Shake it off…

I had my brain MRI scan last Monday (5/11/15) and although it looked “better” than last time it still showed those darn tumors. Some disappeared, others shrunk, but the point is there are still too many. Not real big yet so blood is still getting around them. With time, radiation will still have a positive effect but the doctors (and I) want to get started with the target chemo to the brain (i.e. herceptin.). So I’m scheduled to have a brain reservoir called of all things an- ommaya (click on link to learn more): http://healthlibrary.stanford.edu/patient/ommaya.pdf

on Thursday . 

They will place it on top of my head. It usually is an outpatient procedure and I’m told “no big deal”.  This is what I wanted so I’m fine with it, but anytime I go for surgery I get funny (and esp. brain surgery). But the brain does not have pain receptors so will be no big deal.

Then once I heal they will start intrathecal herceptin (or methotrexate which is a common chemo IV infusion used). I prefer the herceptin but we’ll see. Doctors have used methotrexate many times but not so much herceptin. Neither really cause any side effects although he said some people experience nausea.  

I know it’s serious to get started as the neurosurgeon I met with wanted the ommaya placed this week… but I’m all for it cause maybe intrathecal herceptin will be as effective as the systemic (through my body) with none to little side effects and I’ll have a great summer! The doctor and nurses are amazed at how “good” I look and my upbeat outlook. The nurse mentioned the only side effect I complained about, as written by Dr. Fellin in my chart, was weight gain (haha yes, the only thing I am complaining about is my 15 lbs weight gain while on the steroids!) Well, as you know you gotta just keep swimming. Cause you never know what tomorrow may bring. Taking one day at a time has served my well.

My good friend, who sends me encouraging cards each week, sent me this parable. It is such a coincidence because Aesop’s Fables is my favorite- I love a good story with a message. Hope you do too!

Thank you for your continued love and support… I’m so grateful for the awesome friends and family that shower me and my family with concern and prayers.

The Donkey

One day a farmer’ donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake if off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember these five simple rules to be happy:

1)    Free your heart from hatred- forgive.

2)    Free your mind from worries- Most never happen.

3)    Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4)    Give more.

5)    Expect less.