Jim Kelley
Good News Day
7 years ago
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I Am A UCSF Tumor Board Graduate!
The news is great! Even though my scans continue to be a little "squirrly", the consensus by the tumor board is I no longer need to be monitored by them. It is sufficient for my progress to be followed by Dr. Yom, Dr. Courey and Dr. Dubey. Even better, I get to go a whole 8 weeks without having a scan, a scope, a finger in my mouth and down my throat, etc. This is wonderful news!
Let me fill in a few details. Joyce and I met with Dr. Mark Courey and his "Fellow" yesterday. They let it out of the bag that Dr. Yom had done a preliminary "read" of my MRI and that she sent Dr. Courey an email that said it looked "good". One of the things I love most about Dr. Yom is her honesty with me. To my knowledge she has never minced any words with me, even when times were there toughest during the middle of treatment. Also, the appointment with Dr. Courey was very brief, yet thorough. He ended it by saying that he would see me in two months. Hold it, why would I see him in two months? Well, he explained to us that when someone reached my level of recovery, that he liked to see them every two months for a year, followed by once every three months for a year, followed by once every six months for a year and then once every year, for well forever! I was hoping to hear this, but really didn't expect it until today. Joyce and I met with Dr. Yom this afternoon and as always she we discussed my case open and honestly. She stated that I was a 9 after my first MRI, had reverted to a 6.5 after the PET-CT Scan and that I had returned to about a 7 now. I am used to Dr. Yom being "conservative" in her appraisal of my wellness, but this was a surprise after what we heard from Dr. Courey. THEN SHE EXAMINED (SCOPED AND THE FINGER DOWN THE THROAT THING) ME! Well immediately after sticking her finger down my throat her whole demeanor changed. She revised her numerical appraisal of my status to at least an 8 and she said she was "HAPPY".
Any time Dr. Yom is happy, we are very happy.
Be well!
Let me fill in a few details. Joyce and I met with Dr. Mark Courey and his "Fellow" yesterday. They let it out of the bag that Dr. Yom had done a preliminary "read" of my MRI and that she sent Dr. Courey an email that said it looked "good". One of the things I love most about Dr. Yom is her honesty with me. To my knowledge she has never minced any words with me, even when times were there toughest during the middle of treatment. Also, the appointment with Dr. Courey was very brief, yet thorough. He ended it by saying that he would see me in two months. Hold it, why would I see him in two months? Well, he explained to us that when someone reached my level of recovery, that he liked to see them every two months for a year, followed by once every three months for a year, followed by once every six months for a year and then once every year, for well forever! I was hoping to hear this, but really didn't expect it until today. Joyce and I met with Dr. Yom this afternoon and as always she we discussed my case open and honestly. She stated that I was a 9 after my first MRI, had reverted to a 6.5 after the PET-CT Scan and that I had returned to about a 7 now. I am used to Dr. Yom being "conservative" in her appraisal of my wellness, but this was a surprise after what we heard from Dr. Courey. THEN SHE EXAMINED (SCOPED AND THE FINGER DOWN THE THROAT THING) ME! Well immediately after sticking her finger down my throat her whole demeanor changed. She revised her numerical appraisal of my status to at least an 8 and she said she was "HAPPY".
Any time Dr. Yom is happy, we are very happy.
Be well!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Getting Started With a Big Week
This morning I had an MRI at the UCSF - China Basin facility. Other than a "blown out" blood vessel on the first try at the IV, the MRI was "uneventful".
I do have a feeling about this scan. I don't know what it is, but I just really have been feeling very positive about the results. I haven't had to see any "cancer" doctors in 3+ weeks and I am just feeling like we will be getting good news. It is kind of a weird deal, but I really think I am making progress because I am not expecting to make progress. I have been attempting to live each day as it comes, cherish those days when my energy is high and my pain is low and just get through those difficult days. The result, as best I can tell is I am having less difficult days. Dr. Yom and Dr. Dubey both told me separately at my last visit with each of them that my pain was something that just might not go away. It took me a few days to process, but I just decided that I wasn't going to let it rule my life. I decided that if I have pain, I would just medicate (Vicadin or Oxycodone) around it. And I began to eat more things and just medicate. Well, funny thing is after we got home from Oregon, I quit needing the Oxycodone. And I occaisonally forget to take a Vicadin and I get through it.
I am enjoying many more foods and even tasting some of them. Frankly, I have been nervous about being in social settings that involve food / eating. This past Friday we had our Holiday lunch for TY at Flemings in Walnut Creek. I did have a little pain that night from the rough textures, but all in all it was great. Then Joyce and I were invited by some of our friends to join them for cocktails and dining out. Both of these times have added to my confidence. I just look forward to the day (I hope) where I will be able to enjoy the taste of food as I once did.
So, tomorrow we see Mark Courey and Wednesday we get the results from Dr. Yom. The results will be what they will be. I truly believe this and am at peace with it! But I just have a feeling. I just hope it is not indegestion from all the new foods I have been eating!
I do have a feeling about this scan. I don't know what it is, but I just really have been feeling very positive about the results. I haven't had to see any "cancer" doctors in 3+ weeks and I am just feeling like we will be getting good news. It is kind of a weird deal, but I really think I am making progress because I am not expecting to make progress. I have been attempting to live each day as it comes, cherish those days when my energy is high and my pain is low and just get through those difficult days. The result, as best I can tell is I am having less difficult days. Dr. Yom and Dr. Dubey both told me separately at my last visit with each of them that my pain was something that just might not go away. It took me a few days to process, but I just decided that I wasn't going to let it rule my life. I decided that if I have pain, I would just medicate (Vicadin or Oxycodone) around it. And I began to eat more things and just medicate. Well, funny thing is after we got home from Oregon, I quit needing the Oxycodone. And I occaisonally forget to take a Vicadin and I get through it.
I am enjoying many more foods and even tasting some of them. Frankly, I have been nervous about being in social settings that involve food / eating. This past Friday we had our Holiday lunch for TY at Flemings in Walnut Creek. I did have a little pain that night from the rough textures, but all in all it was great. Then Joyce and I were invited by some of our friends to join them for cocktails and dining out. Both of these times have added to my confidence. I just look forward to the day (I hope) where I will be able to enjoy the taste of food as I once did.
So, tomorrow we see Mark Courey and Wednesday we get the results from Dr. Yom. The results will be what they will be. I truly believe this and am at peace with it! But I just have a feeling. I just hope it is not indegestion from all the new foods I have been eating!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
checking in
Several people have recently commented that they have not seen a post recently. I guess I could say that the good news is we have been busy with "life" and also that there is no new news to speak of at this time.
So what have we been doing you ask? We had the pleasure of joining our friends the Johnstons from Monterey in Oregon over the Thanksgiving holiday. We headed to Eugene in time to meet some of Niels' dorm friends and take them to a much appreciated hamburger dinner. Blair stayed in the dorm with Niels and attended classes with him on Wednesday. They had a great time together. Glen and I spent Wednesday purchasing our feast materials and then we all headed to the coast for a wonderful four days of rest and relaxation. We love the Johnstons because they don't care if we stay in our pajamas till 4pm! It was a great vacation and so wonderful to have Niels with us.
Upon our return to Walnut Creek we just started right back into the hectic life. Glen is working longer hours now. Work is pretty busy this time of year. He is very worn out when he gets home, but I think that the work is satisfying. Blair continues to stay busy with school and friends. She's looking forward to the possibility of doing some more volleyball coaching this winter.
I had quite the extended birthday celebration. First, Glen, Blair and I had a quiet evening at home on my birthday. We all enjoyed being back at home after our week on the road in Oregon. Then my dear friend Diane surprised me with a "surprise" party at Left Bank. It was wonderful to gather together a group of women who all have a special place in my heart for their role in both my professional and personal life. And Diane really made it a great evening. Finally, last weekend I had the most wonderful birthday celebration in Healdsburg. Several of my friends joined me for an extended "girls" weekend in a rented house in the vineyards. We did what girls do...laugh, shop, spa, drink wine, eat, laugh, shop...you get the picture. It was such a great weekend. Again I am struck by the continued kindheartedness and thoughtfulness of our friends. It seems that their generosity of spirit and caring is boundless.
Friday is a big day for us as Niels will be arriving home for the holidays. We don't expect to see much of him for a few days, but that is fine. When he's home, we will cherish every minute. I know that Fred is looking forward to the return of his bedmate. He loves Blair, but his first roommate was Niels and boys will be boys (even "dog boys")!
Next week Glen repeats his MRI, sees his UCSF surgeon, and meets with Dr. Yom. It will be a busy week for him in the city. We continue to be hopeful that this will be the appointment in which we get the "see you in 3 months" message. Keep sending your positive energy this way! We'll let you know how it goes late next week.
Happy Holidays to all,
j
So what have we been doing you ask? We had the pleasure of joining our friends the Johnstons from Monterey in Oregon over the Thanksgiving holiday. We headed to Eugene in time to meet some of Niels' dorm friends and take them to a much appreciated hamburger dinner. Blair stayed in the dorm with Niels and attended classes with him on Wednesday. They had a great time together. Glen and I spent Wednesday purchasing our feast materials and then we all headed to the coast for a wonderful four days of rest and relaxation. We love the Johnstons because they don't care if we stay in our pajamas till 4pm! It was a great vacation and so wonderful to have Niels with us.
Upon our return to Walnut Creek we just started right back into the hectic life. Glen is working longer hours now. Work is pretty busy this time of year. He is very worn out when he gets home, but I think that the work is satisfying. Blair continues to stay busy with school and friends. She's looking forward to the possibility of doing some more volleyball coaching this winter.
I had quite the extended birthday celebration. First, Glen, Blair and I had a quiet evening at home on my birthday. We all enjoyed being back at home after our week on the road in Oregon. Then my dear friend Diane surprised me with a "surprise" party at Left Bank. It was wonderful to gather together a group of women who all have a special place in my heart for their role in both my professional and personal life. And Diane really made it a great evening. Finally, last weekend I had the most wonderful birthday celebration in Healdsburg. Several of my friends joined me for an extended "girls" weekend in a rented house in the vineyards. We did what girls do...laugh, shop, spa, drink wine, eat, laugh, shop...you get the picture. It was such a great weekend. Again I am struck by the continued kindheartedness and thoughtfulness of our friends. It seems that their generosity of spirit and caring is boundless.
Friday is a big day for us as Niels will be arriving home for the holidays. We don't expect to see much of him for a few days, but that is fine. When he's home, we will cherish every minute. I know that Fred is looking forward to the return of his bedmate. He loves Blair, but his first roommate was Niels and boys will be boys (even "dog boys")!
Next week Glen repeats his MRI, sees his UCSF surgeon, and meets with Dr. Yom. It will be a busy week for him in the city. We continue to be hopeful that this will be the appointment in which we get the "see you in 3 months" message. Keep sending your positive energy this way! We'll let you know how it goes late next week.
Happy Holidays to all,
j
Thursday, November 20, 2008
It is a JOURNEY!
Joyce and I went to see Dr. Yom this morning. As most of you know I had a PET-CT Scan on Monday. Our greatest hope was that the results we'd receive would be a "Clear" scan. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
A little background will help to define where I am now. When I had the MRI done at the 8 weeks mark, it showed that the primary tumor (Tongue Tumor) was progressing very well and that it led us to believe that the Tongue Tumor was "gone". What did show up on the MRI was an irregularity with the three Lymph Node Tumors. So, the PET-CT Scan was scheduled to check on the Lymph Node Tumors. One other thing we learned today, MRIs are more effective in looking at the Tongue Tumor, while the PET-CT scan is more effective with the Lymph Node Tumors.
So, specifically the PET-CT Scan showed that the Lymph Node Tumors are fine (healing as expected), but that the Tongue Tumor did not look good (not progressing as expected). We are disappointed with the lack of a clear report, but understand that my health is truly a journey. What this means is that I will not get a 3 month reprieve from my doctors, but will have another MRI at the 16 week mark (Mid-December) and that I will get to see another member of my medical team that I haven't seen since the diagnostic stage - ENT Surgeon, Dr. Mark Courey. Upon reflection this is a good thing as it will mean another set of eyes will be looking at me. I trust Dr. Yom completely, but as she said this morning, it is a good thing to have all my medical team following my progress.
I have learned that medicine is so much more of an art than a science and that you can often get conflicting information. We are very hopeful that the MRI is correct for the Tongue Tumor and that the PET-CT is correct for the Lymph Node Tumors. It is the likely result and what we are counting on.
Be well!
A little background will help to define where I am now. When I had the MRI done at the 8 weeks mark, it showed that the primary tumor (Tongue Tumor) was progressing very well and that it led us to believe that the Tongue Tumor was "gone". What did show up on the MRI was an irregularity with the three Lymph Node Tumors. So, the PET-CT Scan was scheduled to check on the Lymph Node Tumors. One other thing we learned today, MRIs are more effective in looking at the Tongue Tumor, while the PET-CT scan is more effective with the Lymph Node Tumors.
So, specifically the PET-CT Scan showed that the Lymph Node Tumors are fine (healing as expected), but that the Tongue Tumor did not look good (not progressing as expected). We are disappointed with the lack of a clear report, but understand that my health is truly a journey. What this means is that I will not get a 3 month reprieve from my doctors, but will have another MRI at the 16 week mark (Mid-December) and that I will get to see another member of my medical team that I haven't seen since the diagnostic stage - ENT Surgeon, Dr. Mark Courey. Upon reflection this is a good thing as it will mean another set of eyes will be looking at me. I trust Dr. Yom completely, but as she said this morning, it is a good thing to have all my medical team following my progress.
I have learned that medicine is so much more of an art than a science and that you can often get conflicting information. We are very hopeful that the MRI is correct for the Tongue Tumor and that the PET-CT is correct for the Lymph Node Tumors. It is the likely result and what we are counting on.
Be well!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
family...
I was just reading Diane and Jim's blog (it's linked on Glen's blog) and I was so happy to see that they'd had a successful trip to Yosemite...and I was a bit envious I must admit! It got me to thinking...I should tell you all about our trip to LA to see my family!
None of us have been down for way too long, so with the long weekend and all, it seemed like the right time. We picked up Blair from school on Friday (okay...a bit early), jumped in the car with Fred and were in LA by 7:00 pm. It was wonderful to share dinner with my whole family (well, most of the LA ones anyway). My sister Chris, made an old-time family favorite for dinner, Karen and Page opened their doors (again) to us all and we really just kicked back, relaxed and caught up. Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous fall LA day - just a hint of a Santa Ana wind, clear skies and such a fresh smell in the air. (They really have cleaned up the air there!) We hung out in Karen and Page's back yard most of the day. Fred became quite proficient at "fetch" with my dad and me. (That's something, because my dad really doesn't like dogs...but they love him!) After another evening of football on tv (that Cal/SC game) and a leisurely meal we headed to bed early in preparation for a run home on Sunday. And that was it! Quick. but worthwhile. And it's a good thing we went last weekend, because I hear that LA is not fairing too well this weekend!
So...Monday is Glen's next big day. We're not sure when he will get the results of his PET-CT scan. But you'll be the first to know when he does!
Enjoy the incredible weekend (at least it's amazing here!) We're getting ready to clean out the garage....ahhhhh....life returns to "normal"...slowly, but surely!
j
None of us have been down for way too long, so with the long weekend and all, it seemed like the right time. We picked up Blair from school on Friday (okay...a bit early), jumped in the car with Fred and were in LA by 7:00 pm. It was wonderful to share dinner with my whole family (well, most of the LA ones anyway). My sister Chris, made an old-time family favorite for dinner, Karen and Page opened their doors (again) to us all and we really just kicked back, relaxed and caught up. Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous fall LA day - just a hint of a Santa Ana wind, clear skies and such a fresh smell in the air. (They really have cleaned up the air there!) We hung out in Karen and Page's back yard most of the day. Fred became quite proficient at "fetch" with my dad and me. (That's something, because my dad really doesn't like dogs...but they love him!) After another evening of football on tv (that Cal/SC game) and a leisurely meal we headed to bed early in preparation for a run home on Sunday. And that was it! Quick. but worthwhile. And it's a good thing we went last weekend, because I hear that LA is not fairing too well this weekend!
So...Monday is Glen's next big day. We're not sure when he will get the results of his PET-CT scan. But you'll be the first to know when he does!
Enjoy the incredible weekend (at least it's amazing here!) We're getting ready to clean out the garage....ahhhhh....life returns to "normal"...slowly, but surely!
j
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
sooner rather than later...
Hello Friends of Glen!
Glen is scheduled for his PET-CT scan on the 17th of November. Not sure what the schedule will be for the reading of the information and the receiving of the report...but keep him in your thoughts for another "all clear" report on the 17th!
And yes, he is slowly recovering every day. We actually went to LA for a quick trip last weekend. It was great to see my family. We usually make a quick run during the summer, but for obvious reasons that didn't happen this year. Glen did quite well traveling so we know that he will totally enjoy our Thanksgiving with the Johnstons in Oregon at the beach. Can't wait to see Niels!
Stay tuned after the 17th for another report!
j
Glen is scheduled for his PET-CT scan on the 17th of November. Not sure what the schedule will be for the reading of the information and the receiving of the report...but keep him in your thoughts for another "all clear" report on the 17th!
And yes, he is slowly recovering every day. We actually went to LA for a quick trip last weekend. It was great to see my family. We usually make a quick run during the summer, but for obvious reasons that didn't happen this year. Glen did quite well traveling so we know that he will totally enjoy our Thanksgiving with the Johnstons in Oregon at the beach. Can't wait to see Niels!
Stay tuned after the 17th for another report!
j
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