So, I am only encouraging you to read this if you have a positive outlook because I do. i just want to be honest with people so all of you can look to the blog and I don't have to talk about myself at family events, friends events, etc. I am really not that interesting, but for some reason, this cancer journey has put me at the center of a lot of people's hearts, as well as their gossip. I am thankful for the prayers and positive energy people send my way, but I have never wanted to be part of a rumor mill, have really tried to live my life to be as GOOD as possible. I haven't always achieved this goal, but I have tried. I have no choice these days so I am going to share the information with you directly so you know from me.
We had scans last week and it looks like there is more cancerous activity in my liver. Although we are extremely encouraged by the fact that my lungs responded to the last set of medicines....it seems that they did nothing to keep my liver in check. My liver has been in check for some time so this was a bit surprising. Regardless, we are going to do a couple of things to fix it. First and foremost, we are starting some new medicines. One of these drugs is a chemo, and is a sister drug to some other drugs I have responded to ,successfully, in the past. So, we were thinking this would be the right thing to do. However, I am going to lose my hair again because this is a harsher chemo than some I have been on recently. I am not sure which"DO" I will be sporting this summer, either stylish hats or a funky wig. I am contemplating a totally fake wig that has PINK coloring on it or something fun. Will check those out later in the week.
My overall liver function is in the perfect range, seriously. It is like the rest of my body doesn't know there is cancer in there, but the liver is important. My bilirubin number is great, however, my liver is probably stressed out. So, we are doing these meds to destress my little liver and then get on a powerful clinical trial. Please do not be discouraged. If anything, be encouraged. I am strong enough to take these meds. That is a blessing. They found this activity in my liver at the earliest possible point via the scans that I get....which is a blessing. They are treatable and I am a responder to these types of meds, which is a blessing. I think we were hoping I was done with the harsher drugs, but I may need be on hard drugs for a bit longer. There are some theories regarding cancer that indicate it takes about five years to develop a cancerous tumor, so I have always thought it would be about five years from diagnosis that I would be out of the real battle of this disease. I think that is a reasonable expectation.
After this, like I said, we are working with the clinical trial people so I can get this powerful new medicine. I would explain it to you, but the documentation is not really clear for a medical amateur like myself. The medicines continue to catch up with my disease and change my story. Although the fight is harder than I would like, it is a winnable fight. I am fortunate to have these drugs, fortunate to be alive to feel frustrated about chemo. My scans and the chemos are an absolute luxury that other cancers do not have. If there are prayers, positive thoughts and positive energy you want to send my way....please do so. But, keep in mind that I am in fighting mode right now. I promise to respond to any questions you may have, especially about nutrition, but I can not take away your cancer experiences or help you cope with mine. I can encourage you to build your own beleif system, but for now, I just ask that you only be positive and don't mess with my beliefe system.:)
I know all of you that read this blog care about me in some way. I get so many comments via email or conversation. I would love to get your feedback actually on the blog, though, so that others believe it isn't scary to post. I made it easier by creating a way to comment anonymously. I only want to create a positive blog so you all know that healing is at hand...for everyone, including lil ole laura plunkett...and for YOU, for whatever burdens your health and your soul. I will tell you what I believe. I personally believe I am on a muddy pathway to healing. I am not disillusioned so please don't sell me short on that end. But, I know what I am made of and I know I can do THIS. I have never been handed anything I can't take on in this fight. I believe in the power of the human spirit and in God's powers to create miracles through medicines. I believe that is what He is doing now. (Sorry, I said no preaching, but I had to share a little of how I feel.)
These meds will cut into my bike riding and walk training I have been working on, but I am just going to try to suck it up, as I did last year. I am going to ride/walk when I feel up to it and not ride if I don't feel up to it. I will still raise money and plan on being at these events. I am going to continue to juice. I won't take all the supplements as I don't want them to interfere with the chemo....which seems to be working pretty hard on me right now. My side is actually bloated and it feels like their is an internal battle going on in that organ...because there is. The medicines have ignited a battle that my body should have done on its own.
Once again, I believe in the day where complete healing will be recognized in my body...through the use of good meds, good docs, good nutrition, etc. I hope you can believe the same!
Blessings,
Lolo
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6 comments:
Laura,
First, all positive and happy thoughts are being sent your way~though I feel I get more from you than anything! :)
Thank you for sharing so much knowledge with us each post. You are amazing!
Luv,
Pepper :)
The #2 battle seems to be your fight against others walking this earth with you. If you care so much about your family and self, the natural progression would be that you embrace the caring thoughts and words of others instead of pushing so hard to deny them and turn them in to something negative like gossip. While you share information, you do it so grudgingly that it makes one feel "dirty" when they read it. Is it that hard to accept that others, friends, family and strangers, care?
Blessings
Dear Anonymous-
There's a fine line between being able to accept someone's best wishes and being drained by having to respond to them with small talk that doesn't mean much when it comes to the actual fight.
I don't know Laura very well, but I do understand that it would be exhausting to have to constantly talk about it and answer question after question.
Let's honor what she's trying to do here- educate us!!
Rock on, Laura!
-Scott
To anonymous who is not brave enough to leave his/her name. You have just written a disgusting note to the bravest person I know. Her cancer is not about you and your feelings. We are fortunate that Laura, while fighting this desease full time, is willing to share information to help the rest of us. You would do well to have 1/10th of her strength. Perhaps you could spread your cheer elsewhere.
Sue
Laura,
I think it takes a tremendous amount of strength to share your story with the world. I am amazed at your positive outlook, your willingness to help others, and your ability to fight and conquer. I have learned so much from you and this blog and will continue to follow it daily.
As always, I am thinking about you and your family.
Blessings,
Diedre Morris
Laura,
I am so inspired by your amazing spirit. You are a fighter and so brave and am facing this with the same amazing courage as you have in the past. I am blessed to have you as a friend and thank you for educated me and now others through your blog. Thank you for your courage to do this and I look forward to reading more about your journey. Give my love to all your family.
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