NOTE: I had to edit this, because originally I listed all the tumor sizes in millimeters, which (sadly) is incorrect. Sherri confirmed that the measurements listed below should be in centimeters. :-(
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Today was the big meeting with our Doctor regarding their findings from the CT and MRI. Dr. Olsen said there is some good news; she never specifically said "the bad news is…" but you could figure that out on your own.
There are 4 large tumors that they were paying a lot of attention to. I was shocked at how large they are. The first one they showed us was 13 cm. OK, I can deal with that, especially since it is now down to 11 cm. The next one was 22 cm, down to 17 cm. There are two behind her heart and one was 36 cm, down to 31 cm. and the other was 35 cm, but had no change. So, the good news is that the chemo has shrunk the tumors in her lungs. This is great news in the long run, since this is the area that is the most life-threatening.
Natalee has some remaining tumors from her surgery that are in her pelvic and stomach area. They have actually grown a little. The Doctor felt it is probably because after the tumor was removed, the existing tumors got the information that there was now "room to grow." Since her tumor was large (the size of a football), it was only the outside that was actively growing. Additionally, in the area where the tumor was pushing on her spine we found out that it had invaded the bone and she does have a small amount of cancer in the bone.
Though some of this information is concerning, it is still hopeful knowing that the drug is being effective, especially in her lungs. One of the things the Doctor impressed upon us is that the Sunitinib (the drug) may not get rid of the cancer entirely, but in time it will be able to be maintained.
So with a little bit of a broken heart, we still know that there is good news, and that is what is important. I do have faith that Natalee will be cured completely of this cancer, it just will not be on my time. I do know that God has all power over every element, He created all things, even our bodies. Whether it is through God's hand personally, or Him divinely inspiring the Doctors and research teams, in time we will see the cure. There will be an end to all this.
We have had the most beautiful 1 ½ weeks. Natalee has been able to walk and eat, laugh and enjoy her friends and family, and to me that has been priceless. She will be starting her next round of chemo this Thursday. I am amazed at her strength and her constant willingness to endure what she has to endure. Nat never complains, she is truly a mighty angel.
Prayer requests:
1. That the chemo will affect the tumors in her stomach and pelvic area.
2. That the chemo will continue to shrink the tumors in her lungs.
3. That there will not be any cancer in her bones
4. That Natalee will be able to endure this round of her chemo.
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7 comments:
Man, can anyone believe how hot it's getting? I believe today is supposed to be 104! Crazy!
~Nicholas
hey it's kaytlin! first i need to say thank you thank you so so much for coming to my party it was so much fun with you there! and thanks for th movie and candy! i heard about what you found about and i know you can pull through it you are a very strong person! you are the greatest and nicest person that anybody could ever meet and i am so luky to have you as a friend! you are in my prayers always! and i love so so much! you are the greatest!
so i don't have a joke of the day but i will do my hardest to figure one out and i will tell you it as soon as i find one!
love ya lots,
kaytlin :]
P.S.
did i mention how hot it is! WOW!
it's about 90 something and i am burning up!
i hope to see you soon and i love you!
- kaytlin!:]
Natalee~
I am very glad your tumors are shrinking! PLease keep your hopes up, even at the time it may seem hard. God gave you this-He can get you out of it! Just keep your hopes high! Here is the quote of the day
" Live today to it's fullest. Because yesterday is forever gone, and tommorow may never come."
I will keep on praying for you-please, never give up.You have been givin this battle-everyone knows you can fight it!
I am so happy you have been able to enjoy the nice weather with friend and family!
Forever and Always, Wishing You Best, Courtney T, 7A(yay!)
My prayers are with you always! I just wanted to let you know that I am sending you and your mom (and family) a virtual hug :O) I admire you all so much for your strenth and faith- you are amazing, Natalee!! You are an inspiration to everyone and I know God is there with you and your family keeping you safe and helping the chemo work faster! My love to you all <3 <3 <3 ~Christy
Natalee!
It's Mckenna from utah and i just read all of your blog and was very close to crying. I didn't know anything except that you had cancer and I am so sad. I will definently pray for you and I know you will make it!!!!
I've been following Natalie's progress and praying every time I think about her and what she is going through. This is a terrible disease, and yet there are so many blessings that come from going through an experience such as this. Unfortunately, Natalie's suffering is what can teach others and that can be a hard thing to accept. Life becomes sweeter, the good times so much more important and not taken for granted. I learned this lesson firsthand going through my mother-in-law's cancer experience - all the good, bad and ugly of it. Prayers that this next round of chemo is effective and continues to shrink the existing tumors and gives Natalie some good quality of life.
i loev u.
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