More Milestones
Hello, everyone! As you know, we are in California this week for my 4th treatment of Yondelis. The chemo is dripping at its usual 24-hour pace, but my dose has been lowered somewhat due to the "muscle wasting" complication.
Last week marked two important milestones in my life: October 10th was my 41st birthday, and October 12th was the 8-year anniversary of the day I learned about the ovarian tumor that changed everything. (Also, October 11th was our daughter Ashley's 16th birthday, so there was much to celebrate for our family over the weekend.)
Eight years. Wow.
This fourth treatment is also a milestone, in a way. It marks the minimum number of treatments necessary to be considered for the S.U.C.C.E.E.D. trial, although I don't know if we will go that route or continue with a couple more Yondelis treatments and then decide. The decision will most likely hinge on whether I have the egregious side effects with this dose, too, and if my upcoming scans (1st week of November) showed continued stability. (Actually, both continuation of Yondelis and the SUCCEED trial require stability/shrinkage, so I don't know what will happen if I have tumor growth.)
I am feeling well right now, and I am optimistic that maybe I won't be sick this time. I know that optimism is not justified by history, but hey, I can hope, right? In the meantime, I am enjoying the better days and enjoying hanging out with Josiah, who has been kind enough to allow us to stay right here in his apartment this time. It's nice, because it gives us a chance to spend lots of unhectic, uncomplicated time with him. Today we walked near the beach and had lunch at a little cafe. In the midst of the horror of treatments, we spent many happy moments of Josiah making my wheelchair (and me!) dance to the music flowing onto the boardwalk from the souvenir shops -- memories that brighten both these days and the days ahead when are far apart again. I am hiding them in my heart for those moments when I need to find a "happy thought".
(I also found a "toilet elevator" today so I won't get stuck on the toilet again. Try explaining that one to a 20-year-old clerk at Target!)
:-) Sharon
P.S. -- For those of you who are Josiah fans, you can now pre-order an autographed copy of his EP (to be released on October 28th). Look for the banner near the top of the page here: http://www.myspace.com/josiahleming .
Last week marked two important milestones in my life: October 10th was my 41st birthday, and October 12th was the 8-year anniversary of the day I learned about the ovarian tumor that changed everything. (Also, October 11th was our daughter Ashley's 16th birthday, so there was much to celebrate for our family over the weekend.)
Eight years. Wow.
This fourth treatment is also a milestone, in a way. It marks the minimum number of treatments necessary to be considered for the S.U.C.C.E.E.D. trial, although I don't know if we will go that route or continue with a couple more Yondelis treatments and then decide. The decision will most likely hinge on whether I have the egregious side effects with this dose, too, and if my upcoming scans (1st week of November) showed continued stability. (Actually, both continuation of Yondelis and the SUCCEED trial require stability/shrinkage, so I don't know what will happen if I have tumor growth.)
I am feeling well right now, and I am optimistic that maybe I won't be sick this time. I know that optimism is not justified by history, but hey, I can hope, right? In the meantime, I am enjoying the better days and enjoying hanging out with Josiah, who has been kind enough to allow us to stay right here in his apartment this time. It's nice, because it gives us a chance to spend lots of unhectic, uncomplicated time with him. Today we walked near the beach and had lunch at a little cafe. In the midst of the horror of treatments, we spent many happy moments of Josiah making my wheelchair (and me!) dance to the music flowing onto the boardwalk from the souvenir shops -- memories that brighten both these days and the days ahead when are far apart again. I am hiding them in my heart for those moments when I need to find a "happy thought".
(I also found a "toilet elevator" today so I won't get stuck on the toilet again. Try explaining that one to a 20-year-old clerk at Target!)
:-) Sharon
P.S. -- For those of you who are Josiah fans, you can now pre-order an autographed copy of his EP (to be released on October 28th). Look for the banner near the top of the page here: http://www.myspace.com/josiahleming .
posted by Sharon | 2:03 AM
10 Comments:
Hi Sharon,
Your recent blog sounded very optimistic. I am so very glad that you are enjoying some nice quality time with your family and walking on the beach. A good friend of mine lives in Rancho Palos Verdes and I keep picturing the beach not too far from her home. I have some great memories of when my friends and I had lunch at a mexican restaurant overlooking the water with great views of the ocean. Hold onto your memories too. They can really lift your spirits when you're not having a great day.
You must be really excited now that Josiah's EP release is just about here. I am very happy that his music will now be heard on radios for all to hear. I can't wait to receive my copy of the Ep so that I can finally share the music with the rest of my family. I did download his songs awhile back, but could never figure out how to get them on the IPOD. I'm not very computer saavy. Oh, I did figure out how to play the very beginning of One Last Song on the piano, and now my 10 year old daughter is playing it too! Hopefully the sheet music will be available soon.
Anyway, I hope the rest of your stay in California is comfortable and that you receive the results that you are hoping for. If you get the chance, you should check out a place called "Pinkberry" for some healthy frozen yogurt! It is supposed to be very good!
Have a wonderful day!
Fran
josiah must be doing well if he can afford an apt. in LA by the beach. Way to go! Can't wait to check out the new album. He's a talented kid. Good luck, Mrs. Leming. You have a lot of love around you.
k
Hey dollface,
just stopping by with an extra hello.
Love,
me in Santa Cruz
Hi Sharon, so glad you are enjoying your time with Josiah. I can picture him dancing you around on the boardwalks :)
Take Care and keep us posted. Know that you have tonsss of love and support all around you!
Sending lots of prayers, and positive thoughts and energy your way too
Deb(inOHio) xo
Hi! Sharon thanks for creating this blog and sharing your experiences with others. Here's to hoping you have a great week and a happy day. Love, Some dude.
Hello Sharon: I sure do hope your symptoms after this last treatment aren't too tough on you. Also, I'm saying a prayer that the results you get in early November are encouraging again. And goodie for you(!) in being able to spend the week with your son. Love and the joy of togetherness can be very good medicine indeed. Lorraine
Best regards from Spain
I check your blog every day for updates :) Hope you're doing well and enjoying the autumn season.
I have read your blogs for so long now but never post. I am one of many Josiah fans but didn't want you to think I was contacting you to get to him. I just wanted to finally post to say your strength amazes me and your wonderful outlook on life is an insperation to everyone who reads these stories and I thank you for sharing your life with us. I also want to say Happy Belated Birthday. Without knowing maybe I found a strong connection to you because we share a birthday. I just turned 37 on October 10th. I hope you are continuing to do well and look forward to updates from you. Blessings and lots of love, Lisa
Hi, dear Sharon. Have been sending your way good thoughts. It is a special day. Josiah is climbing the iTunes #46 now,if it did not change. As an aside, I hope you are eating your berries and fish. God Bless.vaselisa from Florida
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