Good News, Finally!

Mike's newest scan came back looking really good! The cancer is not growing right now and we're in a holding pattern. Doc will just keep him on chemo until he thinks the benefit of that has run out.


On Saturday, February 12, Mike and I met Allison DuBois and Joe. She was very helpful to us. Thank you, Allison. Mike and I had a wonderful time and were able to talk about so many things afterward.

Nevada Governor's Inaugural Ball

Mike and I attended the Governor's Inaugural Ball on Friday night. I have to say that the staff at the Wynn were the best I have ever encountered. They were all helpful, friendly, and engaging. I bought a tux for Mike for the event. He's always rented, but after buying Philip one last year for Gorman's Prom I showed him that buying can cost the same as renting, so he gave in. 

Mike and I had a lovely time and I was lucky enough to be introduced to the First Lady as the Chair of her husband's council on Developmental Disabilities. But the best part of the night was that Mike and I were able to dance a little. It had been too long.

2011

The new year has started off with a slightly lower PSA score.  Last test showed a 5.1.  So that's always a good thing to hear.

On another note, the Infiniti started to wheeze the death rattle. Many many thanks to my Dad for swooping in and helping me out with a new car.  (You too Mom!)  Thanks to them I am now scooting around in a new Chrysler 300 with a 0% loan at nowhere near retail.  It just doesn't get any better than that and I can't say how grateful I am.  Thank you again, Mom and Dad.

One Week Later

Mike's numbers continue to rise. In the last week we've seen an increase to 5.9 in the PSA score. He's had two of the Jevtana treatments and will have another blood test in 10 days. I guess we'll see where we are then. It's getting harder to post these numbers.

The New Numbers

Well, I'm not sure what I can say about the new chemo. Mike's PSA is still rising (5.6) but maybe we will see a small drop after a couple more treatments. That's not a bad thing as holding steady is considered progress right now. He has been scheduled for at least three more treatments of Jevtana. After that we will reassess and regroup.

Thanksgiving was really great this year. We were able to see so much of the family. And now we hear that Mike's dad has come through his surgery with flying colors. Way to go, Dad!

Change of Plans

There was a change of plans for the next round of chemo. When we returned last week, the doctor had decided NOT to continue the Taxotere. So Mike is now starting four rounds of Jevtana.  That's the plan for the moment anyway.  Everything is so dependent on what the PSA numbers are after treatment.  I've heard and read that Jevtana is also well tolerated.  Mike is convinced he will lose the rest of his hair. But honestly, the man has been concerned about his hair since I met him 25 years ago.

It was so good to see everyone at Thanksgiving. Seems like things are changing so fast that we don't know each other at all anymore. I guess that happens as the kids get older and the adults have more time to pursue our own career goals and hobbies. It was funny to hear someone ask why I would go with Philip to a division seminar for the Coast Guard. I'm working with both the local and federal level of the Auxiliary now.

Mike's temp job lasts until the end of this month. After that we are continuing the search for more permanent employment. Lately I've been thinking of going back to work for someone else. Looking at whatever options are available at the moment which means a government job may be a good fit. Imagine, I could do work for the government and they would actually PAY me. LOL. Naw, couldn't be.

One more time.

Well, the news was not good this time around. Mike's PSA is up to 4.22. The doctor would still like to go one more round with the chemo at the beginning of December. After that, we'll have to look at what options are left.