MORE GOOD NEWS

The Huntington Beach sky driving to the doctor's office.

Friday, November 4th, Valerie had another CT scan done to compare to those done in July and in March to see if the cancer is showing signs of retreat or signs of more aggression.  This past Friday, November 11 (yes, 11/11/11), Valerie had a routine (monthly) appointment with her oncologist, Dr. Chen, and he, and his Physician's Assistant, Jennifer (who we have MUCH more contact with) were VERY happy about her progress.  They are typically pretty conservative about their prognosis, etc.  This past Friday, they both came in smiling.  Valerie had previously had a biopsy on a lymph node that tested positive for cancer - it is now GONE.  Her tumor markers (tested through blood) are decreasing at a significant rate.  The main breast tumor, by physical exam, is much smaller.  ALL looks good!!

Mary and Valerie returning from a bike ride
right AFTER a 60 second downpour.

Valerie's oncologist was so happy that the femara and zometa are working so well.  (read this with a healthy amount of sarcasm from me)  The femara is a hormone blocker (pill form) recommended both by Dr. Chen and by Dr. Carbajal, in Mexico.  The zometa is an IV treatment to strengthen the bones and fight against the cancer in Valerie's spine, again recommended by both doctors.  Dr. Chen is only able to recognize the effectiveness of HIS prescriptions.  Even though Valerie has foregone 90% of his treatment recommendations.  We KNOW that Valerie is doing so well because of her treatment in Mexico, including the 2 treatments that coincide with Dr. Chen's recommendations.  Thank you again to everyone that has made the Mexico treatment possible.  We truly believe that it has made the most significant difference and has potentially saved Valerie's life.

Mary and Valerie putting together a puzzle.

Nevertheless, the BIG news here is that the scans are positive and the cancer is definitely retreating, and not growing.  Valerie is stronger every day.  They didn't do any scans or tests that actually measure the state of the original breast tumor.  After we asked about that, the oncologist ordered an ultrasound to see if it is smaller (like we already know it is).  So that will be happening this week also.

We are sending these scans and tests to Mexico and will have a phone consultation with them to determine if we will be going back there for another round of treatment.

Valerie's brother, Jon, came back last Wednesday (11/9).  This time with his youngest daughter, Mary (age 10).  He has been working the past few days on completing some more home projects.  (pictures to come later).

In the meantime, Mary has kept Valerie busy coloring, playing cards, putting together puzzles, going on bike rides, etc.

Mary and Valerie with the puzzle COMPLETE!!

Over the past week, Valerie has gone to work, done projects around the house, done all of those activities with Mary, managed the to do list at home, and overall functioned much like she did before February, 2011.

She does still get tired and need consideration and space to heal.  Her body is still working very hard to get and stay healthy.  So, we will continue to remember to give her that space and let her body heal itself, while enjoying her recovered abilities to participate in "normal" life again.  It's been a good week.