Let me tell you what’s been going on since my last update.

• I had some urinary and bowel problems that have now been somewhat dealt with. Also, on December 11, 2023, I received my first ever “intra-arterial chemo,” which basically involved being on the operating table, but I was not passed out at all. Dr. Brinjikji did the procedure, and he said I was one of his favorite patients, I think because of all the conversations I was able to have while I was on the table. That first chemo didn’t hurt at all, possibly because I was able to receive the mild IV sedation they offered. I didn’t notice any side effects from it either. 
  

• Then, we celebrated Christmas. Unfortunately, my dad got COVID for Christmas so he had to be on a Zoom call with the family while we opened presents. Then, my mom and I flew to Utah to celebrate Christmas with my aunt and her husband at their recently rebuilt house in Moab. We went on the 26th and stayed until January 1st. 
  

• Before I went, I texted Kerry that the trip would be a success as long as I didn’t have to visit an emergency room. But while I was in Utah, I did pay a visit to an ER only because I was suffering from some serious constipation to the extent that I was beginning to get sick from it, and I needed extra interventions. We joked that I visited the Moab ER just because I desperately miss being in hospitals so much and can’t do without them.

• Unfortunately, the genetic testing that followed the spine biopsy did not provide any immediate clues toward a targeted treatment. Results show some new "variants of unknown significance," but the previous targeted mutation is still there, too. Doctors are continuing to research those results.

• Since I’ve been back from Utah, I have received a second inta-arterial chemo, but the second one we forgot that I was supposed to fast, so I wasn’t able to receive the IV sedation. It was significantly more painful than the first time and also made one of my legs tingle extremely. During the second chemo, Dr. Brinjikji was the doctor again, and this time he spent the entire time quizzing me on world capitals. I was a little surprised by how many he knew without having to look them up. During that chemo, I also learned that they had seen some positive effects on scans after the first one, which I hadn’t completely known before. 

• I have been able to get back to doing some volunteering, including some at the food shelves as a translator and also as a photographer for Theatre in the Round. I’ve also successfully been able to see a few of my friends for a gift exchange, which was great.

• However, I will admit that I’m currently having a tough time remaining positive because of the cancer. My next step is to wait until Thursday to meet up with my original Mayo cancer doctor, Dr. Abeykoon, who has been on a fellowship for the last year at Dana Farber. We’ll see about potentially exploring new treatment options. 

-Anya