July cancer update

I had another CT scan (as I do every 3 months) of my abdomen and pelvis on June 29th and follow up appointment with Dr. Werner and Ester (PA) a few days later. 

I was shown my CT results from this visit in comparison to before starting Palbocicib the oral chemo medication.

The scan results were great and we started to see some shrinking of my tumors!

 Results:  

 A soft tissue density nodule in the retroperitoneum adjacent to the right psoas muscle has decreased in size now a maximum axial diameter of 1.5 cm, decreased from 1.8 cm on the previous examination. Peritoneal or omental implants in the upper abdomen have also decreased in size. The largest, seen just inferior to the gallbladder now measures 1.7 cm in greatest axial diameter, decreased from 2 cm on the previous study. When looking a my CT scans, there are a few tumors that aren't being looked at due to how small they are now. The vaginal cuff tumor was measured as 24 mm x 21 mm now compared to previous scan. Dr. Zempolich states that she is unable to feel this tumor as easily now during my exams. 

I haven't been feeling the best over the last few months, lots of fatigue and foggy brain. I have always been somewhat anemic before cancer, but was feeling worse and this time I had my Ferritin levels checked which were very low. I started receiving iron transfusions every Friday in August for 5 weeks with each treatment being about 1 hr. It took a few weeks to notice a change, but wow, I didn't realize just how exhausted I was and started to have some energy again! 

I also started to get a shot every 6 months called Prolia. It is a medication that is given to strengthen my bones since the chemo medication depletes my bone strength. Luckily I haven't noticed any side effects.  

Ledgefork Camping for Pioneer Day

We started a new tradition on the weekend of the 24th of July by going camping at LedgeFork Campground above Oakley. We had lots of fun cooking Dutch oven dinners, playing in the lake, fishing, and of course eating marshmallows and feeding the critters.

The girls played in the Smith and Moorehouse Lake all day despite it being a little chilly.

EVE 6 and Offspring/311

I was so excited when I heard that Eve 6 was going to be playing just down the street from our house at the Daybreak Concert area this summer! Plus it was a free show! I have loved Eve 6 since I was in high school and had fun hearing them play! Their sound was a little different from their cd's, not as much yelling etc, but they are a lot older now!

We also attended the 311 concert with Offspring. It was so good and fun to hear these older bands play live! We enjoyed re-living our high school years again. 

4th of July

We enjoyed the sun and water during July and of course Popsicles at Grandma Susie's with Preston Whitmil.

Riverton 4th of July parade with my cute girls followed by fireworks at the park.

The girls got to ride in the Sandy 4th of July parade with Grandpa Matt and Sandy City Fire too! They were supposed to ride in the back of the old Model A firetruck, but it was leaking antifreeze so they hopped onto another truck. They loved throwing candy to everyone and having a little for themselves too!

We love free stuff and the girls and I were excited to make cow masks for free Chick Fil A!

In July, one of my favorite and most positive patients I have worked with Dianne Thompson, was discharged from therapy. She had been coming to our clinic for over 1 year!

Aubrie participated in a soccer clinic by RSL and got to meet on of the professional soccer players and Leo the Lion.

Tee Tee is a cat that I grew up with when I was young. I remember when we got him and I took him to school for show and tell. He was so wild and scared that he climbed up the back wall( made of carpet) in the classroom up to the ceiling! He was such as sweet kitty and passed away from kidney problems.