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Posted by: Dan @ 5:36 pm
On Thursday (June 1) we met with Sandy’s local oncologist and she removed the 22 staples from Sandy’s incision site. It was relatively painless, though a few of the staples got her attention and she grabbed my hand and our friend Mary’s hand with a death grip as she winced. Immediately following the staple removal, our little friend Ben Nevis - all the way from Scotland - made an appearance (thanks Pat and Heather!) and made Sandy feel a bit better. I think the anticipation and fear of having the staples taken out was worse than the reality for her, as it was after her first surgery in October.
And of course the Gnome was there…
with Sandy’s oncologist on the left and her friend Mary (aka Thelma) on the right.
And more importantly we talked about the next round of chemo treatment for Sandy. She will be taking a drug called Tarceva every day. This is a cell growth inhibitor and is supposed to slow or stop the rapid cell growth of the brain tumor. The other drug she will be taking is called Cytoxan which breaks up the DNA of the fast growing cells. She will be on that drug for seven days, then off for seven, then back on. She will be on these drugs for at least the next two months, and longer if she tolerates them well and they are working. Both drugs are in pill form, so she can take them at home. Side effects vary widely, so we will see how she does with them. She starts the first round tomorrow, Sunday June 4. More on the chemo in the coming days as we learn more.
A big thank you to Lisa and her wine research assistant Amy for bringing us a wonderful home-cooked gourmet dinner last night. It was a fine evening out in the Garden of Friendship, sitting at our new table friends had recently bought us. And a big thank you to Susan for getting me out on the bike again today, for the first time in over a month. So LiveStrong Ride team members - watch out, I’m training again.
Good Night,
Dan
June 3rd, 2006 at 7:28 pm Hi Dan & Sandy…you look amazing Sandy! Would that be a New Zealand paua necklace you’re wearing?
June 4th, 2006 at 8:58 am 22 staples out and you look marvelous!Just keep it up Sandy!
June 4th, 2006 at 10:07 am Sandy and Dan, Great picture, wonderful words! May the chemo do it’s job and be gentle with the rest of you! Positive thoughts and prayers to you!!
June 4th, 2006 at 5:37 pm I second what jkw said. love, Susie
June 5th, 2006 at 2:05 am To Believe To believe… is to know that every day is a new beginning. It is to trust that miracles happen, And dreams really do come true. To believe… is to see Angels dancing among the clouds, To know the wonder of a stardust sky, And the wisdom of the man in the moon. To believe… is to know the value of a nurturing heart, The innocence of a child’s eyes and the beauty of an aging hand, For it is through their teachings we learn to love. To believe… is to find the strength And courage that lies within us. When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again. To believe… is to know we are not alone, That life is a gift and this is our time to cherish it. To believe… is to know that wonderful surprises Are just waiting to happen, And all our hopes and dreams are within reach. If only we believe. “If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.”
June 5th, 2006 at 7:27 am To believe … says it all and once again: I BELIEVE stronger than ever!!
June 5th, 2006 at 7:43 am Hi there - well, I am back from Michigan and we are ready to start a new week. My sister and brother in law are coming out on wed. so we will be out of computer world for about a week. In the meantime it sounds like its time to put the Lance Face on, and take the bad cells out. Go get em’. You will do well because you and all of us believe. Like we said before, these cells picked the wrong person to mess with! All our energy and vibes are heading your way. We are certain the cheesecake is now long gone but it too has healing powers that last a long time..:) Love always, D2