Kathleen is a very smart woman. Unfortunately, it seems her cancer is as well. As we suspected the FOLFOX was losing its effectiveness. The chemo killed off all the dumb cancer cells, leaving the smart ones. Little bastards. Well, not quite that way but hey, its a metaphor.
It wasn’t the worst case scenario today. Somewhere between least worst and worst. I was fearing he would give the dreaded date range. Instead, we are giving up on the FOLFOX but switching to FOLFIRI. A similar concoction to FOLFOX, but a second line defense. But… Always a but. Her platelets are dangerously low. So 2 week break. Its tough to wait around, but her body is doing its best.
She is also now slotted in for radiation next week on her neck area. Its not curative. Its merely to help with the pain. In 5 days, she will get 80% of the radiation she got over the summer, zapped into her neck area focused on the 2 nodes that have been growing again. Dr. Nuke thinks she will see pain relief within 3-4 weeks and shrinkage in 2 months. In the mean time, I guess more meds to deal with the ever increasing pain.
Sooo….. What does it all mean. I asked the Dr. Chemo what it meant. “Are the changes bad? Is it indeterminate ?” “Its Not good.” is all he said. Really, what else is there that can be said. How not good ? How bad ? Dont know today. We will think about it tomorrow. For now, we have another today.
Oh Yeah, Its ON alright š
Today….
in the cancer bubble 
The two of you amaze and inspire me. Look at those photos. You are finding the good in the not so good; a lesson we all can learn. Sending hopes that the new chemo is smarter than those smart cancer cells!
Oh Kathleen! Stupid smart cancer. Thinking of you both.
You two, as Rosemary said, are truly an inspiration…
We should all live so bravely and fiercely in our own lives- which should be do-able right? We are not staring down ‘smart’ cancer cells; instead, our challenge is to live as valiantly in the face of the mundane and seemingly ordinary aspects of living.
Sending you much love and light….xo
I have worked with words all my life in one way or another, but have never felt at such a loss for the right words here. Your entries inspire me to do better in my life’s relationships, which seems oh-so-backwards because I wish I could inspire you to hang in there Kathleen and Mike, but it seems you have a much better handle on that than anyone I have ever met. Thank you for sharing your new normals.
Those smart cancer cells don’t know who they are dealing with. Kath you are much smarter show them your a fighter. You have been faced with many hurdles in your journey and have always came through like a trooper. One hurdle at at time you can do it we are all cheering for you!!!!!
I absolutely love the picture of you two.
Sending special prayers your way.
Lidia
I am so inspired by the love and commitment you two share. This is a journey no one should have to go through and I pray every day that the news will be good. In spite of the pain and all of the assaults your body is enduring, your smile still lights up a room!!! Hugs to you both!
Dear Kathleen and Mike, I find myself not knowing exactly what to say … so I simply put my immediate thoughts in words. The photos you have posted in this blog entry make me smile, and are heart-warming too. The two of you are beautiful, loving, kind, brilliant, humourous, amazing people. Thank you for sharing your beauty, your love, your kindness, your brilliance, your humour and so much more with all of us. I am inspired by you. Much love, J.
Kathleen & Mike – I echo the thoughts of everyone before me and am grateful that they are so much more eloquent than I. It is amazing to me that the two of you can inspire everyone around you as you face this difficult and painful journey. Your smile always lit the room Kathleen and it is wonderful to know that it still does. Wishing you both an abundance of whatever it is you need to support each other every step along the way.
Deanne
Thank you Mike , Kathleen and Elaine for allowing us to travel a small part of the lonely road you are walking, if only as some of the many caring passengers in the support van behind.
It is such a privilege.
Love,
Diane and Keith
Kathleen and Mike. Sending love your way each and every day. You inspire us with your strength and love. We are with you always and send big hugs. Xxxxxxxx Fran
You are amazing, bright energy beaming forward. Always you have that incredible smile, the warmth between you Kath and Mike, that is all encompassing and so wonderfully shared with all of us – thank you for that. Your inner strength is so right here right now so present that you are an inspiration….really, you do know how wonderfully special you are, right!
Super hugs to you both, and I will get some of those photos to you from the party….have to get to Elaine too since she is in them!
love to you and ever so warm energy your way,
Stacee and Isobel
Dear Mike and Kathleen,
Loving you both. Hoping the pain is diminished by the radiation next week. Wishing for a cure.
Love Judy
As always, thinking about you and sending positive vibes your way. You deserve it!!
Stephanie
thinking of you often. I hope there is a turn in the road immediately to take you out of the dark forest. Will send a note when I am back in Mexico next week
carl
Dear Kathleen, Mike and Elaine. Your blogs are of Kathleen’s treatment but it is a journey that the three of you have been on together. Somehow, through it all you comment in the most positive way, Your relationship still glows through your blogs. You can see how you support each other in this journey. It is truly inspiring as others have commented. There’s much to be said for thinking positively and in prayer and you have many people pulling positive thoughts and prayers your way. I hope that the new treatment plan brings the pain relief quicker than expected and that it has better than expected results. Big hugs to all of you.
your courage is an inspiration to us all. thinking of you during this time.
Dear Kath and Mike, the love and inspiration the two of you “radiate” knows no boundaries. May this new round of ammunition gets those bastard cells! They are in for a battle.! As always we are steadfast in your corner. Huge hugs!