we are. The CT report reads "stable" for every tumor we have been watching. Of course the better news would have been, "complete regression, no evidence of disease," but we'll take what we can get. So, he'll stay on the Afinitor, and we'll have another checkup in May. In the meantime, Bobby's working out at the Y everyday, and perfecting his grocery shopping and cooking skills. We bought our first AllClad saute pan at the Williams Sonoma outlet last weekend, so there's no telling what delicious dinners he'll be whipping up. No complaints from me, except a small one when he corrects my mushroom slicing technique.
My sister Lynne has been in Tulsa for a month, and has just finished a round of chemo. She has a checkup next month with the oncologist here, but we think everything is going well. We are going to San Antonio next week for her son Adam's graduation from USAF Basic Training. He has done well, and is excited about starting tech school and beginning his career in the Air Force.
Thanks for checking in with us.
Love, Juli
My sister Lynne has been in Tulsa for a month, and has just finished a round of chemo. She has a checkup next month with the oncologist here, but we think everything is going well. We are going to San Antonio next week for her son Adam's graduation from USAF Basic Training. He has done well, and is excited about starting tech school and beginning his career in the Air Force.
Thanks for checking in with us.
Love, Juli
2010 - Bring It On
I know it's a worn-out cliche, but I can't believe how fast the year has gone. Just 12 months ago, we were catching our collective breath after a rough round of IL-2 in Nashville, hoping that it worked well enough to get to do it again, yet dreading the prospect. Then there was all the hassle and frustration with medical records, phone calls and missed calls between here and Vanderbilt. Although the second round of treatment was delayed, it was actually a blessing as we got to take a trip to San Francisco with friends, a Desert Storm reunion in Phoenix, celebrate Michael's high school graduation and participate in our dear friend Katie's wedding.
The summer was pretty much wiped out with the second round of IL-2. We celebrated Bobby's 57th birthday in August and our 28th wedding anniversary in September. Because the results of the IL-2 were mixed (one tumor growing, the other shrinking), Bobby started Afinitor, and oral chemo drug, in October. Other than the side effects of fatique and mouth sores, he's tolerating it all really well and the first checkup showed regression in the tumors. In fact, he's feeling so well, we're starting to think about pursuing a return to work, although there are a lot of considerations. For one, the work-to-well program at FedEx may not be as accommodating, with the current economic situation. A lot depends on the next checkup, at the end of this month.
Looking forward to 2010, we remain optimistic. We continue to work on the same ole things, eating better, exercising, reading the Bible, and being kind to one another :) We hope to spend lots of time with family and friends, and to stay engaged in meaningful work, whether it be here at home or in our community. We're also looking forward to having my sister Lynne here in Tulsa for a few months, while she continues her breast cancer treatments. Thankfully, she's had some positive results with her current treatment schedule. Rick with commute to Tulsa in between his business trips, until they get permanently settled in St Louis this summer.
Who knows what 2010 will bring? Though we'd like to think the good will be the best, and the bad won't be the worst, we know things usually fall somewhere it between. But regardless of the circumstances, one thing we know: our Rock will still be our rock and our Hope will still be our hope (Psalm 31). We wish the same for you in the year ahead.
God's blessings, Juli
The summer was pretty much wiped out with the second round of IL-2. We celebrated Bobby's 57th birthday in August and our 28th wedding anniversary in September. Because the results of the IL-2 were mixed (one tumor growing, the other shrinking), Bobby started Afinitor, and oral chemo drug, in October. Other than the side effects of fatique and mouth sores, he's tolerating it all really well and the first checkup showed regression in the tumors. In fact, he's feeling so well, we're starting to think about pursuing a return to work, although there are a lot of considerations. For one, the work-to-well program at FedEx may not be as accommodating, with the current economic situation. A lot depends on the next checkup, at the end of this month.
Looking forward to 2010, we remain optimistic. We continue to work on the same ole things, eating better, exercising, reading the Bible, and being kind to one another :) We hope to spend lots of time with family and friends, and to stay engaged in meaningful work, whether it be here at home or in our community. We're also looking forward to having my sister Lynne here in Tulsa for a few months, while she continues her breast cancer treatments. Thankfully, she's had some positive results with her current treatment schedule. Rick with commute to Tulsa in between his business trips, until they get permanently settled in St Louis this summer.
Who knows what 2010 will bring? Though we'd like to think the good will be the best, and the bad won't be the worst, we know things usually fall somewhere it between. But regardless of the circumstances, one thing we know: our Rock will still be our rock and our Hope will still be our hope (Psalm 31). We wish the same for you in the year ahead.
God's blessings, Juli
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