Friday, April 4, 2008

Quick Update

I know I haven't been writing as much as usual. I am not sure why. Maybe I am just not feeling as inspired. We went to the Oncologist yesterday for my monthly checkup. It was not very hopeful. The thing that he is tracking is my plasma cells. Thus far there has not been a very big improvement. That is disappointing news but there are things to consider in there. Plasma cells are the slowest to grow and will be the slowest to react to the treatment. Also, it is really too early to expect a major change or to say that there is a trend.

Going to the oncologist is a stressful event. You never know what the news is going to be and it usually hits like a ton of bricks. We had a busy day scheduled with a trip down to the hospital and then rush back home to pick up the kids. No time to process the harsh news. As a result last night was pretty stressful around the house. Kids screaming, parents yelling and lots of crying. Lesson learned. Next time we go to the oncologist we will schedule the rest of the day away from the kids so we can assimilate then news.

Thank goodness Bill decided to drop by and check on us. He helped put the kids to bed and stayed late chatting and cheering us up.

So in a month we'll go for another checkup. And we'll see where I stand from there.
I am working on another post that I'll try to get out soon.
Take care everyone.

8 comments:

Billy said...

Imagine if the Tour De France was only as long as the Prologue. This is an early stage...Get ready for the Alp De Huez. Keep climbing and don't look back. You can do it!

Anonymous said...

Billy, you are awesome, thank you
kt

Heather Brooks Freer said...

Hang in there, Spencer!

Billy has it straight, smart man!

We love you!

H & T & J & S

Judi said...

Billy said it best Spencer - you hang in there and keep fighting!!!

Cathy Hernandez said...

You are both amazingly strong and reflective and clearly able to be proactive as you figure out how to walk this path. You can do it!

bikesgonewild said...

...absolutely true, billy...good to read your analogy because it's a subject close to spence's & a lot of our hearts...

...there's no denying that it's gonna be a long hard ride for this team of chickenhawk, spencer & the girls...& let's not forget the people that are there on a regular basis, to lend a hand...it's a sacrifice & while it's made willingly, it's gonna be a long road for those folks too...but everyone up there know that's what being part of a team is about...

...it's easy for those of us that don't live close by to lend our support...to hand up our water bottles & musettes filled w/ 'across-the-miles' goodness, love & care but i think every little bit helps...

...spencer, your team has shown an indomitable spirit thus far but you guys are only human & there are days when the effort may seem ridiculous...that's when we wanna be there for you, to help put you back on the bike, point you back down the road & say "ya, you CAN do it, dammit, we can't directly feel yer pain but keep pedaling through it & you WILL make it"...

...you are the 'star' of this team & there is not an ounce of glory that goes w/ that distinction...
...sara, to continue the analogy, you are the trusted road lieutenant & there is even less glory in that support role but once yer team wins this race, you two & the girls will get pedal easier in the sunshine again...

...so hell no, it ain't fair cuz you guys had no idea you were gonna be riding this race but stay strong you two & we'll all do what we can...

Anonymous said...

Spence,
U can always count on us for kid care. Just call. They loved it here.
J&K

Anonymous said...

Dear Spencer - Thanks so much for ongoing updates. It means so much to us to be able to keep track of what's going on by way of the blog, even when the news is grim. We know how strong you all are and you know we want so much to do whatever we can to lighten the load.

Pete and I send our love,

Aunt Judy