Back To Basics

My friend Beth is in Belize and doesn't get a lot of internet service. She did get an e-mail through this week though. She said, I'm reading the blog but can't really tell how you're doing. She's right. While the cul-de-sacs and hat fashion shows are fun, I think I have to get back to basics for a minute. Here's the run down.

I still have cancer.
The numbers are low, but indicate persistent disease.
The last month the beta hCG #'s ran 5, 3, 5, 32.
Dr. Goldstein, the Boston specialist, says those lab results show a plateau (the 5-3-5), then a spike (32). Both indicate the current chemotherapy is not working.
We're switching protocols - meaning we're changing the chemo drugs we've been using. I am now resistant to them.
There are two ways I can tell that ... the hair on my head is growing in again. It shouldn't do that if my body was responding to the current chemo. Also, I'm having hot flashes and night sweats again. That's an indication that the hCG is increasing instead of decreasing.
We will start the new chemo protocol this Wednesday. I will no longer have to do an overnight hospital stay.
I will get chemo for two Wednesdays in a row, at the Chemo Lounge (with Kristin ;-) and then get the third week off. We will repeat that cycle until the hCG is less than two, then do two more cycles.
The new drugs are called Gemcitabine and Taxol. Each has it's own side effects but nothing worse than I've seen already.

I was very discouraged by this week's hCG of 32. Really, really frustrated. Tuesday and Wednesday were very low days for me and for my family. I felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel and then it faded. The phone call from Dr. Goldstein Wednesday evening was helpful. He clearly stated a new plan. I always feel better with a plan.

Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot.

Who Needs Hair??

People have been sending love, prayers ... and head coverings from all over.

Here's a Hat Fashion Show care of my mom's friends at her work at the Surgical Unit at Brunswick Hospital in North Carolina, her friends who own Patronies Pizza in Holden Beach, NC and 2 sassy additions from my girlfriend Jesse and her fun daughters.

Please note, I'm on steriods and my face is fat. I look like I've swallowed a small child. While chemo and steroids are a great excuse, but really I eat pasta and chocolate all day long. So while I look like hell - the hats help distract from my face.

Many Thanks to the donors. You've made me smile and are helping to keep my bald noggin warm. (It was a low of 15 degrees here the other day! Brrrr!)

These two are from Jesse's daughter's Charlotte and Maddie:

 

This starts the generous donations from my mom's work friends:

Molly is like, "What kind of crazy fashion show is this??"

 Cosmo-themed head covering ... love it!

 Barlie was feeling left out. She won't tolerate a hat or any sort of Halloween costumes though.

 I've been wearing this cozy pink one to bed since I received the box.

 This is another care package from my mom's friends who own the pizza parlor.

 At first, I thought this one was just a scarf. But upon further investigation, I found it was a scarf AND a hat. So warm and fuzzy. What will they think of next??

SO FUN!! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED!!! It means so much to me. xoxoxo