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Happy Valentine's Day

Sherryl had a PET scan today as scheduled, which took a couple of hours but was painless.  The results will be available next Wednesday during her appointment with her Oncology Nurse Practitioner.  As we await the news with hope, prayers, and optimism, we'd like to wish you much love and . . .

A Very Happy Valentine's Day!

    

Disappointing News: Tumor Marker is Up

Sherryl learned some disappointing news today from her oncology nurse practitioner.  The tumor marker has been monitored since she was diagnosed with breast cancer and has fluctuated between 34.4 and 54.  The goal is to keep the tumor marker in the low- to mid-20s, and it was 24 on October 31, 2007.  As of today, less than 3 months later, it is significantly higher at 149. 

Sherryl's oncologist explained the treatment plan will be to finish the 6-week course of radiation therapy; Sherryl has reached the half way point with 3 more weeks to go.  The next step will be to schedule a PET scan which will show if the cancer has grown at the original sites and/or appears in more locations.  In addition, more blood tests will be performed.  Depending on the outcome of those tests, coupled with other indicators level of pain, doctors may prescribe for Sherryl another course of chemotherapy treatment.

Sherryl continues to take Tamoxifen, so news that the tumor marker has spiked comes as a shock.  Her appetite is very good and she is experiencing no symptoms related to cancer or the treatment she is receiving.  In addition, blood counts are exactly where doctors want them to be.  These are all huge factors doctors consider as they determine the future course of treatment. 

Following her appointment today, Sherryl spent time with a very good friend, then came home and went to bed early.  She is emotionally drained by this news and is striving to maintain optimism as she awaits the outcome of the tests that will be performed once radiation therapy has concluded. 

Sherryl was able to fully enjoy all aspects of the holiday season and did not have significant worries about cancer, the treatment she's receiving, or side affects that accompany therapies.  A tumor marker that is higher than it ever has been brings much worry, and it's going to be a long 4 weeks between now and the time PET scan results are available.  So it's time to rally for RaRa.  Thank you for continuing to send to our sister wishes of hope and prayers of love.  Your thoughts and prayers are very much needed and appreciated at this time.         

Appointment with Radiology Oncologist

As a result of pain in the right hip, Sherryl saw her radiology oncologist last week.  He thought another scan would be in order to assess the pain and one was scheduled last Friday.  Sherryl learned the results today. 

The spot on Sherryl's hip causing the pain was noted during a previous scan and, as of now, is the same size as it was in February.  While radiation is a potential treatment to this area in the future, no further radiation is planned at this time.  The doctor was more than pleased to report that, as a result of radiation treatment, the pubic bone area is almost completely healed.  HURRAY!!!

Sherryl will see her surgeon this week and surgery will be discussed.  Radiation to the breast area is part of the post-surgery treatment plan.  And Sherryl will see her oncologist next week; discussion of how she is responding to Femara, including tumor margins, will be covered during that appointment.

While Sherryl is experiencing some pain in her right hip, the news today was good and she is not experiencing any of the same pain she felt when first diagnosed with breast cancer.  As for her spirits, she is still soaring from the wealth of love and support she felt at PINK IN THE PARK.  With a celebratory tone, she commented later Saturday evening, "I feel like my cancer ended today!"  Her focus now is to "just get the surgery over with and get on with my life!"  We're all with you RaRa!!!

Sherryl would love to hear how much you and your children enjoyed PINK IN THE PARK!  We invite you to share comments and stories on her Discussion Boards.