Monday, September 15, 2008

Where Two or Three Come Together...

Today was a long, busy day for Nicole and Bryan. She started out getting labs drawn this morning. The results were great! Her ANC went way up. Hemoglobin and liver function test stayed about the same. Her white blood count and platelets were also normal. They then met with the oncologist who was very surprised and pleased to see her ANC had gone up so much. He told them he wasn't even sure she'd be able to get chemo judging by last week's results. He discussed her PET scan results more with them. There are "more than 4" spots on her liver measuring about 1/2 inch each. The mass on her kidney didn't light-up during the PET scan which is a good thing. It could very well be a cyst but he wants to do an MRI on it in 3 weeks and will continue monitoring it. She also asked about a lumpectomy or mastectomy. He said they never used to do it with stage 4 but lately studies have shown it to be beneficial. Once she is in remission and stable for one year, he will do the surgery. Nicole and Bryan said he sounded positive and happy with her progress.

She was able to get her second chemo treatment following the appointment. Other than a 2 hour wait for the meds, that went well. Tomorrow afternoon she goes back to St.Cloud for an injection of Neulasta. Neulasta is used to help fight off infection in chemo patients. It boosts white blood cell production which helps prevent infection. The down side is the main side-effect which is body aches. Her next scan will be in 3 weeks. I am confident it will show that the chemo is working and her tumors are shrinking!

Thanks to Shawn & Erin for taking Brock again today! He is getting a lot of time to play with his 2-year-old cousin, Weston, but I know it isn't always easy to keep 2 toddlers from arguing over toys!

Keep praying for the chemo to do its job and for positive, peaceful thoughts to surround their family.

Matthew 18:19-20
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them"

4 comments:

Aunt Brenda said...

Nicole,
Wow, what great news! Having your very own "Network" praying for you has been beneficial. We hope to continue to hear good news. You are in our prayers often. Stay strong - keep thinking positively -it seems to be working!
Love ya,
Aunt Brenda

Anonymous said...

You have more than 2 or 3 gathered in his name by golly to lick this thing so don't you ever ever give up. You are a survivor and we all know it!!!
with a whole lotta L.O.V.E.
Sandy

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful news Nicole and Bryan! It definitely proves the chemo is working and so are the prayers. I think the prayer chain keeps growing larger. The meditation techniques Julie was going to teach you will help handle the new aches and pains. We're always here for you. Love Mom and John

Anonymous said...

Nicole,

What awesome news!!! Stay strong and keep fighting this demon. Always praying for you and thinking of you on a daily basis.
Our God is awesome!!!

Kristal