So Much to be Thankful For Despite Adversity

We had a short appointment to discuss the scans Kristi had done last Friday. The scans, which were chest only (not full body), showed mild growth of most tumors. Remember that Leiomyosarcoma is not generally responsive to chemo therapy. So, these results are not surprising. Her doctor would like to do two more treatments and scan again. 

There are some people with LMS who are able to achieve stability or little growth for some time on some chemos. We think that if the growth is similar after the next scans, the doctor may try a different type of chemo. 

There are a few positives to note: After about a week of pretty bad chemo side effects, they begin to subside. Kristi has been able to work all this week. In addition, the continued tweaking of the new pain management regime is helping ease her back pain. 

While all of this is probably the greatest challenge we’ve ever faced, we continue to realize that we are extremely blessed in so many ways including having good insurance, live in the era of modern medicine (especially as it relates to pain medication), have children/grandchildren/immediate family who are extremely caring and supportive, and have extended family and friends second to none. 

Last Saturday, in our quest to travel to every inch of the globe, we found a location just 90 minutes from home which we’d never seen before: the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. A must-do for any bird enthusiast and a really cool stop for any nature lover. We got so lucky to get a close-up look and listen to the Western Meadowlark. We’d both never seen one before. While it’s a pretty bird, its song was incredibly beautiful.