Hi All, it’s been awhile since I sent you an update and this update is a bit lengthy (sorry).

REPRIEVE: Even though I didn’t post this update, I know that the majority of you were aware of my 3 month reprieve. On 1/4, I had bloodwork & another CT scan. The bloodwork & CT scan results were very good; my bloodwork looked great, my numbers were up & the CT scan showed there was no sign of a tumor & no signs of cancer cells. I still had some swelling in my lymphatic system, which we needed to keep a close eye on. Based on these results, Dr. Seth gave me a reprieve on chemo treatments for 3 months. Yahoo!! But, I’m not cured, have to let him know right away if my lymph nodes started to pop out again. 

REOCCURRENCE: During my 5th, 6th & 7th treatment, I started getting a rash on my upper Left chest, eventually spreading to my left side. It started before Christmas up to mid-January. I showed it to the nursing staff, nurse practitioners & the physician assistant, who all didn’t know what type of rash it is or what caused it. I got them to refer me to a dermatologist that I saw sent in the past. The dermatologist told me my appointment was 2 months out. At first Fred & I thought was chemo rash, a side effect of the chemo. Meanwhile, my rash was getting worse, in which it stated to look like shingles. I eventually Went to my GP who was able to get me into another dermatologist, whom I saw on 1/23. Even he wasn't sure what this rash was, so he took a biopsy. On 1/30, I found out that the biopsy showed the same cancer cells as my original cancer, which metastasized to my skin. At least it went there instead of my liver, pancreas or lungs. The dermatologist conferred with Dr. Seth, who said that he’ll need to start up my chemo treatments, which I found out which starts on 2/4. Dr. Seth’s office called me today to let me know it’s going to be the same drug regiment as before. An infusion with 1 chemo drug, then 46 hour pump that I go home with with another drug. Oh joy!! 

Fred & I are preparing ourselves for the next round of chemo & will get more information on 2/4. More details to come. 

That’s it for now. Mary & Fred 💕