Results of CT Scan

Today we met with Dr. Bowers to get the results of Ed's CT scan.  As expected the tumors have grown--but we (unofficially) already knew this.  Words like "slightly larger" and "very slightly larger" were used.  With the liver, "a definite significant progression of disease".  Nodes that previously measured 14x9mm now measures 24x15mm.  A 37x42mm lesion previously measured 26x33mm.  Definite progression of metastatic adenopathy; definite progression of metastatic disease to the liver.

Which all of this means is time to hit this darn cancer and the tumors with another mix of chemotheraphy.  Dr. Bowers gave us several options which we will weigh over the weekend and get back to him with a decision on Monday.

Dr. Bowers recommends continuing the Xeloda but adding Oxaliplatin (since we can't use the Avastin due to possible kidney damage).  Unfortunately, the Oxaliplatin side effects are neuropathy and cold sensitivity--serious stuff that can't be taken lightly.  He also recommended either adding now or in the near future Cetuximab (Erbitux) which has the side effect of a rash.  Ed could choose to try the Irinotecean again, but this wasn't Dr. Bowers first choice.

So time to do more research and make some decisions.  The neuropathy associated with Oxaliplatin is kinda scary with possible permanent numbness and having to deal with the cold sensitivity is troubling (use gloves to get things out of the frig, can only drink things at room temperature, even need to be careful when going from warm/hot air to A/C).

Damn this disease...

Feeling Like Crap

Although Ed had a great time at the Graduation party on Sunday, he was pretty wiped out on Monday and spent the majority of the day on the couch.  He continues to have no energy, doesn't feel good, and has body aches.  He had his CT scan this morning and we'll meet with Dr. Bowers Thursday at 11:15.  Hopefully we'll get some answers about what's going on and can determine next steps.  I'll try to post an update Thursday night.  Until then...

Party Time!

Graduation Party time that is!  And what a busy but great weekend we had!!  Dan had left Thursday night for NYC for an interview on Friday.  So he wasn't home until Saturday night since him and Cassie stopped at Matt's graduation party in CT on the way home.  Nate and Cassie then stayed with us until Monday which was a treat.

The party was on Sunday and it was a sunny, hot day and we all had a great time.  We're thankful to Cathy for her tents and Grover for his tables which enables folks to be outside in the beautiful weather but stay cool in the shade.  We had a great turnout and it appears everyone had a good time and enjoyed the food.  I thank everyone who contributed appetizers and/or desserts--thank you all!

Doctor's Appointment

Wednesday, May 23rd, Ed had his biweekly doctor's appointment.  Over the past week or so he's been randomly telling me "something's not right" and he feels his liver is enlarged.  At his appointment on Wednesday, Dr. B. measured the liver and didn't record any change.  The results of the bloodwork weren't ready when Dr. B met with Ed, so he sent Ed on his way and said he'd call him.  Well an hour or so later, Dr. B. called Ed both on his cell phone and left a message at home.  He said the bloodwork was showing that something was up with the liver and told Ed not to take the Xeloda as regularly scheduled, but instead call to get a CT scan as soon as possible.  So Ed now has a CT scan scheduled for Wednesday, May 30th.  Until we get the results of that, we won't really know what is going on.  However, Ed is struggling with having no energy and also an odd sore shoulder.  I'm sure part of having no energy is the worry about what is going on.  The sore shoulder is just bizarre...he'll be fine all day and then will sit for 15 mins and all of a sudden his shoulder is causing him pain.  He's also not sleeping well, partly due to the shoulder pain, so that isn't helping either.

So for now we wait.  This weekend we have Dan's graduation party so all we can do is enjoy the weekend.  There's nothing we can do until we know what the CT scan is showing.  Of course, we try to remind ourselves that we've been "lucky" and for the past 2 years, we've basically been living with his cancer and not having to deal with the white elephant in the room.  Ed not feeling well, though, is reminding us that this is a deadly disease that is in his body and at some point, the cancer will begin to win this battle.  However, for 2.5 years Ed has been on the same chemotherapy mix and so we have certainly not used up all our options yet.  Of course, some days are easier than others to focus on the positives versus the negatives.  Easier for me to say than for Ed to do.  I'll keep you posted...

Graduation Day

Today is the big event--after 5.5 years of studies, Dan has officially received his Bachelors of Science/Masters of Architecture!  We were limited to 6 tickets so it was me, Ed, Cassie (Dan's girlfried), my mother, and my sisters Marion and Cathy.  After the ceremony we had lunch at Leo's in Bristol--one of the best restaurants in town.  A fitting way to complete this chapter of our lives and our last day in Bristol!

Madeline Albright was the Commencement Speaker

Dan and Nate

Cassie and Dan

Ed, Dan, and Me

Dan and Grandma

Auntie Mar-Mar, Dan, and Auntie Cate

Colin, Nate, and Dan

Dan's Hooding Ceremony

 

Today marks the beginning of Dan's week-long celebration of his RWU graduation.  Today he headed back to Bristol and will hang with his former roommates Nate and Matt for the week's celebration.  All three of them are Arch majors and all three will be receiving their Bachelor of Science/Master of Architecture on Saturday.  Tonight is the Hooding Ceremony, Wednesday night is a President's Dinner, Thursday is rehearsal and a BBQ lunch, Friday is dinner with Nate's family and Saturday is the big event--GRADUATION!

Both Ed and I also drove out today with my sister Theresa and my mother to attend the Hooding Ceremony.  We had a nice (late) lunch at Aidan's in Bristol before attending the ceremony.

Theresa's first visit to Bristol/RWU.  Mt. Hope Bridge in the background.

Grandma and Dan

Auntie Theresa and Dan

Dean White and Ed

Dean White and Dan

Me, Dan, and Ed

Our Graduate!

Happy Birthday Dan

Today, May 12th, marks Dan's 24th birthday!  Where does the time go?  So glad we were able to celebrate with him this year.  For the previous 5 years he was away at college and if we went to visit him, our celebration was limited to a quick lunch or dinner as he was usually in the middle of finals for studio.

A new golf bag as a birthday gift.  Needless to say, Ed picked this out!

His birthday treat was homemade ice cream sandwiches using homemade choc chip cookies.
And some banana blueberry muffins as well.

In other news, Dan has received a couple calls for interviews.  He had one this past Friday in Springfield, MA, and he has another on May 25 in NYC.  Although he's only semi-interested in the job he interviewed for on Friday, the interviewing is good experience and he's not ruling anything out at this point.  Feels good to at least get some calls for interviews!

No Change

There was no change at Ed's doctors appointment today.  There is still protein in his urine so he will continue with only taking the Xeloda and holding off on the Avastin until lab work looks better.  Next appointment is in two weeks on May 23rd.  I'll keep you posted!

Welcome May

I love May.  I guess it's because it means Spring has arrived.  Of course, it is also the month in which Dan was born and there's Mother's Day as well...so it's always a special time of year.  So bright and sunny and a happy time.

Not a lot of news since my last post.  Ed is still doing fine and has another doctor's appointment this week, so hopefully his tests look good.  He does continue to be tired and just does not have the energy that he once had.  Last week some friends came over to help him redo the roof on our back porch.  We are so thankful for their help and now there are no leaks when it rains!

One of the two skylights installed as part of redoing the porch roof.

Dan is still looking for work and applying for a number of jobs, but so far, no bites.  On one hand, it gives him the flexibility he needs for attending upcoming graduation-related events and he's able to play some golf as well.  But it can be discouraging, so if you know of any architects, let us know so we can pass Dan's name on.  I truly believe it will only be word-of-mouth that will get his resume to rise to the top of the pile.

For me, April meant dealing with two annoying issues.  One was a broken tooth.  I bit down one evening and had sharp pain and made a note to call my dentist.  However, a couple days later it was feeling better, so I ignored it (I wonder where I get that from--Mom!).  Well, Friday evening (yes, after the dentist office was closed for the weekend), the tooth broke.  Saw my dentist on Monday and ended up getting a crown.  I am surely thankful I have dental insurance!  Also, last month, several days after my 5K, my left hip began to bother me.  Not sure why and I never had any problems beforehand.  So I tried ignoring it--which didn't work; tried working through it--which didn't work; and then I took a week and did no running or walking and just rested it--and that seemed to do the trick!  I'm back on the treadmill and have starting small amounts of running (yesterday I did 15 mins).  I was going to do another 5K on May 12th, but it was postponed for some unknown reason--which was probably good because I probably would have tried running it when I wasn't really ready!

In other news, Ed and Dan went to a Red Sox game yesterday. The tickets were a Christmas gift from me to the both of them.  Unfortuntely the Red Sox lost, but the weather stayed nice (no rain) and they really liked their seats.

A view from their seats

So, all-in-all, a good month.  As I said, I do love the month of May!

My Lily-of-the-Valleys are blooming early.  I've loved these flowers since I was a kid and remember them growing near the side of the house on Granville Road!

A not-great picture of a small hawk on our back porch.  Hope it doesn't try to eat all the small birds around the house!