April 4, 2024. I think giving myself a nice long break from posting has made me lazy. I’ve been trying to talk myself into an update for a few days now. The good news is that there isn’t much to tell with regard to my disease. I’m stable. Still. As far as we know.
About four weeks ago both my husband and I contracted a virus (not COVID) after a trip to the emergency room (for him, not me). He’s been suffering from severe vertigo, and our family doctor recommended going to emergency to rule out a stroke because it was not only affecting his mobility, but his vision, too. Good news. It was not a stroke. Sucky news. Two days after our visit we were both sick. He had pretty much recovered after a couple weeks, but I haven’t been so lucky. Given my lungs are compromised by metastatic disease likely has a lot to do with it.
A week ago today, I had CT scans of my chest and abdomen/pelvis. No new disease or growth was detected. However, due to my lung infection, the nodules they typically measure for growth were partially obscured. Therefore a good reading was impossible. But as far as they can tell, I am stable.
I saw Dr. Rugo on Tuesday to discuss the scans and next steps, if any, in my treatment plan. Because the chest scans were a bit compromised, they will be repeated on April 30 followed by a video appointment a day or so later to discuss the results.
I did get a CTE (tumor marker) blood test at the time of my scans, and the number had spiked by 10 points. It was a bit alarming, but I was told that spike could be due to the viral lung infection I’m suffering from. So I’ll get that checked at the end of the month as well.
Until then, I continue my break in treatment.
Thanks for your continued concern and support. You raise me up and fill my heart with deep appreciation and love.
Magic lies in challenging what seems impossible. —Carol Moseley Braun
lana has cancer 