Why the Redwood Forest slideshow?

Judy had always loved trees, and in 2008 we spent some time among the California Redwoods. Some of the ingredients in Judy's chemo cocktail were derived from trees (not Redwoods but Yews). We always knew that Judy loved the trees, and the trees got their chance to repay her affection.



Wednesday, December 16, 2009

CA-125 down, California great, stent next week


Well, this post's title pretty much sums it all up. Of course, I could have added that Judy, the cookie-making-machine, is running on all cylinders.

I apologize for not posting earlier the good news that we received late last week that Judy's CA-125 has significantly dropped since the last chemo, from 132 to 78. We received the news two days after her last chemo, last Tuesday. So, it appears that the new drugs are doing the trick. Obviously we're elated. Her new nausea patch has also been a godsend in that the usual complications in that area have been significantly reduced.

A bit of a downer is the fact that next week Tuesday, two days before we're hoping to join family in south Texas for Christmas, Judy will have to receive a stent to aid one of her urethras drain urine from the left kidney. It will be a day-surgery thing, but still .... We saw the urologist last Wednesday, and he doesn't want to take chances with what seems to be a blockage that could have implications for her kidney. Bah humbug.

With all the medical stuff behind us we left Friday at 5:45 a.m. for Monterey, CA, for a quick three-day trip. We spent a rainy day in Santa Cruz, where Judy felt compelled to get her first haircut in a long time (really, just a trim job) in an old-fashioned barber shop. We spent the other two days a block or two away from Cannery Row in Monterey. Our major reason for going had been the Monterey aquarium, and it did not disappoint us--what a fabulous place. Add to that a very, very nice hotel (which totally surpassed our expectations) in Monterey and just some good chillin' time, and it was a very nice little get-away.


And now it's back to cookie baking, fudge making, and present wrapping. One wouldn't think that this woman has cancer! I wish she'd slow down some, but good luck with that.

Jürgen

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Judy and Jurgen - this is good news but I am sorry about the stent and a day in hospital. You sound as though you are getting into the Christmas spirit nevertheless and I'm sure your brief trip to California did you good! Richard is now home for the holidays and we shall all be together on Christmas day. We will be thinking of you all in Texas. Much love, Celia xxx

Cindi said...

Hi Folks!

Today it was a "balmy" 0F....made for a long day of running packages for UPS (have a temp job as a driver's helper until the 24th). Kind of reminded me of a cross Nationals I worked years ago in RI!Tomorrow it's suppose to be just as cold..note to self..wear another layer!!

Happy holidays..and sending lots of good thoughts your way Judy for a successful stent surgery.

Hugs,
Cindi :)

Dick Maulden said...

Judy
I have received a couple of phone messages concerning your appointments at the Cancer Center.
One of which talks of an appointment next Tuesday 12/22/09.
You may want to call Dr. Pendas(?) office. They apparently have the wrong phone number for you.
Dick Maulden