June 5, 2018 - Today was a good day

What a great day! I had a follow up with Dr. Burger at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas on June 5. All my labs are great—and even better than 6 months ago. My CLL is VERY controlled right now. He said I have minimal leukemia cells in my body (according to my labs). This means: the Imbruvica is working! I have done well on my decreased dose of Imbruvica (from 3 pills daily to 2). He doesn’t want to see me again until January 2019 [🙌🏻]!! At that point he said our next step is: Do we decrease the dose to 1 pill? Do we consider stopping the medication completely to give my body a break? He said there is not much research out there telling us exactly what plan of action to take, as the medication has not been around long enough to be studied long term. He did say there is always a chance that I will develop a resistance to the medication—which we’d like to avoid. Of course it COMPLETELY freaks me out to think about having no medication, but he’s the genius—I’ll do what he says. And I’m certain my body could use a break from it. For now, I’ll keep on keepin’ on. 

Thank you to my dear friend, Connie, for meeting me in Houston for this follow up appointment. It means more than I can express for anyone to stop what they have going on to attend an appointment with me. Even though I had a feeling this appointment would go well, I’ve definitely been surprised in the past with hearing news I didn’t want to. Thank you to my wonderful husband, Jack, for holding down the fort at home. My family and friend support is invaluable! 

MD Anderson was celebrating Cancer Survivors Week while we were there. We had a lot of laughs in the photo booth above, followed by a fun day and night out in Houston [that involved incredible food—hey, we like to eat!].

Thank you for supporting me, praying for me, and loving me through this journey. Have a wonderful summer! 

November 6, 2017 - Imbruvica is my BFF

I realized this past week many of you keep up with me here alone, so I am sorry I haven’t updated in a while. But no news is good news, right? 

RIGHT! 

I know of and hear of a time when Imbruvica stops working for CLL patients. Again, it’s my dark cloud that follows me... “when will it stop working?” as I frantically check my lymph nodes for unwanted growth. It’s paralyzing at times, yet it’s also relieving at times - because

The. 

Meds. 

Are. 

Working. 

I feel better than ever. I have more energy than I can remember having. My immune system is better. I used to have a sinus infection [like, the real deal... oral antibiotics coupled with steroids and an antibiotic shot... errrytime] about every 4-12 weeks for as long as I can remember. Since Imbruvica, I’ve had none. {***knock on wood***}

I know, and very much realize, there is a day this medicine may stop doing its job. But for today, I feel good. My CLL is controlled. Can I ask for anything more? No, I cannot. 

I go back to MD Anderson December 5. I will post another update after my visit. 

Once again, thank you for loving and supporting me! 

A special shout out to my CLL buddies. I am so thankful to have found you... and that I’m not alone with this cancer as a “young” one —> David Spivak and Sabrina Foxworthy (among others!), you are the greatest lifeline!