September 8, 2011

    Well, I finally got through to post on here.  I intend to print all these and put them in a book so we can all remember what true friends are. 
    Sara found out they won't let her get a pilot's license if she is on chemo.  Even though she is doing so well.  The chemo does make her feel woozy, but not like she cannot function.   So, all I have to say is look out Aviation rule-maker people, because you just picked the wrong person to tell what to do.
    Sara continues to respond favorably to the chemo and the octreotide shot she is still getting once a month.  The worst problem I see is that we forget to keep a close eye on her because she is doing so well.  She is still getting acupuncture, eating as organically as possible and spending as much time on Lake Pend d' Oreiile as possible which has healing powers of it's own.  Keep sending those good, good, good;  Good vibrations because I think they are bouncing back attcha.  Love to all!!


Posted by Colleen

August 16, 2011

    Sara and Sarah went to the Doctor appointment in Seattle today and yesterday for Scans and bloodwork.  It is all good news.  The tumors have shrunk 50% since the last CT scan 3 months ago. Her bloodwork is fine now but she definitely has to stay on regular blood testing.  Dr. Lin said to come back in 3 months and possibly in 6 months she could have surgery that would remove whatever tumors are remaining and to get rid of the main ones.  His analogy was "they are trees and we want them to be seeds." She will have to continue chemo for an unspecified amount of time to keep it under control, but Dr. Lin freely passed around the word 'remission'.  Also her chemo will be cut back as much as possible so she won't have the super bad side effects.
      He also told Sara D that she was no longer a priority patient.  For once Sara is happy to be considered boring. This is all such wonderful news and we are all so grateful and relieved.  All the support and energy and good vibes are DEFINITELY a contributing factor. Lauren's persistent acupuncture treatments and sound advice.  All the help Sara recieves from everyone, her strong will to overcome this nasty disease,{"to hell with it!!"}  I should hope we all can be this strong in the face of adversity.  Also, the lesson in friendship we have all learned from Sara and Sarah and their entourage. Can't even begin to express how much our family means to us. Nurse Erin is amazing.  Okay, okay, I can't take anymore.....




posted by Colleen

August 7, 2011

    One thing for sure, time flies in the summer in North Idaho.  Sara did end up getting a blood transfusion and spent the day at BGH in Sandpoint getting 2 units of blood and a dose of platelets.  Her platelet levels were at 16,000 and 20,000 is very low.   Her hemoglobin level was 6.6.  The Doctor in the ER said that chemotherapy can cause this to happen.  She is going to Seattle again later in August. 
    Sara has been otherwise enjoying the summer.  Got her pontoon boat, "The Dalaboat" running and has been on it as much as possible. It is probably the most relaxing place to be in the world.
   Also, she went on her first flight lesson.  Dr. Lin told her to just go out there and do whatever she wanted, which she has done since she was two, but now she has a license from a doctor. So, heads up {or not} about the flight lessons. She is fine.  The transfusion is like getting your tank filled, Erin said. But we are keeping a close eye on her so we catch it sooner.  If anyone sees her turning funny colors, call me!   She is not a very good complainer.  She didn't get that from me.  Enjoy the summer.  Love to all!!


Posted by Colleen

July 22, 2011

    I think I may have misled people to thinking the cancer benefit at Beyond Hope was for Sara D.  But that is not so. It is a general cancer benefit concert for everyone and open to the public.  Sara may have a benefit at some future date, but this is not it. 
      Shanna, Ruby, Annabelle, Baby Sara and Penny are visiting and staying at the purple house.  Sara is under strict instructions to not over do it.  I, as her mother, am keeping a close eye on her.  I will use my authority if my hand is forced.
    Maybe it is just as well the weather this summer is so un-summery because it kind of keeps things low key. Sara is not supposed to be in the sun a lot and that is really hard  in North Idaho when the sun is out, you want to run out side and put your face to the sky. 
    So take care and stay tuned.  Love to all!!!

July 20, 2011

    Long time no see.  Sara is doing very well and so there isn't much to report except that she is soooo kicking some major cancer behind.  She is considering going back to work full time even though I don't think she is quite up to that.  As long as she can get in her power naps, she can pretty much do anything.     
    Dr. Lin is her only Doctor. They had suggested having a doctor closer, but Sara is so impressed with Dr. Lin, she prefers to go to Seattle every six weeks.  Of course he is impressed with Sara D. also.  She is still getting regular acupuncture treatments from Lauren Miller and has a lot of help doing stuff around her house.  Her Dad has been over there a lot fixing her fence so she can stop worrying about Bentley, the jumpaholic.
   There is a cancer benefit concert at Beyond Hope on Saturday that should be a huge event.  The help and support out there for cancer patients is truly amazing.  Thanks for that. 
     I have lots more to say, but it isn't about Sara.  So I'll sign off for now but promise to keep you all up to date.

Add on to Mom's post......

I'm determined to Kick Cancer's Ass, especially since it ate mine! Seriously though.... Dad and I were blown away that Dr. Lin started my appointment by giving me the news that the Whipple Surgery was in my future! This is HUGE if anyone doesn't know this.... this was the surgery Sarah asked "why can't you do the Whipple Surgery", he basically said that it wasn't something that I'd probably be able to do.  But because I'm "Kicking Cancers Ass!", that opportunity has presented itself.  Also to mention he had a Doctor from Beijing with him, he turned to him and said "you got to look at this Dr. So-and-So, you don't see this very often", and showed him my AWESOME scans that were posted in March. (ok now I feel like im bragging, which I'm ok with).

 So THANK YOU everyone for your continuing love, encouragement and support.... this is just the beginning, but considering where I was 3 months ago, optimism overcomes me:)  Cheers! (virgin style)

July 1, 2011

    Sara had really good news from Dr. Lin.  He is very impressed with her progress. He is thinking of doing surgery maybe at the end of summer to remove the tumor on her pancreas that is causing all the other tumors. This would not get rid of the cancer completely.  But it would sure the heck slow it down. She will still do chemo on a regular basis for an undetermined time, but Dr. Lin is trying to reduce her dose to avoid the side effects.  He also gave her a license to eat whatever she wants.  She can eat all she wants now and still cannot gain weight.  He suggested giving her something to gain weight, but said the her weight is just fine.  But I said I would like to take a pill to gain weight.  Just kidding.
    So everyone who has and is rooting for Sara, it worked. We are all so pleased to have this good news. Sara is probably going down in some medical journal or something. But they would have to put in all the good vibes, caregiving, prayers, encouragment and just plain ol' cheering on.  Whew! Love to all!


posted by Colleen