October 16, 2020 - Thank You For Being a Friend

Thank you for being a friend Traveled down a road and back again Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant

I'm not ashamed to say I hope it always will stay this way My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And if you threw a party Invited everyone you knew Well, you would see the biggest gift would be from me And the card attached would say

Thank you for being a friend Thank you for being a friend Thank you for being a friend Thank you for being a friend

In keeping with the sitcom theme, I couldn't help but share the wise words of Andrew Gold who wrote the theme song for The Golden Girls. It sums up my feelings to ALL of you who have read my posts, showed me "heart love", left meaningful heartfelt posts, and texted my phone personally. Thank you.

When I wrote my last post, I didn't intend for it to take on such a macabre vibe! Unfortunately, the words came tumbling out on a humbling sad day. I wasn't really planning on writing an update, but Jamie was getting pinged (in a good way) from many who were concerned. He innocently said, "You probably need to update Caring Bridge". So, when I put pen to paper, my emotions came tumbling out.

My emotions were raw, unfiltered, and honest. And all of you rose up to the occasion in beautiful form. You all have uplifted and buoyed my resolve. Sometimes, you just need that kick in the pants!

When I think back to Wednesday, I should share that when Jamie and I walked out of my oncologists office, Jamie's first words were "That was Awesome!". He was so right. It is awesome that my brain showed ZERO progress of cancer. My brain looked pretty healthy! We know the risk is high on reoccurrence in the brain. That is why I am so lucky to be on this chemo cocktail. My chemo cocktail is the first combination that has shown effectiveness in fighting cancer spread in the brain.

Yes, I am showing a spot on my liver. We were deflated that we saw occurrence in the liver. But, that is what Stage 4 cancer does. You never know when it will join my cancer party, uninvited, I might add. The upcoming MRI will help my doc understand the lesion better. I may have a biopsy in the near future, but the timing is unknown at this time. The good news is that one of my drugs in my chemo cocktail is a common drug, Xeloda, prescribed for people battling cancer of the liver.

I have a very dear friend who has Stage 4 colon cancer that has metastasized to her liver. She is taking Xeloda as well. She is a walking example of how this cancer can be attacked. And she is walking with her head held high filled with grace. She is a shining example. I love her dearly.

And, as I met with my new brain radiologist (loved him) and my new brain oncologist (loved him as well), they both confirmed that I was lucky we weren't planning additional treatments on the brain. They did remark on the liver: "Liver cancer, oh you can handle that. That is easy compared to brain". You've got to love the bravado and pecking order in the cancer world, LOL!

I know we can handle it. Jamie and I are not mentally living life with a death sentence. We are focused on doing everything possible to keep eradicating cancer as it pops up. We are playing cancer "Whack-a-mole". And YOU all know how competitive I am, and how much I relish winning any battle. I don't even let Mason win in a game of "Go Fish".

Lastly, I will try not to be so morose in future posts. My life has been blessed beyond measure. God's plan for me is unfolding, and I know I am in no better hands than His. One day when Mason reads this legacy that I have curated for him, it will fill his heart and give him comfort, that I am certain. He will read your words of encouragement and know that his family was very loved by so many. Thank you all for being such wonderful caring friends. I treasure each and every one of you.

Thank you for being a friend Traveled down a road and back again Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant

Thank you for being a friend