Yesterday was a very good day. I had my scan at 7:30am and it only took about two hours, which is quick. Then I went to various departments within the hospital to retrieve films, slides and files to bring with me to MD Anderson on August 3.
Shortly after 2pm my phone rang at it was Kelly (Dr. Gradishar's nurse) with the results of the CT. I have to say something about Kelly - she is marvelous. The first words out of her mouth were "I have good news!" Prior to that statement I had been holding my breath so...I took a deep breath and she gave me the results.
The largest of my two tumors has shrunk by approximately 60%
The second tumor has shrunk by approximately 40%
This is wonderful news!
So the follow-up treatment that they are recommending is:
2 or 3 more cycles of Taxol and Avastin. So that is either 6 or 9 (I had 9 this time) chemo treatments. Looks like I will be bald and tired a little longer. Do you think it's too early to start writing letters to Santa asking for hair for Christmas?
I will have my first treatment in this cycle Monday, July 27 (time TBD) and then I will have a week off when I go to MD Anderson (or maybe they would do the treatment there - who knows).
If MD Anderson agrees with Northwestern's assessment of my treatment plan then we will come back to Chicago and continue treatments. If MD Anderson has something different in mind then they will talk with Northwestern and come up with a treatment plan.
The Madden's won this round and the tumors are shrinking. I am not thrilled about more chemo, but I will take it happily since I now know it is working.
Thank you for your love, prayers and support. Keep em coming. I try to remind myself at least once a day that this cancer battle is not a race, but a marathon. You don't know how much your emails, calls, cards, gifts, dinners out, walks and hugs fuel me so I can keep going.
Make it a great day!
Maria
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