Raining and cool, sunny and humid, twists and turns of summer

     Since my last post ,  I have had gradually worsening pain in my sternum area. And yes the doctor new about it.  The pain started out as a discomfort or like a bruise when you push on it.  And even though I'm active,  I'm no way in any type of shape or  condition of any sorts. Nor do i exercise routinely. So I knew I hadn't injured the area in exercise or any other way. Every three weeks when I see the doctor I would tell him I thought it was getting worse. Most recently I had an X-ray and it didn't show any abnormalities.  The pain is now effecting everything I do. Sneezing I try to avoid at all cost.. Coughing too. Lifting things I actually ask for help with now.
So now I have had a C.A.T Scan and I won't get into the madness it took to get the results because that made me really mad. The scan shows the pain is being caused by the pressure from the tumors growth. That's most plain English I can use for you. The liver tumors have grown and there's more of them also.
The game plan is to get this pain under control. So I am currently taking OxyContin . They will increase the dose as needed until its tolerable.  And that will be slow going. Wow that stuff is something else. Hard to believe there are people out there wanting to feel this way. I won't have any treatment until the pain is under control. My next one is scheduled for after July 4.  The 2nd part of the game plan is to decide if I want to continue on chemotherapy and beating my body up. No easy decision by any means.
I have a paper with questions for the doctor for my next appointment.
Please pray for me and my family as we begin down this path with many twists and turns .
Peace
Kelly

I'm late posting just like spring is late arriving

After my late post in February I thought I would update routinely and on time.....which is only after doctor visits. Well that is what I had been doing anyways.
      I had a doctors appointment the last week of March and at that appointment found out that my latest C.A.T. Scan showed growth in the lung mets(tumors), and stable liver mets. So my Dr. and I talked about changing drugs to get a better grasp on these lung mets. The drug is an older chemo but one I have not had. I agreed to switch but not without hesitation because the last two or three drugs have been newer chemo's and with less side effects. I started my new chemo last week Monday and was in bed sleeping for 4 days following.. All day and all night.  Nauseated some too. So I'm hoping the side effects lessen each treatment.
      Over the past year I have had a fast heart rate. Chemo's can damage heart muscles....I finally asked to see a cardiologist because I would get random chest pains, and sometimes short of breath. I had a stress test done and it came back good. No muscle damage. So now the cardiologist wants me to take some medicine that should slow my rate down....and the side effects...fatigue. I guess I will be getting a lot of rest.
     I have a few daffodils and crocus in bloom which remind me spring is here it just doesn't feel like it.  I hope everyone enjoy the sunny days that are soon to be in an abundance .

Peace
Kelly

Happy holidays!

Happy Valentines Day! Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!

I can not remember not posting anything since Thanksgiving. I am in shock myself. Sorry for those that follow my blog and that's how you stay updated.
    There isn't much you missed quite honestly. I am on another new drug since the one mentioned at the thanksgiving post stopped working to keep the tumors stable.  I take this treatment every Monday. However because it makes me very fatigued , starting after spring break I will have treatment for 3 weeks in a row and one week off. That is as long as the cat scan show stable mets. I will have the scan March 18.
     It's been two years now since my stage 4 diagnosis. I am so thankful to all of you for your support and prayers. The goal is to keep the tumors from  growing as there is no cure. So I will always be on chemotherapy. Every year I survive, the scientist keep coming up with new drugs. As long as there's tools in the bag we are in good shape.
    Show your LOVE to those you care most for! Let today be a small reminder of that love.

Peace to you

Kelly