MRI Results!!!

Richard and I just got home from seeing the head of the clinical trial manager (Dr. Thompson, Richard's radiologist) and his assistant (Cheryl....who is really the manager :)!!!). We were given the results of yesterday's MRI!!! The MRI looked very good...excellent in fact!!!! The area of enhancement that was noted in the last MRI looked even smaller and there is no new tumor growth. We are breathing a huge sigh of relief and total joy!!!!

We both went into this MRI feeling like everything was going to be stable and fine....but no matter how strong our belief is....I think we both still worry.....I know we both worry. Faith is such a hard thing to maintain...even when your belief is so clear and strong. And....as our journey continues (now almost seven months) the worry is always close.

Yesterday, as they took Richard through the door to the MRI machine, he turned around and looked at me, an eye piercing look, for just a moment. I smiled back trying desperately to send him positive assurance as he again entered that big, noisy tube and went through the procedure. It's amazing...how I still get choked up as he bravely faces each of these hurdles. I have such pride and admiration for him as he continues through this journey. He is my warrior.

Todays blood work showed some concern regarding the lymphocyte levels. This is what they really watch over the course of the chemo. He's having to go back in and do some more bloodwork.....He says, "Oh well....another poke". We see the oncologist in Everett tomorrow so we will have more news about all that then. They really watch all his bloodwork very closely. I am sosososo glad. We have an amazing team. I am so thankful.

Richard reported to the doctor today that he was feeling more tired. He also said that the nausea levels have required two anti-nausea pills on some days. He has loss around ten pounds....his appetite has definately changed. He's only working about 30 hours a week at this point...which is incredible compared to other chemo patients. On the whole he is quite the specimen if you ask me.

So...we march forward....gleaning as much from this experience as possible. We are thankful for so much. I think we are getting better at "living" with our situation and we're both making good choices in honoring our committment to loving one another, being in the present moment, getting rest, exercising, eating well and remembering, at all times, our many blessings.

Thank you for continuing to hold us in your thoughts. Everyone's prayers and beliefs in Richard's total recovery are working miracles here on East Maplewood. We carry your light with us daily.

Love Sherri