A Matter of Perspective

We met with Dr. Remmenga today and he was feeling positive about Kim's current situation. Given that Kim's tumor had grown significantly while she received the chemo Avastin in Nov/Dec, he was very pleased that it had decreased in size with hormone therapy and radiation. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. We were hoping that the tumors would be gone. What this tells us is that the therapy is working- just at a slower pace than we would all like. He explained that hormone therapy as not destroying the tumor immediately, but slowly killing it off. Kim will continue on the hormone therapy. She asked about increasing the dose because she was tolerating it well but he said that she is on the standard dose and they don't increase it.

The spot on her liver is about 1 inch in size. He will speak with the radiologist Dr. Thompson tomorrow about starting radiation to this area. Dr. Remmenga wasn't sure whether this was a new spot or one that had been there. The reason he feels this way is because depending on the "cut" of the scan they may have missed it in the past. It is positioned on the edge of the liver and he felt that radiation would be a good option. This is not the same spot that was found during Kim's first go round with chemo.

Kim will have repeat scans in 2 months. Kim was also given the okay for acupuncture and massage therapy. They drew a CA 125 level which is a tumor marker in the blood. They have drawn this lab at different points in her therapy. Her level has gone up and down and this will give them more information that could be valuable to her treatment. From what I remember they don't typically follow this marker in uterine cancer, but since Kim's cancer has a mind of its own it might lead to some good information.

Kim and I also discussed the possibility of a second opinion. With her current situation she feels confident that one is not needed at this time. If her next scans do not show continued improvement we will seek out a second opinion at that time. Kim, Shane and I all felt that Dr. Remmenga was doing all that he could and have great confidence in him. Kim felt relief after meeting with him and I believe she too has a new perspective on her.

Becky Hoff

No News

I know some of you are waiting to hear how my test went today, but I don't know anything. My doctors appt. was rescheduled for next wed. I went ahead and had the CT done this morning (late morning) but my nurse hasn't called me with the results yet. Hopefully I hear something tomorrow.

Kim

Spring Flowers

I was very touched to see in our bulletin today that Ruth Windhorst had given a bouquet of daffodils in Honor of Kim. When I told her how thoughtful she was, Ruth said that she thinks a lot of Kim and know the money for Daffodil Sunday is used to fight cancer and she has been impressed with how Kim has fought her cancer. Ruth asked about Kim and when I shared that she was enjoying a vacation she asked if I would like to take the flowers home. She didn't need to twist my arm. So while the sisters are enjoying a sunny warm vacation I am enjoying spring flowers.

Terri Janssen

Cruisin' and Celebrating Life

The Kirchhoff the Bates and Snyder’s take a 7 day cruise enjoy and celebrating life.