November 14, 2007

Yesterday's chemo was uneventful (thank you for all of your prayers)! We had some good news, and more to keep praying about.

The Good News:
CA-125 blood test results are showing a great reduction in the tumor-marker. It has declined from 1600 in the first test, 1100 in the second, and now is at 660 after only one chemo treatment! That's certainly the trend we are looking for.

The News to Keep Praying About:
Unfortunately, yesterday's chemo method was modified to IV only. They originally planned to perform "IV" on first day, "IP" second day, and "IV" on the 8th day. However, because I am still producing abdominal fluid, and it appears to be "compartmentalized", they feel that the "IP" method may not be effective. In two weeks, I will have the abdominal catheter removed, then have a test performed to see if there is penetration of the fluids evenly through the abdomon, enough to allow chemo to flow evenly enough to be effective. If it can then the next chemo will include an "IP" method. If not, they will unfortunatly have to abandon it. Although it is produces harsher side-effects, its success rate is very good. So, I am praying that the compartmentalization will not be a hindering factor.

I feel pretty good today. Mike is still taking excellent care of the household. I may hire him to continue once I'm out of the woods!

My soldiers are fighting the fight! For nothing is impossible with God!
Maureen

yay maureen! Suzanne Rex November 14, 2007 at 12:13 PM MST
I am so proud of you for working to stay healthy, mentally as well as physically. Please know that my thoughts are with you and with you - Mike, Connor, and JP. You are all so strong; I am certain you will overcome this bump in the road of life...Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help make the going a little bit smoother. :) Big hugs!!
Way to go! Jacque Ingemansen November 14, 2007 at 11:45 AM MST
Great news about your bloodwork! You're on the road to victory! Keep up your rest and nourishment to stay strong. There's a battle in your tummy, and the fluid is your body's reaction to it. Praise God for the beautiful design of the human body and its amazing healing potential! Thank you Mike for taking such good care of her. Love always.
what wonderful news !!! Patti Herf November 14, 2007 at 11:40 AM MST
Maureen, so good to hear that all went well and it certainly sounds as though they have all the contingencies in place for the next "attack"...good to know all the ins and outs... and it all seems to make sense... yes, prayers do continue and will continue !!! LOVE TO YOU BOTH, PATTI AND CHARLIE
MORE PRAYERS FROM COLORADO! Judy Kludt November 14, 2007 at 10:30 AM MST
Maureen, now I know why I was home sick yesterday (and today). More time for prayers. After reading your update and being apprehensive about our next round of treatment - it is obvious that there was a reason for me being home and able to reflect on what is important and sending more prayers your way as well as my other friends and family in need of prayers and positive thoughts. Love, Paul & Judy Kludt and family
You've Got A Friend Catherine Billion November 13, 2007 at 10:04 PM MST
"You just call out my name (la-la-la), and you know wherever I am (la-La-la), I'll come runnin' (many la-las) to see you again...Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall...all you have to do is call...and I'll be there, yes I wi-i-i-i-ill, you've got a friend!" Hope your chocolate phone is all charged up and helping you hear your favorite tunes! Rest well, little hermana!

Thanks for the specifics Barb Glanville November 14, 2007 at 03:00 PM MST
Good to hear about the reduction of numbers and we will pray for a good response to make your treatment possible...We are with you. Love, Peter and Barb
I Am Woman, Hear Me ROAR!!!! Kathy Miller November 14, 2007 at 02:25 PM MST
Dear Maureen...we are so glad every time you write! We miss you and Mike so much, and feel so bad we're not closer to you. But we'll keep looking forward to your getting thruough with this so we can get together, hopefully in the mountains. Or Florida. Or Scottsdale. We're not picky. We just want to be with you and hug you. So keep it up. Those lower numbers are very encouraging! Yea, God!!! Love you, Auntie Kathy
Update 11/14/07 Charlie Herf November 14, 2007 at 12:57 PM MST
Maureen Patti and I think of you daily and you are in our prayers. Your treatment news is good and I hope it just keeps coming. You are a brave soldier and inspiration to all of us. Keep up the fight and we will keep the positive wishes and prayers flowing. Charlie Herf
The Power of Prayer from Pennsylvania Amy Atkins November 14, 2007 at 12:49 PM MST
Maureen~ I can't tell you what an inspiration you truly are!! We pray for you every single night before dinner and Ken & I look for your updates every day. I've sent my hair donation off to Beautiful Lengths in your honor. Because of YOU, some other Mom going thru chemo will be wearing a wig of eleven inches of my hair! You have changed so many lives by just being YOU! All our love, Ken, Amy, Corey, Jackson & Meredith
You go girl...from Minnesota Terrie Jorgensen November 14, 2007 at 12:21 PM MST
Hey Maureen - I am so glad that your treatment went well and the numbers are moving down. The prayers will continue...hang tight! Love, Terrie

OK, I Love You, Maureen! Catherine Billion November 17, 2007 at 09:51 PM MST
All I can say is: Two down, and four to go! Soon it will be three and three! You are amazing! I am so glad that those initial side-effects are diminishing! Enjoy the sunshine and that wonderful Alaskan sister, Margo! Also, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy being surrounded by the beautiful men in your life this week! I'm so glad to hear that the "boys" all went golfing! Pretty soon you'll join them on the golf-cart ride? Now that's positive imagery for US! Love, cath
Florida relatives Kathy Miller November 17, 2007 at 11:45 AM MST
Hi Maureen! I bet this has been a hard week for you. I just want you to know that we're all keeping up the thoughts, the prayers and the hope that you will feel better in a few days. I think of you so much, and I hope you and Mike let us know if there is anything we can do for you all. Sending love, love, love....Aunt Kathy
Thinking of you Robert Milligan November 16, 2007 at 08:01 AM MST
Thanks for keeping us up to speed about the fight. I know chemo is tough, but I'm sure you will get through it in style. Losing your hair can be tough, but unlike Charlie Herf, Clint Gibson and me, you know yours will come back. Take care. Bob and Kerry
Happy Friday Maureen from Mpls! Joan Lentner November 16, 2007 at 07:06 AM MST
Glad to hear that some of the news is so positive. You are one tough lady to endure all that is going on in your life right now...I feel like a whimp when I complain about the little things. The focus remains...that God is and will continue to bless you with many special blessings (some that are coming in ways you can not see or comprehend). As I try to stay focused in this ever busy world, I often think about living "just for today." For you right now, it certainly is taking a whole lot of strength & courage to make it thru today, as I can only imagine how grueling those chemo treatments are. But I am so very proud of you. You have made it to the end of another week and there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel as you conquer another week. I have not forgotten the feeling of one day you felt fine and the next day the doctor tells you that you have cancer. Quite a blow to the emotions, but we do make it and just the tiniest of things seem so very important...living the moment. And so Maureen, "all" that you need for this day is coming your way. You have already been remembered in prayer twice today and I will be going to adoration this afternoon and will lift you in prayer. Your prayer angel from Minnesota! Wishing you a super fabulous day...time to smile :) O.K. one more time :) now one for Mike :) one for Connor :) and another one just for Maureen :) :)
I Admire Your Great Attitude Clint Gibson November 15, 2007 at 09:15 AM MST
Maureen, you are an inspiration to all! I love that you intend to hire Mike for good housekeeping when you are home again. There are so many friends who look forward to the day you can be home. Love and best wishes, from your fan club. Clint Gibson