Journal entry by Julia Sweeney —
Happy 30th Anniversary to us! What a journey - and we are fighting for many more. 🙏
Updates -- Steve had his scheduled scan and appointment with his oncologist on the 14th. He is still showing signs of the pneumonitis -- thus will have to continue on the steroids. He started at 70 grams for 7 days, then 60 for 7 etc. with a taper down to 0. He moves to 30 g tomorrow -- so just over the halfway point. He is scheduled for another scan on February 14th.
If the scan shows all clear -- then he can resume immunotherapy. If scan shows continued pneumonitis -- then we have to discuss next steps, as he will not be able to continue on immuno. We don't think they will add new treatments into his regimen at this time -- rather wait and see if the cancer remains as is, or if it begins to grow again. So -- we are in a holding pattern for now.
Steve has been an incredible trooper. He continues to do several 2-4 mile hikes regularly - it feels good to keep moving. He has struggled with a lot of dental work as well -- another side effect of the immuno. He remains positive!
Having all of the kids home for Christmas was beyond fabulous and the perfect medicine for the soul. Katelyn, Tristan, Sophie and Zoe were incredibly present the entire time. We enjoyed playing games constantly (check out Disney Villainous and Blank Slate) watching movies, winter hikes and delicious meals. We even took on the YouTube "Hot Ones" challenge with wings and an insane Scoville scale of heat. Super fun - we even did the interview questions as well. :)
Alas, as today is our anniversary, we were supposed to be in a townhouse in Paris. Instead, we will be having a delicious french cooked meal at home -- soft to chew as Steve has more dental work today. :)
Happy Inauguration Eve all! Here's to continued hope.
Updates -- Steve had his scheduled scan and appointment with his oncologist on the 14th. He is still showing signs of the pneumonitis -- thus will have to continue on the steroids. He started at 70 grams for 7 days, then 60 for 7 etc. with a taper down to 0. He moves to 30 g tomorrow -- so just over the halfway point. He is scheduled for another scan on February 14th.
If the scan shows all clear -- then he can resume immunotherapy. If scan shows continued pneumonitis -- then we have to discuss next steps, as he will not be able to continue on immuno. We don't think they will add new treatments into his regimen at this time -- rather wait and see if the cancer remains as is, or if it begins to grow again. So -- we are in a holding pattern for now.
Steve has been an incredible trooper. He continues to do several 2-4 mile hikes regularly - it feels good to keep moving. He has struggled with a lot of dental work as well -- another side effect of the immuno. He remains positive!
Having all of the kids home for Christmas was beyond fabulous and the perfect medicine for the soul. Katelyn, Tristan, Sophie and Zoe were incredibly present the entire time. We enjoyed playing games constantly (check out Disney Villainous and Blank Slate) watching movies, winter hikes and delicious meals. We even took on the YouTube "Hot Ones" challenge with wings and an insane Scoville scale of heat. Super fun - we even did the interview questions as well. :)
Alas, as today is our anniversary, we were supposed to be in a townhouse in Paris. Instead, we will be having a delicious french cooked meal at home -- soft to chew as Steve has more dental work today. :)
Happy Inauguration Eve all! Here's to continued hope.
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