September saw me driving to London ,Ontario for a series of scans.
The results are below:
#1. Octreotide Scan Sept.12th. with injection the day before. 3 areas of the liver had up take, the largest in the dome of the right lobe. The other 2 were in the posterior segment of the right lobe. A small focus of uptake is seen in the spleen, not seen previously. Overall improvement with appearance of liver lesions.#2 C.T. Scan- Sept.13th. A lesion in the right lobe close to he diaphram has increased to 3.8 x 3.2 cm. from 2.8x 2.1 cm.The lesion in the posterior segment has decreased in size. Degenerative changes are seen throughout the skeletal structures.#3. MIBG Scan- Sept 17th. A lesion in the anterior superior right liver lobe as seen in C.T.scan. Two lesions attached together in the anterior superior segment of the right lobe. Other lesions seen 6 months ago have disappeared. There is significane improvement. My blood work shows that the cromogratin A is 24 and my 24 hour urine test was 53. These are both better levels then last year. Dr. Kocha and Dr. Reid say that further treatment -chemoembolization should be done in 2008 to reach the lesion which had increased. I have follow-up 24 hour urine test in November also. This would be my 3rd. Chemoembolization.Visiting: I have enjoyed visiting with my son, Dave & Wendy and granddaughter Emma while in London. They live in Lambeth. I have also visited with my 2 sisters and nieces and nephew in Orangeville area this fall. My sister Donna and I travelled to Elmira and went to a charity Quilt show put on by the Menonites.These are very beautiful and all handmade and hand quilted, works of art,for sure. We also went to the St. Jacob's farmers market. Wow is that a huge market and wonderful produce and crafts and much more to see and buy. I bought delicious Ambrosia apples, potatoes, squash and onions and great nippy old cheese. YUMMY! Travel: I am leaving for a trip to Puerto Vallarta Nov. 23rd- Dec.15th. It will be my 3rd trip there and I am very excited and happy to be able to go to the land of sun, sea, and palm trees. We will be staying in Old town at the Rosita Hotel, a quaint hotel on Banderas Bay near the board walk-The Malecon. On The Malecon you see lots of art shows and musical performances. The weeks in December will host the evening parades to the Church for Christmas celebrations- very beautiful floats and bands and dancers. Watch for my photos in January, but until then you can see the other trip photos at Web shots. Thanks to all my faithful friends and prayer partners and family, you have made my health treatments and follow-up so much easier to bear. I feel you prayers and positive thoughts as I take each new step of my journey to health and happiness.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
SUMMER 2007
I am enjoying the sunny hot days with family and friends.
Last weekend I attended, "Books by the Bay" in Callender. I especially enjoyed
Graeme Gibson's talk about birds in literature. The Centennial park, on Callender's waterfront was a beautiful place to relax and enjoy. Saturday night Margaret Attwood gave a humorous talk and reading from her book, "Moral Disorder". Poetess Lorraine Janzen read some her many poems. They were very expressive and filled with wonderful imagery. Our books were signed by both writers later in the evening.
Sunday morning, we enjoyed an early morning cruise on the Chief Commanda II.
Darren Renaud shared his research, "Flight of the Nipissings".
Earlier in the Week I was inspired by viewing Doris McCarthy's art Exhibition in the Parry Sound Station Gallery. Doris's iceberg paintings certainly portray our Canadian, majestic landscape and rugged life. I had the pleasure of meeting Doris at the opening of her Gallery in Toronto,York University, a few years ago. Doris is an energetic prolific artist even now at 97 years young.
Our beautiful province of Ontario is filled with talented artists of many varieties. Last Fri. night my ears and soul were equally refreshed listening to our local musicians in South River United Church, "Sounds for the Station". even surpassed previous proformances.
I will be continuing my summer of the arts in August by attending the "South River Festival of the Arts". August 9th-12th. Our Burks Falls Art and Crafts club will hold an art exhibit in the Seniors' building. This is the same weekend that we are having our Annual Book Sale, for Friends of the Library, at the Sundridge, Foodland Garden Centre. It will be a busy but exciting weekend. I do enjoy volunteering for these events.
I am so happy to have the summer relatively off from health treatments and travels and tests. I still receive my monthly injection of Sandostatin, but my nurse comes to the house to give them. I will return to London Health Centre for 3 scans in September, C.T. scan, Octreotide scan, MIBG scan. These will give the Doctors an up date on the state of my liver tumors and they will decide on the need or not need of additional treatment or medications.
Thanks to all my support team for your continued prayers and up lifting notes and help. You are the best!
Last weekend I attended, "Books by the Bay" in Callender. I especially enjoyed
Graeme Gibson's talk about birds in literature. The Centennial park, on Callender's waterfront was a beautiful place to relax and enjoy. Saturday night Margaret Attwood gave a humorous talk and reading from her book, "Moral Disorder". Poetess Lorraine Janzen read some her many poems. They were very expressive and filled with wonderful imagery. Our books were signed by both writers later in the evening.
Sunday morning, we enjoyed an early morning cruise on the Chief Commanda II.
Darren Renaud shared his research, "Flight of the Nipissings".
Earlier in the Week I was inspired by viewing Doris McCarthy's art Exhibition in the Parry Sound Station Gallery. Doris's iceberg paintings certainly portray our Canadian, majestic landscape and rugged life. I had the pleasure of meeting Doris at the opening of her Gallery in Toronto,York University, a few years ago. Doris is an energetic prolific artist even now at 97 years young.
Our beautiful province of Ontario is filled with talented artists of many varieties. Last Fri. night my ears and soul were equally refreshed listening to our local musicians in South River United Church, "Sounds for the Station". even surpassed previous proformances.
I will be continuing my summer of the arts in August by attending the "South River Festival of the Arts". August 9th-12th. Our Burks Falls Art and Crafts club will hold an art exhibit in the Seniors' building. This is the same weekend that we are having our Annual Book Sale, for Friends of the Library, at the Sundridge, Foodland Garden Centre. It will be a busy but exciting weekend. I do enjoy volunteering for these events.
I am so happy to have the summer relatively off from health treatments and travels and tests. I still receive my monthly injection of Sandostatin, but my nurse comes to the house to give them. I will return to London Health Centre for 3 scans in September, C.T. scan, Octreotide scan, MIBG scan. These will give the Doctors an up date on the state of my liver tumors and they will decide on the need or not need of additional treatment or medications.
Thanks to all my support team for your continued prayers and up lifting notes and help. You are the best!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Health update- April 15/07
On April 12/07 I received the results from my last scans and blood tests and urine tests. I had my appointment with specialist Dr. Kocha and Nuclear specialist Dr.Reed.
The C.T scan results were very positive, showing tumor shrinkage in all sectors. :).
The blood marker for carcinoid tumors- cromagratin A -value was 24.anything less then 100 is good. The amount of hormone secretion in the 24 hour urine test was 46, this is down from the last test which was 112. a normal reading is 42.
The blood tests showed that all my liver functions were back to normal. :)
I said, "OK I'm done now!" :Oh no, we never let you go," said Dr. Kocha.
They intend to keep checking on me and I guess that is a good thing, even though at this point I am so tired of scans and tests.
I do get a short rest as my next 24 hour urine test is at the end of June and my next C.T. scan, MIBG scan, and radioactive Iodine test are not until the end of August.
I will be continuing to have the monthly Sandostatin injections. The nurse comes to my house to give these, so that is much better. This injection was increased from 20mg to 30 mg. in January. It will continue to counter the hormone secretions put out by the tumors.
I am so blessed to have great doctors and nurses and such an attentive medical team working to improve my health and protect me from future health issues.
I am also very thankful for you, my support team. your thoughts and prayers and hugs and cheerful, encouraging words and cards have carried me over lots of bumps and valleys over the past 2 years. Many Thanks!
The C.T scan results were very positive, showing tumor shrinkage in all sectors. :).
The blood marker for carcinoid tumors- cromagratin A -value was 24.anything less then 100 is good. The amount of hormone secretion in the 24 hour urine test was 46, this is down from the last test which was 112. a normal reading is 42.
The blood tests showed that all my liver functions were back to normal. :)
I said, "OK I'm done now!" :Oh no, we never let you go," said Dr. Kocha.
They intend to keep checking on me and I guess that is a good thing, even though at this point I am so tired of scans and tests.
I do get a short rest as my next 24 hour urine test is at the end of June and my next C.T. scan, MIBG scan, and radioactive Iodine test are not until the end of August.
I will be continuing to have the monthly Sandostatin injections. The nurse comes to my house to give these, so that is much better. This injection was increased from 20mg to 30 mg. in January. It will continue to counter the hormone secretions put out by the tumors.
I am so blessed to have great doctors and nurses and such an attentive medical team working to improve my health and protect me from future health issues.
I am also very thankful for you, my support team. your thoughts and prayers and hugs and cheerful, encouraging words and cards have carried me over lots of bumps and valleys over the past 2 years. Many Thanks!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
I have joined a new writers group!
Hi everyone, just a note to tell you I have joined a new writers group.
www.helium.com . I have an article in VACATIONS- travel destination- Puerto Vallarta
also one in DISEASE - recognizing the symptoms of cancer. 2 in crafts- Making a sparkling bead bracelet and Creating a magnetic bead necklace.
If you like to write this sight is a great one with lots of choices for writing about whatever interests you. You can also rate other peoples' writings and join in a community debate if you like debating.
Check it out! The other neat thing is you make money when someone comes and reads your writings or if they join after you invite them.
If you are interested, please e-mail me so I can invite you to join and make a few cents more everytime you write an article.
Happy Reading and Writing! Jackie
www.helium.com . I have an article in VACATIONS- travel destination- Puerto Vallarta
also one in DISEASE - recognizing the symptoms of cancer. 2 in crafts- Making a sparkling bead bracelet and Creating a magnetic bead necklace.
If you like to write this sight is a great one with lots of choices for writing about whatever interests you. You can also rate other peoples' writings and join in a community debate if you like debating.
Check it out! The other neat thing is you make money when someone comes and reads your writings or if they join after you invite them.
If you are interested, please e-mail me so I can invite you to join and make a few cents more everytime you write an article.
Happy Reading and Writing! Jackie
Second Liver Embolization- Feb.7/07
I had my second liver embolization in the Victoria hospital in London ,Ontario on Wed. Feb.7th 2007. The procedure was the same as you read about in my Sept. blog.
My Doctors did an excellent job and had me back in my room in the afternoon. I felt great until Sunday after my shower. Then the pain hit, wham! It was very extreme and my blood pressure dropped and this time my potasium and sodium dropped to an all time low. I pulled the cord and my nurses came and managed to get me back into bed. They did all the right things to get the pain to stop and to get me from passing out. I was very low and my arms and legs were numb. I was nauscious for 2 days. Monday I was still very weak and had to be wheeled to the wash room. Thankfully by Tuesday I could get up and walk slowly. I asked the Dr. when he came in Tues., "Why so much pain? " He said he thought that the chemo and nuclear meds had caused my liver to bleed and swell. I was well enough to come home to Dave's on Wed. but went right to bed for the afternoon. I drove home to Sundridge one week later.
It is now March 11/07 I am getting 8 weekly blood tests for liver function. I will have the 24 hour urine collection test on March 26th. March 16th I go to London for a C.T. Scan and more blood tests. April 5/07 I will have an appointment with my Drs. to find out the results of my treatment and tests.
I am able to do most of my usual chores and driving but seem to get tired quickly. Thanks for you continued prayers and support.
My Doctors did an excellent job and had me back in my room in the afternoon. I felt great until Sunday after my shower. Then the pain hit, wham! It was very extreme and my blood pressure dropped and this time my potasium and sodium dropped to an all time low. I pulled the cord and my nurses came and managed to get me back into bed. They did all the right things to get the pain to stop and to get me from passing out. I was very low and my arms and legs were numb. I was nauscious for 2 days. Monday I was still very weak and had to be wheeled to the wash room. Thankfully by Tuesday I could get up and walk slowly. I asked the Dr. when he came in Tues., "Why so much pain? " He said he thought that the chemo and nuclear meds had caused my liver to bleed and swell. I was well enough to come home to Dave's on Wed. but went right to bed for the afternoon. I drove home to Sundridge one week later.
It is now March 11/07 I am getting 8 weekly blood tests for liver function. I will have the 24 hour urine collection test on March 26th. March 16th I go to London for a C.T. Scan and more blood tests. April 5/07 I will have an appointment with my Drs. to find out the results of my treatment and tests.
I am able to do most of my usual chores and driving but seem to get tired quickly. Thanks for you continued prayers and support.
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