Attack Plan

I had an  a’ha moment, but before I can tell you why, I need to share what has been going on with me these last couple of weeks that led up to my a’ha moment.

Friday, September 7^th I had my 4^th MRI of the year.  I am such a pro at these now that they no longer freak me out.  For anyone not familiar with MRI machines they are like tubular coffins on a UFO. 

When I had my first MRI they told me to close my eyes and not open them until they pull me out.  However, I am one of those kinda people who when told to do something my curiosity takes over and I do the opposite.  Boy, I wish I would have listened to them! When I opened my eyes and saw I was in this white tunnel that was just slightly bigger than me, I immediately told them to PULL ME OUT!!!!  The technician obliged.  “Can’t they do a CT Scan, ultrasound, anything else?”  I cried (literally).  Long story longer, they said this was the best method to see whatever was going on in my shoulder.

Today I kinda look forward to MRIs and think of them as nap time.  They strap me in supper tight so I am unable to move, they put my head phones on, I instruct them on the type of music I want to listen to and they slide me in to the tubular coffin and the machine goes on.  Click the video below and you’ll understand my UFO metaphor.  BTW, my eyes are closed as soon as I lay down on the table.

I promise, we’ll get to the a’ha moment soon….

On Monday, September 10^th I followed up with Dr. Koon.  Doc said, “So what do you think?”  “How are you feeling?”  My reply, “I am ok; I think it grew, but it is hard to tell because pain management is doing a good job managing my pain.”  “Well, Faith actually it’s about the same.”  WOO HOOO!!  That might not sound like exciting news to you but to me, brad, and doc it is great news.  This means that the drug, Gleevec, worked to stop the blood flow to the tumor.  Now, Dr. Koon wants me to meet with Dr. Getty to discuss removing the stupid tumor (aka. Shirley). 

Skip ahead to Thursday, September 12^th, I met with Dr. Getty who agreed that surgery is a good idea.  You see Dr. Getty recommended back in March when we discovered the reacourance of the Desmoid that I meet with Dr. Koon and discuss my medication options.  I was a bit angry, I was having pain and wanted to get this thing out of me but dr. Getty had a good argument , “Faith, I am a surgeon, I am happy to do surgery however I think you should try the medications.” “We had clean margins and the sucker came back.”  “Doc, if I were your wife what would you tell her to do?”  “Faith, I would tell her to meet with Dr. Koon.” 

So I reluctantly met with Dr. Koon and started down the medication path.   Month after month the pain got worse and the tumor grew while I was on Tamoxifen; then I started Gleevec and as stated above it did not grow.  

Thank goodness I did not just jump into the surgery.  Yes, it could have been successful but remember there is no cure for this disease.  It can come back at any time and I have no other means of attack and every time he goes in he takes more and more muscle. In fact, this stupid tumor can lead to amputation.  Now that is the glass half empty, but it is my reality so I need to weigh all my options.  Anyhow, because I worked with the doctors and listened to them (and even challenged them at times), we now have a plan of attack.  I am having surgery on Wednesday, September 19^th and we will follow up with radiation and continue the Gleevec.  I am very hopeful that this plan will work. 

This brings me to my a’ha moment… in a few weeks my neck will no longer hurt!  WOO HOO!!!!!   

In lieu of flowers, I ask that you make a donation to the DTRF foundation and help me exceed my goal of $5,500.  https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/faithzdalton/running-for-answers7

xoxo,

Faith