I received a call from Dr. Kaplan while we were on vacation. He had a question about my last scan and wanted me to have a more detailed PET scan as soon as possible.  I scheduled it for Monday morning, before my treatment. That made for a LONG day but I wanted to get it done and off my mind.

Part of me wished I hadn't answered the phone and didn't have to think about it while we were visiting the "Happiest Place on Earth" but I was distracted enough not to worry about it too much. I fluctuated between thinking there might be radiation or a more difficult treatment in my future and then thinking I was going to have the best results Dr. Kaplan had ever seen!

That wasn't exactly what happened but the news was good.  All of the tumors are responding well to treatment and many are estimated to be 90% scar tissue! Dr. Kaplan isn't ready to change my treatment schedule but he said I might be able to early next year. All of the symptoms I'm having now are chemo-related, not cancer related, so I’m really looking forward to having a less intense treatment schedule. Patience, patience .........

For now, I have a little better attitude about treatment.  It's easier to handle chemo when I know it's working and I can imagine it destroying the last bits of disease.  Being me, though, I had to look up what it means when there's scar tissue forming and how long those tumors will be controlled. I didn't get any solid answers, although having a good response in the first few months can be a good indication that the tumors will "stay put" for a while. That's what we're hoping for!

These results also reminded James and I of how thankful we are to be seeing Dr. Kaplan. If I had stayed with my original doctor, I would have had 10 treatment sessions instead of 18 and with only one drug, instead of two, I don't believe I would have come this far.

James, Dr. Kaplan and I were all pretty happy in his office that day.  If I had to come back from vacation, that was a nice way to return.

And about our vacation -- we went to Disneyland!  James and I debated about it for a long time and then decided it was the right time to go.  It's a little quieter this time of year, the kids are at a good age to appreciate the park and Olivia only missed three days of school.  Even with the 90 and 100 degree temperatures, we all had a great time.  We also saw some friends and spent an afternoon with my cousin. It was a nice trip with good family time.

I was worried about how I would feel while we were there, but I felt better than I have in a long time.  I might have been a little more tired than most parents who bring three children to Disneyland,  but not much.  I was close to coming home early one day but pushed through and was glad I did. Given that I was having trouble walking a few months ago, it's pretty amazing that we had a successful trip to Disneyland with three kids in hot temperatures.

Once again, thanks to all of you for your support and prayers.  I know they're working!