We've had the first of what will be many follow up MRI's. Sunday night we drove down to Phoenix, spent a lovely hour and a half sitting in traffic further solidifying our decision to live in Flagstaff. After missing out on dinner, we had to settle for a glass of wine (oh darn) with our good friends James and Danielle the night before our appointment. Monday morning we made it to the hospital for blood work, MRI, and appointments with Dr. Porter (neuro oncologist) and Dr. Vora (radiation oncologist). The blood work showed a low white blood cell count which is to be expected after the radiation and chemo. The MRI looked very good. It's hard to explain the results of the MRI with out an M.D. after my name, but I'll try. The MRI looked really good. OK I'm charging everyone's insurance for that diagnosis (except for those of you Socialists in Canada). While we cannot be 100 percent sure that there was no tumor left due to the scar tissue from the surgery Dr. Porter was so impressed with Jill's recovery that she recommended her to be in the Mayo Clinic Magazine as an inspiration to other patients. Don't worry, we're not giving up the book rights and Oprah is next on the list.
We are learning how to balance our life with the BIG "C" and life in general. After her white blood cells get back to normal it's going to be another round of chemo (5 days/month for 6 months). We continue to monitor Mr. Oligoastrocytoma every other month, then move on to every three months, then every six. Pretty soon we'll be saying "yeah I used to have cancer, but I beat the sh*t out of that mofo"
What good news! Thanks for your recent update and explaining the MRI results. Let us know when to watch for Jill on the Oprah show (That really could happen. Jill would be a great inspiration) or if her story appears in the Mayo magazine. I love your photos and "wish" I could have done Jill's pose back in my youth. Don't think I was ever that fit or limber! Would love to know who named the type of tumor that Jill "had". Was trying to remember it and figure out some way to use it in a Scrabble game, but decided it was a bit too long! The "cytoma" part might work though and it has at least 3 good point tiles in it.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, Dixon and I are pleased for you and Jill. We will keep you both in our prayers. I know that Frank and Barbara are thrilled with Jill's good report. It is a blessing that the tumor was found early enough for treatment and that Jill is responding so well and with such courage and determination. God bless.
Linda and Dixon
Way to go Jill! It is good to see you doing so well, running, yoga and who knows what else. We also have socialized medicine so I guess you can't bill us :) Take care and pura vida, Rick and Robbie
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Big sighhhh of relief. Thanks for keeping us all posted - we think of you often!
ReplyDeleteJean & Dave
Hey I forgot to tell you I made an executive decision and gave Jill the HardCore Award on my blog after the soulstice...www.daramarksmarino.com
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