Yeah. Normal days are good.
I got blood work done on Monday and met with the endocrinologist about my rising glucose levels. Since I'm only having difficulties with the fasting levels, the current plan is for me to continue following a controlled carb food plan and exercise. He said it's only a matter of time before all my glucose levels rise to an unacceptable level and that we will put a plan into action at that time. I'm fine with not swallowing any more pills or having any more shots for now!
My blood work is fine, although my tumor markers are now slowly ticking in an upward trend. No one (including me) is too worried about this trend ... it's very slight ... but my past history shows that this most likely means the cancer is more active or slowly on the move. I will have scans next week (regularly scheduled scans, not in reaction to these numbers) and decisions will be made based on what they show.
I met with the oncology team yesterday and this is what was planned: if the scans show stability (no noticeable changes), then I will continue on my current treatment plan, but back on the optimum dosage level. In December, I had to make some adjustments due to severe hand and foot reactions, but my hands and feet are completely normal now and have responded well to the last two reduced cycles of chemotherapy.
If the scans show progression or significant increased activity in a particular tumor, my treatment plan will most likely change. That won't be decided until we know what (if any) progression there is.
I am getting over a common cold, which lasted no longer than it does for anyone else. I'm still coughing a bit, but much less than I did this past weekend while on a women's retreat at Mount Hermon. I enjoyed the retreat, but the cough was irritating.
I'm enjoying having internet access all throughout the house. We had significant issues that finally got straightened out, thanks to the diligence of Kodi at Comcast. People often complain about cable companies, so I wanted to give a high-five shoutout for the outstanding service we received from Kodi.
Being California, we are enjoying spring-like temperatures and trees are already in full bloom. Taking walks outdoors is such a nice thing to do and I'm back up to my three miles a day (most days). Our real estate may be ridiculously expensive, but at least sunshine is included in the price! :D
I'm still in Judges in my Bible writing project. I'm going through Galatians with some girlfriends and I'm surprised they put up with my questions. They (the women, not the questions) are so good to/for me! I'm really enjoying spending time with them.
I finished a scarf for Rachel in the knitting department and am working on a blanket now. It's fun to be able to fully use my hands without pain now. Being pain-free is something that is often taken for granted ... until you are unable to function as a result of pain. I'm incredibly grateful for my overall good health.
I still volunteer to teach English to visiting scholars from China. It is with great joy that I do this, along with a co-teacher. It's hard to build the relationships I'd like to build with the scholars since most of them live in Palo Alto, but I do so love the time I have with them on Monday nights.
Art and the kids are doing well. We all feel like we are now back on a solid routine, something that helps all of us. Christmas was great, but the lack of schedule was challenging at times. We are exercising the gratitude muscle as we know things could be infinitely worse than they are.
Everyday joy. I'm basking in it.