It has been a while since I wrote in here. I planned to do it often but somehow it never happened.  Today seemed like a good time to write as I got back my newest PET/MRI results. What has happened in the last sixty days? I had a procedure called Y90 where they put a thin catheter filled with radiation beads into my artery in my left wrist and tunneled it through to my livers main artery that feeds the cancer in the caudet lobe or the center of my liver its nutrients.  These beads are to send radiation directly to the cancer and kill it. The goal is to kill these 2 tumors and then move on to the tumor in the area between my kidney and my colon or the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a hard place to kill the cancer bc there are not a ton of blood vessels that flow there which baffles me since it isn't a small spot.

 The results came in this weekend from the MRI and PET scans I had 12.29.23.  The 2 tumors in the liver have shrunk to half their size from the Y90 and the 1 in the peritoneum got larger in size.  My IR doctor said until the liver is clear he won't work on the tumor getting larger. He made this comment when he placed the beads into my liver. I am now going to have to challenge that mode of thought bc I want the peritoneum tumor to be radiated or ablated because I do not want it to remain in my core especially since it is growing in size. This may also mean that the chemo Folcis, I am may not be working due to growth. I will find out more about this on Jan 17th when I see my Oncologist again. I may need to ask to which to Foliri chemo which may make me lose all my hair but may stop the growth of the tumors. 

I know that I have to be prepared to go for a 2nd opinion which I am thinking currently about Dr. Hernandez in Rochester for the newest procedure called Histotripsy or NY University as they also have this procedure. Here is a link if you would like to learn more about this new word in our world: The Science - HistoSonics. Another Dr. in Pennsylvania, I want to say Dr Wagner. He does HIPEC/CRS surgeries which is where they go in and pour Hot Chemo into your core and they rotate you like a rotisserie chicken for about 90 minutes so the chemo can get everywhere. Then they cut out any cancer they can see. I was told I would not survive this by my current Oncologist but maybe I can reach out to find out if she is correct. 

My CEA or cancer marker number is 8.1 after the Y90 which was 9.2 before the procedure.  I sometimes feel guilty that I get depressed from my CEA being on the low end but the reality of it is cancer can turn your life upside-down in a matter of a month(s). There is really no time for waiting.  I also have a Signatera test tomorrow. I love that they come to my home for the blood draw. I will compare that score to the CEA. Last time it was double, I am hoping this time it is less. I follow these numbers also bc they show how much cancer is in my body/ peritoneum as far as I am concerned since we know that spot is so hard to monitor.  For me that spot scares me the most, more than the liver or lungs. The liver and lungs respond better to chemo and are easier to do surgery on. I am happy and should share there is no cancer anywhere other than the liver and peritoneum. I am bless for that!!! 

There are so many balls in the air when you have cancer. You have to find a way to advocate for yourself, educate yourself and schedule your cancer life within your semi normal life of work, vacations, family and friends.  It is a lot. I try to manage it all the best I can. I have been told I have dropped some friends bc of my cancer but if they had all this on their plate they might manage it better than I am but I am doing the best I can. I am also trying in 2024 to manage my health a little better. I will be continuing the intermittent fasting I started in December along with learning Macro-nutrients and adding in walking/weights. So you see there are a lot of balls in the air at all times. Want to switch? I would love a break from my own life if you are up for the challenge?

Oh and speaking of juggling the balls in the air, I took our 1st ever mother and son trip in October to Portland, Maine.  We were gone for an extra long weekend. It was the best time I have ever had with my son 1 on 1. We talked, ate, walked and enjoyed each others company. He is my calm for sure and always has been. When I am with him my calm seems to radiate from my soul. He is a blessing for sure. 

I have scheduled our mother and daughter trip for April 2024. We will go  to Disney where she has wanted to go since she was little but it never seemed to work out.  She is bringing her friend Sarah bc we are not sure how much I can handle. I will also get a scooter which I am told will be a game changer. This is also what is motivating me for the walking and weight loss. To be able to move better and easier.

Let's see what else has been going on??? Oh yeah, Fight CRC is going to Call on Congress again this March although I am not sure I can go this year. I might try every other year. Additionally, I applied for RATS which is patient advocacy and educational group through Fight CRC. I keep feeling like I am not doing enough for others with what I have. I hope one day I feel I have done enough for other cancer patients. I have a feeling I will never be satisfied with all I can do but maybe that is how I know I still have a fight/ road to walk on with this chronic disease called cancer. I like to call it a chronic disease because then it has no final days it only has more suffering which as humans we deal with daily. 

Last item is my  in person support group I started in Hopatcong last year, I need to get out there print flyers and also post them physically in doctors offices and more this year. I have an appreciation for all those who attend and those we have lost in the group. I thank you for sharing part of yourself with me and others. 

I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read my posts. If you ever have a question please feel free to reach out to me. You do not have to do it here if you are not comfortable.  My cell is 973-219-8705 please text 1st. I do not always answer unknown numbers so do leave a voice mail if you can not text 1st. You can also reach out via email:; danagian333@gmail.com but the texting is the quickest return.

I love the title I gave this post but I am not so sure I  covered those topics. lease let me know if you think I have:) 

 Please share with me if you are comfortable what you are looking forward to in 2024. I would love to share your joys. 

Happy 2024, Let's make it a memorable year in a great way. 

Love always, 

Dana