The boys had their birthdays this weekend, turning 13 and 10. One is becoming a teenager, and the other is entering double digits. A significant birthday for each of them.
It is significant for me too. I am keenly aware that I was diagnosed shortly after they turned 4 and 1 years old. I am in grateful awe that I am here to witness their growth and to share in these milestones. I honestly didn’t believe that I would make it this far, and that in itself is a miracle.
I am also grateful that this birthday for them is BEFORE I get the results of my CT scan on Tuesday. I can (try to) fully enjoy the day before dealing with whatever the CT scan may force me to deal with.
The doctors, I believe, anticipate growth. I wouldn’t be surprised at that news, based on some recent changes in my body. I can physically feel the growth of one of the tumors, I have pain more frequently and in new spots, and some lymph nodes are newly enlarged. None of those are good signs, though there is always a chance that things are “basically stable.”
Nevertheless, at my last appointment, for the first time, the doctors presented new chemo options for me to consider during these two weeks. This is so that, should the CT scan show growth, I will have had some time to mull the options and can make an on-the-spot decision about where to go next.
My two choices are FOLFOX (which includes a drug that gives neuropathy – I’ve had that before and it is not easy to live with) and Erbitux (which results in a “disfiguring” facial rash – also lovely). While I am grateful to have options, you have to admit that this is a difficult choice.
So I am hoping for stability and the ability to stick with the “devil I know.” In the meantime, I will celebrate the boys’ birthdays with a gratitude that I can!
Please send good vibes, as I send them straight back to you!
Love,
Marie
Adventures in Spiritual Living 
Blessings to you and your beautiful boys and life unfolding with each precious day.
I will be celebrating YOU and sending light and love, whatever tomorrow brings…
big hugs,
Sara
Thanks Sarah!
Sending huge hugs to you……..and all the Pechet boys.xxxNancyNLG/dNancy Lynn
happy birthday to your incredible boys. sending love to you tomorrow and every day.
Sarah
Thinking of you, Marie. Always good to have options, although ice cream or jewelry options are better! Don’t know if you remember me…I interviewed you at Fayerweather for your oldest, and am now in Admission at BB&N, working with Geordie, whom you know. I think of you frequently, especially when I visit the Upper School office. -Best, Diana
Thanks for the reminder! Your name sounded familiar but I was having trouble placing it right away. Thanks also for the good wishes and support and say hi to Geordie, who gave me wise counsel years ago, which I still call up from time to time. I’m glad you guys get to work together!
Hi Marie, Wonderful post and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the boys! Wow, teenagers already…😜 The fun has just begun!
Hang in there, my dear. You thought you were going to be at this decision point a long time ago, and you weren’t. So, you may not really know where this is headed at this juncture. Thinking of you constantly and hoping for your continued joy in every mundane moment that you make special! x0x Charmi
Thanks Charmi, for your support in this and so many other ways!
Absolutely sending back good vibes, Marie. As many as the vibe highway can accommodate. Xoxoxo
Thanks, LadyK!
Just prayed for you! My eyes are on our God. I trust He has the best plan for you and your family.
With warmest Regards. Always
Kimberly
Thanks Kimberly. You are right and it is important for me to keep my eyes on God. He is the beacon of light, lighting my way through what can otherwise feel like a dark path. Thank you for the company.
I sit at my computer and pray for you and your family. Sending love and hugs…
Diana
Thanks Diana. I love that we are connected!