One Year andddddd CLEAR!

Yep, you read the title right.  The April 2014 MRI showed no sign of change.  I will go another year till my next MRI.  It seems my oncologist, Dr. Needles may not return to the office.  I am in the process of figuring out who I should see in that office.  Dr. Hu or Dr. Finnie.

Thanks for checking in.

Kate

2014 MRI schedule

I cannot believe how fast a year can go.  It was March 2013 when my oncologist said I could go one year between scans.  I was elated as that was a milestone in my mind.  Having MRI's every month then every 2, 4, 6 etc.  I was ready for the one year! 

With that being said....
This Thursday, April 10 I will have my yearly MRI. Friday the 11th is my oncologist appointment to find out results. Please pray for a clear scan with NO CHANGE from last year as this is the 1st time I have gone a YEAR BETWEEN SCANS.

My oncologist, Dr. Needles is still out with his cancer.  He was diagnosed last fall & has yet to return to see patients.  I will be seeing Dr. Finnie.  He is in the same practice as Dr. Needles.  He is also my DAD's oncologist.  I cannot wait to introduce myself.  My dad has had multiple myeloma for a good 7 years.

I will update the blog when I hear my results on Friday.  It may be late as our youngest has his "Fun Run" at school that day in which I am helping.  Never a dull moment.... life with 3 boys... in 3 different schools.

Thank you for caring,

Kate  

Finally the March 2013 update

Oops, haven't updated in a long while.  Sorry for those who follow closely.

March oncologist visit...  The MRI was on a Thursday, oncologist appointment with update - Friday.  Dr. Needles came in the room & read the report stating "No change & looks good."  He then proceeded to give me the normal cognitive testing.  Went smoothly.  All in all he wants me to GO ONE YEAR BETWEEN SCANS.  I was elated to say the least.  I think this was a first for me to feel some relief / excitement with a clear scan report.  Each time I would come away feeling Hmm, that is nice... cannot fully express my feeling / emotions.  I had desired to go one year between scans for what seems like FOREVER.  Although Dr. Needles wanted me to come in October (6 months) for a cognitive testing.  March or April 2014 will be my next MRI.  Of course, if I feel / sense anything I can "always call" the doctor. 
I did have a migraine a few weeks prior to the March 2013 MRI & was relieved to hear that my brain matter is clear of cancer. If I don't rest or overdo it a few days in a row my brain will let me know.  I nap almost every day.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.  

Psalm 95:6-7

March MRI scheduled

Just wanted to let you know that the MRI is scheduled for March.  I plan on seeing the oncologist Friday, March 15 in the morning so my MRI with blood work is scheduled the Thursday (14th) before.

The following verses in Isaiah have been an encouragement to me today.  Hope you are blessed by reading.

Isaiah chapter 43  "Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

No evidence for recurrent tumor

The September 2012 MRI showed no evidence of cancer just normal scarring.  My oncologist, Dr. Needles was pleased as the radiologist compared the scan to three previous ones.  3/8/2012, 8/17/2010 & 9/9/2009.  And I quote from the report... "Status post right frontal partial lobectomy.  There is no evidence for recurrent or residual tumor.  No acute intracranial process."

All in all I am relieved yes to hear this news.  Of course!  The oncologist would like for me to return in 6 months for another check up / MRI.  He is pro active & I appreciate that.  I just better remember my blood work papers the next time as I usually bring it with me to the MRI test so I don't have to be sticked twice in one week.  They take the blood work then put in the contrast during MRI. 

I hope to post more thoughts later...

Kate

September MRI

My next MRI is Thursday, September 13 at 9:30 in the morning.  This is a 6 month check up.  I have an oncologist follow up on Friday morning.

16 Years !

"Being satisfied in God (or anything) always seems easier when all is going well. But when things you love are being stripped out of your hands, then the test is real. If God remains precious in those moments, then his supreme worth shines more brightly. He is most glorified." - Desiring God website.

Friday May 4, 2012 Dave & I celebrated our 16 year wedding anniversary.  I am most thankful for a committed husband of 16 + years.  We are imperfect people perfect for each other.  

Easter 2012

March MRI report showed no signs of cancer. I will have my next scan in 6 months (September). This recent scan I was allowed to wear ear plugs & have a ear phone covering my ears (small one but thankful none the less).

Draw Near...

I have been reading the book, Draw Near by Sherry Blankenship lately. With laughter & tears it has been good on many fronts. A quote I would like to share that touched my heart (many did)... "God promises that if we truly love Him, He will cause even the most terrible things in our lives to somehow be used for good." In reference to Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.


March MRI is Thursday the 8th at 9:30
Follow up doctor appointment is Friday at 9:30. Will I go another 6 months or will he suggest a year till next scan / appointment?

I have so enjoyed seeing the birds outside my kitchen window sitting on the tree branch all puffed up & then eat their seed in the feeder. God thank you for your beautiful creation & giving us white snow as the backdrop.

Have a restful weekend,
Kate

September 2011 MRI results

Clear is the word for my September MRI scan! I am to return in 6 months for another scan including blood work - March 2012. Speaking of blood work I did have some mishap on Friday regarding my calcium which had nothing to do with cancer (he clarified) but the oncologist was concerned enough for me to do another work up. It ended up being a typo. Thankfully, because he mentioned seeing an endocrinologist if it was still a low number. All in all March is on the horizon for my next step in this journey. I have been asked if there will be a time when they will consider me cancer free & my answer is I do not know. Not sure if they go by years like insurance companies. Really, I have gotten used to the idea of not knowing what comes next.

On the home front the boys are enjoying their sports. Stuart & Cole soccer. Cole asked to play baseball this fall as he took a break during the summer. He enjoys having Dad as his fall ball coach. Carter is on another fall ball team and ready to start 7th grade football (games have yet to begin). Best part of Carter playing middle school football is that practice is during the school day. Love this idea!

Enjoy your autumn days,
Kate