Cyberknife

While we don’t have a lot to say, it’s going to be at least a few weeks yet before Kristi’s next full body scan, so I thought I’d send a little update. 

Last Tuesday Kristi had an MRI focused only on the tumor(s) on her vertebrae. This was in preparation for a Cyberknife (directed radiation therapy) she had on Friday.  The MRI showed significant growth of the tumor(s) on her spine. This makes us anxious for the full body scan that is not yet scheduled. 

The Cyberknife procedure was not too difficult, and the side effects seem less that we were expecting. Although, she says it feels like someone hit her on the back with a bat and she is a little more fatigued than usual. 

The goal for this procedure is pain reduction. The general consensus now is that her regular “back pain” must be from these tumors. If this procedure doesn’t have any pain relieving effects, she will be having a different treatment from a Stanford pain specialist in the near future.  We just have to wait and see if the procedure does alleviate any pain. 

You might wonder if the pain limits her activity. Actually, it’s when she is not active that it is worse: sleeping, sitting, etc.  Fatigue seems to be the symptom/side effect that is limiting. So for as long as possible, she wants to be as active as the fatigue allows her to be.  She naps when needed. 

Kristi hides her pain and discomfort very well. It’s getting a little more difficult for her to do so - at least with me, which tells me it’s much worse. 

As you may know we took a trip to Australia and Fiji and just got back a week ago. Don’t be surprised when you see more travel exploits. We have several continents, many countries, and a slew of US states yet to visit.  God and credit cards willing, we will see them!

We stayed in the home of beautiful Fijian family whose hospitality was second to none and will never be forgotten. They made our trip very special. Vina’a va’alevu!