Tough post warning
Well, on a bit of a roller coaster ride these days with the cancer. I want to get to the nice flat stretch of stability while it seems to prefer going upside down and doing massive drops that I’m not enjoying. Although if I’m being honest, I’d like to just get off this ride entirely.
My second brain MRI showed “tiny” new spots and an increase in a lesion on my jaw/mandible. And since our household has already seen one broken jaw this year, back on the radiation table I go.
My current treatment is not working and right now, we’re throwing so much at my body, and have been for the last six years, we need to give it a break. We are still doing radiation and today I’m getting a blood transfusion to help my abysmal blood counts. After a few months of cooperation, my platelets have once again gone on strike.
Dr. Gajria, Jenn, and I had an emotional but productive conversation on Wednesday. She wants me to live, like actually enjoy life but with all that’s been going on, I haven’t been able to do that. It was sad to hear her say that she hadn’t seen any sparkle in my eyes in awhile. She wants to bring that back. So the plan js continue with the targeted treatments and support my body, specifically my blood, so that I can return to systematic treatment asap.
This was obviously not what anyone in my circumstances wants to hear. But I am in the best hands I could be with Dr. Gajria and her team of specialists. She truly leaves no stone unturned.
This news was difficult for Jenn, Moe, and Mrs. Hess to take in as well, as I’m sure you can imagine. I have set some goals for the next few weeks to try and support my body. From eating better to gentle exercising to daily walks to leaving the house for reasons other going to MSK to water wellness (IYKYK). Any local support in meeting these goals would be appreciated.
Speaking of support, I’d ask that the texts and check-ins keep coming. I may not always respond but they still warm my heart. I’m also trying to fit some fun and living back into my life, per doctor’s orders. I know we are all busy with all the things and the world isn’t being the kindest to us. But making sure that we find joy and laughter is important. So if anyone wants to join me, reach out. Just don’t suggest a helicopter ride.
Let’s end on a positive note:
Check out this link to article in Vogue about living with MBC, featuring quotes from my very own Dr. Gajria: https://www.vogue.com/article/katie-thurston-interview.
And this link to pre-order my dear friend Hannah’s debut novel, Mercy Hill. This book has everything! A mental hospital! Quotes from Outkast! Family drama! I’ve read portions of it in our writing group and can’t wait to read the whole thing. Hannah is a hard-working and hilarious writer so I know this book is going to kick ass! You won’t regret a pre-order to support this debut author.
Some fun things I managed to do, despite all this cancer drama.
Rangers game for Jenn’s birthday! Mr. Hess would be so proud. The Rangers beat the Nashville predators 6-3. We were in a fun section with a lot of die hard and vocal fans.
Speaking of the Predators, this SNL sketch is worth a watch. Sorry to my Nashville friends but I LOLed.
No pic but as a birthday treat, Bronwen took to me to see Alison Roman (or as she is known in some circles, disgraced celebrity chef Alison Roman although she has managed to rise from those ashes). She gave a fun talk and she always has the hottest takes, some of which are a bit off the rails. But eye rolling at semi-famous people’s hot takes was a fun way to spend an evening - Thanks, B!
Signing off for real now - We keep on keepin’ on.