On Monday I went to UCSF for another MRI and to meet with my surgeon. As hoped and expected, the MRI shows no further growth since May. However, the difference in prior year's MRIs is still apparent and my surgeon feels surgery is still needed. He said it is not an emergency and I could chose a time that works best, although he would hope that I would not wait too long. I've chosen to have surgery sooner rather than later and not wonder when I might have symptoms. In light of Ian's 15th birthday on Sept. 25, Helen's play the first 2 weekends of Oct. and a couple of other events David is involved in, I opted to ask for a date after Oct. 25. On Thursday I learned the date will be Oct. 26. I'm confident in my surgeon, one of the best in the world, and believe all will be will.
There is the possibility I will be encouraged to follow surgery with chemotherapy or might participate in a study using a new drug that inhibits the return of low-grade tumors. I will learn more after the pathology study is done.
When David called his folks on Monday with our news, he learned his father was fighting a fever. He ended up admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. This was pretty scary and very likely was caused by the cancer drugs keeping his Multiple Myeloma under control. He is still in the hospital, but has been moved out of the ICU and will go home tomorrow. We are thankful!
We are also thankful Ian is back to swimming, increasing his energy and appetite! We will both walk the survivors' lap in tomorrow's Relay For Life and he will be giving a speech during the lighting of the luminaria as the Relay's Honorary co-chair. Helen is doing well, focusing on theater classes, the play, and French this fall.
We are thankful, too, for all of you and pray you are well, even as you pray for us.
In love, Natalie
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