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We just arrived home from Seattle after ten days. Good to be home.

Yesterday I had a PET scan and my first treatment of Herceptin (not chemo as I wrote in an earlier post). Just a few minutes ago my oncologist called with the results of the PET scan. In summary, the spots on the liver are not cancerous. The spots on the lung are cancer, however, they are very small.

We are so happy the news is not as bad as we had feared. Next step: back to Seattle in two weeks for another PET scan to see if the treatment is being effective.

I don't even know what to write. I have never experienced the emotional roller coaster of these past days. I expect there will be more days like these ahead, but we will just plow through them. Knowing you care helps us through. Thanks for your prayers.

P.S. There were many times I wanted to blog or reply to emails these past days, but the wireless network at our RV park is slower than dial-up!

The Wait

To update you, I will actually receive my first chemo treatment Thursday evening. Earlier that day I will also have a PET scan, which will show whether the spots on my liver and lungs are malignant. So right now, we are in the so-called Waiting Room.

Our home-away-from-home is now an RV park off of I-90. My in-laws brought it over last weekend. It is very comfortable and convenient to Bellevue. (Does anyone know of a good massage therapist in the South Bellevue/Factoria area?)

My sisters are also in town to help me pass the time. Yesterday we went to Shoe Pavilion and I bought two pairs of shoes and one pair of boots at a going-out-of-business sale.

Your support means so much to us. I treasure every note of encouragement.

Up, Down and All Around

Completed this week's round of tests. While we had good news, we also had results that mean more tests. The bone scan didn't show signs of cancer, however, the CAT scan shows suspicious spots on my liver and lungs that will be evaluated further. Fortunately, the spots are small, but it was not the news we wanted to hear.

Although I did have the port placed, I did not have the first chemotherapy treatment. We are seeing the oncologist on Monday morning so we are staying in Seattle until then, and will probably be here through Wednesday.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts of support.

This Week's Schedule

The Seattle adventures will continue this week. I have two tests on Wednesday to evaluate my heart (EKG and MUGA scan). On Thursday, I have a CAT scan and a bone scan.  Finally, on Friday the port will be placed in my chest and I have my first chemo treatment right after.

Fortunately, the days are going by quickly, much more quickly than the nights.  Blanca, my sister, will be traveling with Vince and me to Seattle. My sister, Diane, who lives in Olympia, may also join us.  The three of them were with me during the initial consult a couple of Fridays ago.  It was amusing to see the reaction of the doctors/nurses/staff who would enter the small examination room where I spent my first afternoon at the center. At one point, eight of us were in the room.  

We will be staying at the home of a WWU alumni couple. They were kind enough to let us stay there last week as well. WWU alumni are the best!

Relief

The test results came back. Yes, the lymph nodes are cancerous, but the spots on the right breast are not.

As some of you know, yesterday was rough for me.  My even-keeled nature is not accustomed to the emotional roller coaster of this experience!  Thank you for helping me through this. 

Seattle Tests

Have you ever spent an hour encased in a MRI machine? I have. We just returned from two days of tests at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

We now await the results of four biopsies I ended up taking today. Two for lymph nodes by the left breast and two for suspicious spots on the right breast (identified by the MRI and ultrasound).

Today we began to fully grasp the tough road we have ahead, but we remain optimistic. 

Friday Consult in Seattle

I wanted to let you know about our visit to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.  We met our care team last Friday afternoon.  The team included an oncologist, a surgical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a radiation oncologist resident, and others. (We left the center with seven business cards each person gave us.)

After evaluating the medical tests done in Walla Walla, the oncologist's recommendation was to begin chemotherapy treatment before the mastectomy. The type of cancer I have is aggressive and there is a high probability that it has spread elsewhere.

After I begin chemo, they will know how effective the chemo is by monitoring how it affects the breast cancer, and in turn, cancer cells that may have spread elsewhere.

I'll be in Seattle next Tuesday and Wednesday to have an MRI, mammogram, and lymph node biopsy that will give doctors more information.

I have agreed to be part of a research study and the good thing is, I will receive additional monitoring throughout my treatment.

The most difficult part of this experience has been the waiting, but we feel great about the Seattle medical team.  And, we feel blessed that we will have the support of family, friends, and Walla Walla University (my workplace) that will be required for the Seattle treatment to happen.

Many of you have offered your help/support--from meals, prayers, and magazines to flowers, Bible passages, kid playdates, and plane transportation. Vince and I are so appreciative. Now that we know more about the road ahead, we may be taking you up on it.

Thank you!