Where to begin?
The Good News:
My MRI looks “excellent” according to the doctor :) He said that the area where the tumor was looks “very good” and he could barely see the “hole” where the tumor had been (paraphrased, of course ;) )
This is my MRI today:
Now for the not so good news:
My labs came back really really really low. My platelets are down to 33,000 (low normal being over 150,000) and my WBC is down to 2 (normal being 11). I’ve lost another 10 pounds bringing my total weight loss to 40 pounds :( . They want to hold off on continuing Temodar until the 8th of November, and are lowering my dose from 300 mg to 200 mg per cycle. I will get labs 2x a week until the 8th, just to be sure they are coming back up.
That explains the way that I have been feeling lately. I felt the same exact way last time my platelets were low, but this time I didn’t bruise (odd because last time my platelet count was 55,000 and I had bruises all over). When I mentioned how miserable I am when I am on chemo, they told me that my body obviously responds very well to chemo because it is not only attacking the bad cells, but is also “over attacking” the good (proven in my low labs), and suggested the lower dose of Temodar. I kinda looked at him funny when he said that my body responds good to chemo, because it doesnt feel very good! He said to take the fact that I barely function on chemo as a sign that the drug is working…so that is what I am doing :)
I didn’t ask him for sleeping aids this time, because I want to see how I feel with higher platelets under my belt. I can go back and attribute every symptom I had (down to fatigue) to having such low platelets, so I can only assume that not being able to sleep is due to that too.
I am so very exausted, but so very pleased. I was so worried about this MRI and Neurology consult. I knew something was wrong, I just couldn’t figure out what…. Now I know and it really does explain alot! I will get labs from now atleast two times a month until I finish chemo. I will stay on top of my labs and not let them get on top of me, because obviously getting checked once a month isn’t enough.
I am going to go spend some well deserved time with my family! Thank you so much for your prayers and comments, they mean more than you can ever know….
-H
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Wow Heather, that is wonderful news. And I’m glad you found out why you’ve been feeling so bad too. Odd that feeling so bad would actually be a sign that the chemo is working. Will pray that you get your strength back soon.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers daily and thanks so much for continuing to so generously share this journey with us. God bless you.
by KayYEAH!! PRAISE GOD! I am so happy for ya. Thanks for updating us and go be with your family. We will be here when you get back…don’t feel guilty about not updating…they need ya!
by CaseyI am happy to hear about the MRI….sorry to hear about you lab work. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
by JudyOH, this is such a relief. What good news. Plus, knowing the facts makes all the difference, doesn’t it?
Still praying here in Maine…
by PaullaGo God! That MRI is quite impressive, what an enormous difference. Hopefully it helps a little to know there’s a reason you were feeling so awful. HUGS!
Still praying here in NC…
by RachelThis is awesome news girl! We’re still praying for you here in LA. Enjoy your time with the family!!!
by Amy Grant BaylissI’m praising God with you!
by annieI pray that your counts will all go back into normal ranges and that God will give you strength and energy.
love & prayers.
Annie
So happy to here the good report! Praise God!!! :-)
by TianyYahooey! What a great report. Still praying for you always, Love, Lynnebee
by Lynne B.Praise God for an excellent MRI. What an incredible difference in the first one and the second. I am so happy for you Heather!! I used to have labs done
weekly and it really kept an eye on things. Have a most wonderful time with your family now and feel at peace in your heart knowing what was causing the lows you were experiencing. Love you and continued prayers for you sweet girl.
Laurie in Ca.
by LaurieWow. With counts like that it’s no wonder! My son hit the bottom many times while undergoing his chemo - it’s God’s blessing that you’re not getting opportunistic infections as well.
And such a good looking MRI… :)
God is good. Prayers continue.
by LyricYEAH!!!!!!!!!
by ErinWhat good news - I’ve been following your progress avidly
by Karen (Misc Mum)Heather that is such good news. I continue to pray for you daily.
by RobynToday I found out my 23 DD has early stage cancer. She will have surgery for it this week.
Hi Heather, I found your blog from linking from other blogs. I read your blog daily and find great inspiration from you. I gave you an award over at my place. If you do not want to mess with it, I totally understand. I just want you to know that there are lots of people who read your blog who are rooting for you and Emma! God Bless You and Yours! :) Danielle
by MomOf3Hooray on the good MRI! I hope the platelets give you all the energy you deserve–and then some!
by heather h.Praise God He is with you Heather he is there making that Chemo get every cell Amen what would we do without him not well I can say for myself I talk with him all day everyday as if he was living in this house with me of course he is. I am so very t6hankful that you get a little break afrom the Chemo and may you enjoy this rest from it. So many times we doubt and then we know for sure that we should never doubt his promise BE STILL AND NO THAT IAM. God Bless so happy for you the lab work should be getting better here soon.
by ShirleyWhat good news. I am hoping you are more energized soon. Glad that you all figured out what is going on! Praying for you, Heather.
Mandy
by Mandy HopkinsGA
http://www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com
praying
by OwlhavenGreat news, Heather. You’re in my prayers!
by Big MamaHeather,
by PaulaI’m so glad that your appointment brought you some much needed relief. Take care of yourself and enjoy your time with your family. I will be praying that your counts will increase, your joy will overflow, and that you will be feeling much better soon.
Many Blessings
Paula
Awesome news, Heather! Even though you must feel like total crap, it is good to hear that just means the chemo is working well! I’m looking forward to seeing you and your folks when I’m home for Christmas!
by Jen C.Jen C.
Oh Heather we are rejoicing with you as I read your post to my husband he had a smile on his face..we both have been keeping you, Emma and your family in prayer..you have become a part of our ( ohana) means family here in Hawaii (smile). Hugz joyful
by joyfulHeather, I’m so thankful to hear of your good news. I can’t imagine the toll that chemo takes on a body. It sounds quite miserable. Hope you have a good, restful evening! Thank you for sharing.
by SarahWow, Heather, those brain scans look fantastic!! Thank God! Hope you start to feel better soon and that your platelet levels don’t get any worse.
by PT-LawMomSO glad they found the reason!! And what a great looking scan!
by dawnzd:)
WOW! Great news on your scan!!! I hope you start feeling better soon! We’re still praying!
by TendrilsWow…seeing the MRI difference is amazing! You must be excited. And relieved. God is good…all the time!
I’m still praying for you!
Hugs!
by KatKat
That is so wonderful–look at that MRI—WOW!!!!
by DeannaHeather,
God is so good!! So happy about the good MRI, you can really see the change. And yes you deserve some time with the family, go for it, relax and enjoy the love, hugs and kisses that will be bestowed upon you!!
Hugs and prayers,
by campstamper03Norma
God bless you, Heather. As you know, you are in our prayers constantly. I admire your strength and faith. Remember, “With God, all things are possible.”
Much love and blessings,
by Bob SpriggsBob & Betty
Yeah!! Praise God! I will be praying for your levels and labwork. :)
by AstraeaGod bless and much love!
That is some VERY good news!
Continuing to pray for you.
Blessings,
by Karla ~ Looking Towards HeavenKarla
Praise God for the good MRI! That is good news! Praying your platelets get where they are supposed to be!
by SusanneWow - your MRI looks fantastic! Prayers are ongoing for your lab counts. God bless!
by episcopollyannaGreat news! the Lord is so good at showing us when things are not as they should be, so we can pray. The bruising can look so scary. Glad you missed that this time.
Enjoy your family and your rest.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
by BobbiePraying real hard that God will remove the rest of that cancer, Heather, and that those numbers will go up! Thank God for the excellent report! :o) Enjoy some time with your family.
by CathyTHANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER. I’m praising His name tonight. And I will pray regarding the numbers too, Heather. My 3yo second cousin is fighting Leukemia and I know his counts have been all over the place as well. He is doing well in spite of it (all God) and I’m petitioning for you, that your numbers will recover and that you feel more energy very soon. ENJOY loving on all who love on you.
by ToniBlessings,
~Toni~
Praise God! Rest and take care of yourself!!
by CrisannePraising God for your good news! As someone who has lived with ITP (low platelets) for over 3 years, I can attest to its symptoms and the way they make you feel!
by Connie HopkinsConnie Hopkins
Good news !!! Enjoy your family, go and play !
by Teresa from SCThats great news. Im glad you now know what was causing you to not feel well, and can work on that. Praying for you.
by CareyYou are going to beat this. Beatiful after picture (compared to before.)
by KimberlyDiWonderful news Heather. That’s so neat how you were able to post the before and after photos.
by Robin in New JerseyGod is so good! MRI photos speak volumes. I pray you gain some strength. I know my Dad finally gained a little weight back. He will know more at the end of the month.
Keeping you in my prayers! Also, please pray for my Mom-in-law who is having surgery this morning. She is having a cancerous “mass” or giant polyp removed from her colon. She is 82 and a fabulous lady.
God Bless!
by Kathleen MarieThat is excellent news!! And, at least there is a good reason for how you have been feeling! That always makes it easier. And then you can deal with it!
by TirzahEXCELLENT NEWS!! Praying for you always Heather. Praying for all of you!
by FranI’m glad to hear that your MRI results are so good! Hang in there! Your treatments are working.
by JenniferThat new MRI looks wonderful! I’ll pray that the lower dose of chemo is as effective in killing cancer cells but is easier on the rest of your body.
by mbboredA picture sure is worth a thousand words…
by IvyPraying for you way up here in Northern Alberta, Canada
Ivy :)
http://www.jenessabyers.com/
I saw this little girl on tv a week or so ago and I thought of you. I am so glad to hear that your treatment is working. I try to visit your blog at least once a week, but I’m usually rocking a baby to sleep when I do, so I rarely ever leave any comments. (I’m too impatient to type one handed) I am praying for your complete healing and I know that a lot of others are praying for it as well. You have been a blessing to me. I have learned a lot from you about trusting God and staying focused on Him. You have not allowed this disease to run or dictate your life, you have given it all to Him. I am so very thankful to you that you are so open and honest in your posts.
Love and prayers from your sister in Christ,
by CrystalCrystal
Glad to read the good news! Praying for those numbers to come up so you get some energy and appetite back!
by SusanI am so thankful that the chemo and God are kicking cancer’s a**!!!! What a blessing! I pray for stronger and more energetic days ahead … but I am so glad that the chemo is doing what it needs to. God bless you!
by Monica C.WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! Praising God!
by alisonIt always seems to help when you know what is wrong, doesn’t it? It’s scary when you can feel that something isn’t quite right but you don’t know exactly what it is…..
Great picture! :)
by KimCongratulations on the good news. Prayers are still coming your way. Keep strong.
by amisare waswerebeenThank God!! I am so glad the to hear and see this MRI.
by KerryThat’s also understandable how your with a low white counts and platelets as well.
Take care of you and keep the faith.
Always Hope!!!
Heather,I don’t comment often but I check daily for updates :) I am more than pleased about your news today. I’m sorry you are feeling so yucky, but I’m glad to know you have an explanation for it. I’m giving Him some praise with you today! :) Have a wonderful, relaxing evening.
by CharityPraise God for His mercies to you! You’re right…low counts will make you feel horrible. I’m glad that they figured it out. Did you get a transfusion? That always seemed to help me.
Hang in there and I’m glad you get a break from chemo.
by HeatherAWESOME AWESOME NEWS ..HOW I LOVE THE LASTEST PIC OF THE MRI….SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!!!!!! it will make the lowest days of chemo more bearable!
by marianne daltonI am so thankful with you for the good news and the not-so-good news b/c it gives you some explanation for what is going on in your body! Keep on keeping on!
by RoseWhooo Hooo for those awesome scans!! (I’m believing God for those one day for my son!)
Sorry about your counts, wow, no wonder you were feeling so BAD!
Praying things start getting alot better for you.
Enjoy that wonderful family of yours!
Rejoicing with you,
Susan
by SusanGreat news Heather! I am so happy for you!
by GinaA friend wrote me today and said, ” God is good and He is right in all He does”. It was such a good reminder to me as I face my scans tomorrow.
Love, Gina
I have missed you, but you have been ever on my mind to pray…the MRI and all that concerns you.
WOW! Your pictures are beautiful.. Do you know how very beautiful you are?
Continuing to pray and asking for huge miracles and blessings ten thousands beside.
by Holly SmithLove in Him,
Holly
God is good! What a wonderful MRI and I am glad you got some answers about the way you have been feeling.
by chrisFantastic, fantastic news!!! We’ll just keep on praying for you that your levels will come up and all those nasty symptoms will begin to ease. I hope that you will be able to get some well deserved rest now. Take care and thinking of you, Lisa.
by lisaYOU Go, Girl—Kick that tumor OUT of your brain!
by PaigePraise the Lord! Thanks for the update…I’m so glad your MRI looks good…as for your labs…I’ll be praying your counts come back up soon. *hugs*
by KandyHi Heather-
by NikkiI just read about all that you have been going through… and crying the whole time reading about you and Emma.
I will keep you in my prayers. Glad to hear the good news about your MRI.
Debbie found your site and sent it to me.
God Bless you.
Nikki (Frailing) Cleary
I love, love, love your most recent MRI pic. Love it!
I’m sorry you’ve been feeling so rotten, but I’m so glad you now know why.
by A Place For Ministry WivesI had fainted. unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord ~ Psalm 27: 13-14
I am smiling today for you,
by faintnotLinda
I am so gald you got good news and answers. You are an amazing person and mom-Still in our thoughts and prayers !
by The Waala FamilyHeather, I’m new to your blog, but I feel very close to you because my husband has the exact same type of brain cancer that you have… I was praying for you that all would go well with your appointment, and I have to say your MRI looks really fantastic! This should be a wonderful sign of encouragement to you! I have to keep reminding myself, like you, that The One Who is in control is the One Who loves us the most….so why should I fear? My husband tells me often, “Fear is useless, what is needed is trust.” You and your family will be in my prayers. If you would like to contact me offline, if there’s anything I can do to help you, please feel free to contact me.
by kathy mHeather, Praise the Lord that tumor is gone! You are going to be just fine in a few days with your change of medications. God has assured me of that!
Love and Prayers for your entire family,
by BettyBetty from Oklahoma
Congrats!!! That is such great news!!! I’m glad they figured out why you were feeling bad, and hopefully you’ll feel better soon.
by CarrieYou’re in my prayers!
God bless :)
We serve an AWESOME God!!!
YAY~
Leah in Alaska~
by LeahPraise God! What wonderful news.
by julie@lovelaugter&laundryThat is excellent news about the MRI! Praying your labs improve and you start feeling better.
by StephaniePraise the Lord for the MRI results. Now, we know to pray more specifically for the platelet count to go up. Praying right now, dear Heather!
by peachGreat news and here you are encouraging US!!! ((( hugs ))) Praying for you. D
by DawnGod is good. Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging so many people. You are in my prayers.
by RBHeather, I am so happy for you ! You have been in my prayers. I’ve been reading your blog for a little while and you are an inspiration! God is awesome, isn’t He?
by AmyHUGS HUGS HUGS and prayers always for you.
by Karen D.I’m so happy over the MRI. My prayers are with you that you get stronger every day. God bless you and hugs!!
by ChupieandJsmamaI’m so excited to see that picture! I can’t wait to see it when there is NO RED DOT! Always praying!
by oh amandaThat MRI looks awesome!!!!
by KarlaPraying for your blood count & labs too….
You’re in my thoughts and prayers, Heather. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration to all of us.
by Connie DeMarcoThen maybe you should feel honored to have cancer. If it’s God’s will for you to have it and all. Maybe there is no God and you’re just reaching for air castles and going through this life alone to have nothing but sleep on the other side.
by AnnonymousHow wonderful Heather! I’m praising God with you.
by StacyWonderful news! Love & prayers.
by DeborahAnnonymous — We all have burdens to carry. It is our hope through our faith in Christ carrying us in our burdens that others might find the love of Christ and want to know more.
God bless,
by SallieSallie
I must say that on the “other side”..heaven..our Heather will have much more to do than SLEEP!!….She will be handed a whole bunch of rewards and you know what she is going to be doing with those rewards?
by TerryShe is going to be laying them at the feet of her precious Lord!
Oh if I only had ONE of those rewards to give to the King, I would be so happy..Terry