Today was Karri's fifth chemo appointment - only one more to go!! It was a good meeting with her Nurse Practioner and we asked some more specific questions about what it means to be "in remission." Lina said that 'remission' is the more common usage in the field today - they don't speak of being 'cured' of cancer, particularly in cases, like Karri's, where it has spread beyond the area of origin. But remission is a good thing, and Lina pointed out that Karri looks good on paper as well as in person - her lab work shows the tumor markers down and her immune system not particularly suppressed from chemo - a little anemic is all.
Lina said that being in remission means the growth of the cancer is suppressed and the cancer is controlled – it doesn't appear to be lurking anywhere. However, it isn't possible to say with certainty that there aren’t some cancer cells somewhere in her body that the chemo didn't get, and they may very likely start to grow in the future. This could occur relatively soon, or not for many years. But for now there is no sign of such activity, and the oncologist will continue to do blood work and scans on Karri to monitor her health, not only in the region of the abdomen but also in nearby areas – bones (back/spine), liver, lungs etc. Theoretically the cancer might re-occur in any of these (or other) areas. The theory is that monitoring will pick it up early and they will then treat it as indicated, depending on where it is growing. For now, we celebrate Karri's continuing progress toward health. She goes in on Thursday for another epidural and evaluation of the situation with her back, which seems to be slowly but surely improving. Thanks as always, for your wonderful support, Kim and the rest of the gang.
Happy Birthday Karri!! Final Chemo is 10/15 - hooray!!
The actual date of Karri's birthday is October 8th but we've been joyfully celebrating all week long. She's been able to go out to eat, see movies, watch Allie play volleyball, and attend church. We love watching her enjoy her favorite foods again. We are so grateful for all your support; it has been critical to help her to celebrate this birthday with gratitude for her return to good health. She continues to improve steadily each week. Pictured here: Allie (14), Brandon (24), Karri and Jerry, and Abby (6). Matthew and Jordan are away at school. Love from all of us to all of you.
Sept 13th: Happy Birthday Jerry!
The Robisons (sans Jordan away at school) celebrate. Karri has had a good weekend too! She is eating a healthy normal diet without nausea, and with the benefit of an epidural shot, she is beginning to regain some mobility. While her back pain is not entirely diminished, she has begun to get around with a cane instead of a walker - yay!
June 22: Welcome Home from the hospital Karri! Good Luck w/Chemo
The Robisons with Mother's Day gifts and the "Wrap Yourself in Our Love" quilt made by friends from church. L to R: Matthew, Brandon, Karri, Jerry, Jordan and Allie
May 31st - Jordan's Senior Prom photo op
Despite looking great, Karri is fighting post surgery complications including serious infection and debilitating, persistent nausea.
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3 comments:
Hi Karri,
At long last, I post. I've been following your story for as long as the blog has been going, and it's not always easy to be a witness to such difficulties. I can't really imagine how hard it would be to actually live it.
I'm so happy that things are looking up, and I'm wishing you well. You're lucky to have such great Team Karri backers in your corner! (You must have to pay them a fortune to get such great service!) May you continue to get better and better! That is my sincere hope for you...
Love to you, and to your sis and parents,
Dave
What good news Karri. Our prayers are still for you and we hope to here more good news as time goes by.
We inclde your very wonderful parents also as well as the whole family. I can't imagine how frantic they must be, I know I would be that way.
Love Aunt pat
My prayers are with you Karri!
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