The Next Mountain to Climb

Good afternoon. We want to give you a brief update. There was some confusion with people yesterday because a few were under the impression that I was starting chemo on Friday. Unfortunately, the insurance approval did not go through until Thursday evening, thus changing the schedule. So if you got the message that I had chemo on Friday, I’m sorry I did not send an update out early enough and you got caught in the confusion.  I will be starting my new chemotherapy regimen tomorrow. Thankfully, Stanford is again able to work with my local oncologist in order for me to have the infusions in Fresno instead of making the drive up to Stanford. Jim and I both appreciate that!  As long as all goes well with this treatment, the next one will be in four weeks and we will continue that schedule until such time as we change treatment again or my blood work gives us a reason to wait on a treatment.  We know the possible side effects of the new chemotherapy. If they even make an appear...

Jim and I have recently returned from a wonderful road trip. We visited 21 states, some of which neither of us had ever seen before.  The very first day of the trip I had several appointments at Stanford. One of those was to have my PET scans done. We received the results and I met with my LMS specialist to discuss them earlier today.  There were a couple of results that we enjoyed reading. Namely, most of the tumors in my lungs remain stable. It’s always good news when lung tumors aren’t growing.  Unfortunately, the good news ended there. The scans found that I have many new subcutaneous tumors in a variety of locations across my body. I’ve had several on my scalp for the past year or two. There are quite a few more there. They’ve also begun growing in several muscles. Perhaps the most disappointing are the numerous new metastases growing in my bones, notably in my vertebrae and hip bones. Those appear to be growing aggressively with many new tumors needing our attention...