I am currently taking oral Dilaudid for my pain. Since Dilaudid is a very strong pain medication, life must be constantly balanced and juggled while on it. Sometimes the stuff works great and other times its feels like I missed a dose. Sometimes the medication makes me very sick and other times it does not. There is no rhyme or reason and its a constant battle to feel "good". Sometimes when I think that I have lost track of what "good" really feels like, I look at my husband and children, and I know that "good" is to be with them.
I am currently in the recovery period for my first Temodar and Xeloda chemotherapy round. Its too early to know if its helping. My oncologist wants to give me a little more recovery time so I am not going to start a second round until at least next week. While at my appointment today, I learned that a trip to either Europe or Duke University Hospital could be in store for the future. Doctors are exploring whether I would benefit from an experimental radio-peptide radiation. The treatment is very specific for some forms of neuro-endocrine cancer and is only available in the U.S. via clinical trials. My doctor is exploring whether Duke University has an active trial. If Duke does not, the treatment is widely available in Europe so I might have to go there. We'll figure out how later!!! Lets pray that if I need this therapy, Duke is taking participants!!!
Natalie had her first birthday last week!! It seems like yesterday when Dan and I were anxiously awaiting her arrival at the hospital. It has been an amazing year watching her grow into a beautiful little girl. God has so far blessed me with the opportunity to raise my daughter and be a part of her forever. Our little girl is maturing so fast, right along with out little man!!
I can't believe that on May 25th, it will be a year since my diagnosis. Thanks everybody for pitching in to get us through this last month and year! Without everyones support, we would not be where we are today. Please know that we appreciate every kind gesture towards our family and we will never stop believing big. Love, K