Anniversaries

I know, I know. I have done a terrible job of keeping this blog up to date. It’s been a month since my last post and so many things have happened.


I’m glad to say I’m back at work. I am probably working more hours than I should, but it just feels good to be part of the world again. But I’m still recovering. My surgery incision wound is mostly healed, but there’s still a little bit to go. The pain continues to plague me – in my nether regions and my back. I’m now thinking that I shouldn’t have been so eager to lower my pain medication. I will probably talk to Dr. Fisher’s team next Tuesday about that.

On the good news front – we just had my right kidney tested to see if there was a blockage and I’m thrilled to say that it’s normal! As you may recall, I lost the use of my left kidney some time ago because of a tumor that was blocking my ureter. Although we put a stent in that ureter, the kidney has yet to resume normal function and is unlikely to do so. Therefore, it’s very important that my right kidney stays healthy. And it is!!

Also – I had my CT scan a few weeks ago and although they saw two additional spots, the official word is that the tumors are stable and so I was able to remain on my wonderful PDL-1 trial. However, we decided to talk about where I go post-PDL1. It looks like it may be a Stanford trial using CD-47.

When Dr. Fisher asked if he had ever mentioned CD-47 to me – I immediately responded that he had. In fact, when he originally told me about it, in the back of my head I was jumping for joy. This is going to be the drug that will keep me alive to see my children grow up. And – why do I know this? Because 47 is my lucky number. The idea that I would get a drug with the number 47 in it – well it’s just too compelling to ignore. When I told Dr. Fisher this – he, too, was amazed. He asked why my lucky number was 47.

Well, anyone who went to Pomona College will appreciate this lucky number as it is the lucky number for the school. When I graduated, I decided to continue the tradition and keep 47 as my personal special number. And – here it is. At the time that I need luck more than ever. Pretty great coincidence.

This weekend, I’m up in Spokane to celebrate my parents’ 50^th wedding anniversary. Tomorrow, Pat and I celebrate our 17^th anniversary. Although I’d love to have a goal of getting to 50 years together – I’m going to focus on getting to 25 years together. That would be an incredible blessing. But – with PDL-1 and CD-47 coursing through my body – I am confident that this goal is in reach.

Happy 50^th to my mom and dad! And – Happy 17^th to my wonderful husband!