
Gwen and Carrie joined me this week at University of Washington Fred Hutch Cancer Center as I complete the first half of my 10 treatments of cranial spinal proton radiation to address the flare up of cancer cells in my cerebral spinal fluid. The big clue that the Intrathecal chemo stopped working was indicated by the change in my vision a few weeks ago. I immediately was switched to another Intrathecal chemo and while those intense treatments seemed to help, it brought on debilitating headaches and nausea. With the good care and guidance of my wonderful care team, I was directed to University of Washington for my current therapy. Yesterday marked my half way mark and things seem to be doing okay without any terrible side effects. I was lucky to catch a flight to bring me back for Memorial Day weekend to see Marina in Footloose on Saturday night and Sunday matinee (also Jared's birthday). Then I will return to Washington next week for another (final) round!
It has been a bit medically complicated as I have been searching for my next path to follow once I learned the first Intrathecal treatment (topotican) stopped working. This will be my ongoing challenge to maximize the benefit of each treatment and be ready to have another one lined up should it fail. Quite the adventure!
It was really special to have the time together with my sisters. We are so close even though our lives have been so busy and taking us in different directions. I am grateful that this diagnosis has helped mute all the noise in our lives and centered us to what matters most - the relationships with the ones we love. I had an dream about our lives together that was so profound and beautiful - the woven fibers of our existence and all the little things in life that we have shared that makes us who we are. All of it supported in the love of our parents, the sounds, the smells, the images, the feeling of human connection - a child's intimacy with another person that feels like an extension of myself and interconnectedness that is clearly everlasting.
Love you so much Jenny!❤️❤️