Well, it's been 27 years of wedded bliss today! Hip hip hooray!
We are heading to San Francisco tomorrow to celebrate. We're driving through Lake Tahoe and the gold country which Craig loves on our way there. We'll post pictures after the trip.
Last week we had an appointment with Dr. Jones with the results of the latest CT scan. Reality hit and we were reminded that Craig really does have cancer. He's been feeling pretty good and doing what he wants to do but the tumors are growing. As it says in the radiologist's report: "There is near complete replacement of the upper segments of the right hepatic lobe." Meaning the tumor is taking over the right side of the liver. Unbelievably his liver function is still normal and all other lab results are good. The largest tumor measures 13.2 x 21.0 cm on the right side. That is about the size of two remote controls put together! His left lobe of the liver also has many tumors with one measuring 5.6 x 5.6 cm. The right side of the liver was where the first chemo treatment was focused. We wish she'd done a better job or that Dr. Carlisle had done that side. Craig is reticent to go back for more treatment as he is enjoying life much more now but I really would like to kill some more tumors. To complicate things, Dr. Carlisle has left Huntsman and they don't have an intervention radiologist on staff right now. So we're petitioning the insurance company to use Dr. Carlisle at St. Marks. It just isn't easy getting this all taken care of. Dr. Jones would like to see him get treatment in July...he'd like to wait until September as he had a pretty lousy summer last year. Dr. Jones did tell us that Craig has the largest tumor load in his liver of any of her current patients. Did I mention reality sucks?
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Yeah, reality can really suck, but you guys have done a great job in hanging in there for the last year plus. I admire your stamina and strength and appreciate your example. I continue to put your name on the LA Temple prayer roll. Hope you have a wonderful anniversary road trip!
ReplyDeleteLove from all the California Doutrés
Congratulations on your anniversary and HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY to Suzy and HAPPY 55TH BIRTHDAY to Craig! I say you are doing the right thing to get away from it all and just enjoy the beauty and warmth of California. We all love you and rejoice in your present good health and ability to travel and celebrate these great events in your life! Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteSo many milestones to celebrate and enjoy together! I'm glad that you are getting away alone together to enjoy every minute. It sounds like a really fun trip. I hated reading the latest report, although I'd heard it from you before. Seeing it in print makes it too real. Happy birthday to both of you - you're both reaching ages within the AARP range! Welcome to the club, Suz. Love you both sooo much - have a safe and wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteWhat the CRAP.... Birthdays and tumors don't mix. And CANCER doesn't go with anything. Did I tell you I hate cancer. Did Craig, Steve, Carolee or even Ione remember signing up for this? This is another example that shows us that our lives are not in our hands. But somehow you endure one more day to make one more great memory. I am so glad you guys got to get away. Happy birthday to you on your 50th. And Craig for your 55th year. Suzy you are the woman. You are being sustained while you handle life though it sometimes seems to dangle by a thread mentally and physically. I love you for your great example of strength and knowledge. As Ione would say "one day at a time". I love you Doutre' Family
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