The Results from UCSF – June 8th

Finally, some good news from UCSF! This Friday, June 8th, David & I met with Dr. Susan Chang and one of her associates. After reviewing my Brain MRI from December to the most current scan of 5/1/07 the doctors believe the tumor has shrunk, therefore we should proceed forward with Round 4 of Chemo. In addition, Dr. Chang would like a full scan (to review the brain, hip, lung, & spine) and a few weeks after this treatment, if all is going well, they would like to add a 5th Round of treatment. The bad news is more Chemo – the good news would be, if they want Round 5, the Chemo is working.

The other piece of good news is that the doctors say I can start being weaned off the steroids (hip hip hooray!) and trying to reduce some of this 25 additional lbs I have added to my frame! Unfortunately, every time I have chemo I have to start the steroids again and the weaning process will start over. Welcome back Puffer Fish!!

At this point I am just waiting for the shingles to clear up which we are hoping will be within the next few weeks before I can start Round 4. I am also still being monitored weekly for the blood clots in my legs which are controlled by meds and will not defer any treatment. I hope I will have Round 4 finished before the Fourth of July as we are planning to head to Cayucos for the parade and town celebration!

So, as you might imagine, David & I were very excited about the news on Friday, and think we are headed in the right direction! David even took me to a nice lunch on the Wharf after my appointment and then wheeled me around in my wheelchair to see the baby Sea Lions! It was a Good Day!

Of course I know I have God to thank and most of my friends and families prayers to help through this challenge. Thank you AGAIN for your thoughts and keeping me close to you. Right now I still have some limitations with my walking and I have not driven for 7+ months, however once my overall health starts to get better, I will start to work with the physical therapist – my first goal being to walk without a cane, and being able to ride on the back of the Harley again by the end of summer!

I also look forward to getting back into physical and mental shape over the next several months, reducing the amount of medical appoints I have had, and being able to see and or talk to many of my friends/family that it has been difficult to connect with because of some limitations.

Hope all is well with you and your families. Have a safe, FUN, and happy 4th of July! If anyone is around the coast – there is a great Parade and celebration in Cayucos and there will be plenty of us to entertain each other!!

Love,
Kelly
Cell# 714-329-4895
Home# 831-449-3776