[NEDenise]

OK friends!

CT scans ALL CLEAR! Yay! So I won't be governing in the Sunny State of Denial for at least a few more months.
But I appreciate the promise of votes... and the elevation from governor to queen!

Interestingly, the CT of my chest showed a fractured rib that is showing signs of healing.
I knew my rib hurt too much to just be "radiation effect"!!
I don't know how it got fractured though! Hmmmm...

The report also says there's a small spot of pneumonia in my other lung.
I've had pneumonia 5 times in my adult life.
If I had pneumonia, I think I'd have symptoms!
My onc agrees...until we see symptoms... we're just gonna wait and see.

My steroid taper is down to 1/2 mg per day...
but boy do I feel baaad.
My body is not bouncing back the way it did the other times the dose dropped.
My adrenal gland has apparently become lazy, and likes the way the decadron does its job for it.
I asked if watching scary movies would jump-start my lazy adrenal.

My onc didn't miss a beat...
she said, "I don't think there have been any formal studies on that... but hey! what could it hurt?!"
I just love her!

If you remember, the neurologist wanted me to stay on Avastin for 4 more infusions, and then scan again.
Unfortunately, my insurance company is very reluctant to approve that...
so we're not sure what's next.

So... I'll keep tapering and tough out the side effects.
My level of sympathy for people fighting to free themselves from addictions has skyrocketed after this experience.
The body wants what the body wants!
No amount of will power counteracts physical symptoms.
Very humbling as one who likes to be in control.
God and I have discussions about this with some regularity...
He wants to be in control too!

On a happy note...
my weight is headed in the right direction now! Baby steps...
but I'll get there.
And hey! my new mantra has become "fat is waaay better than dead!"
Perspective is everything!

Please keep up those prayers for continued shrinkage of that swollen area.
They seem to be working!
Mickey and the goo-gobbler are keeping a close eye on things, I'm sure...
but prayer is really what will put an end to this ordeal!!

Sending you all love and prayers for YOUR healing and health!
Denise