It’s been two weeks
I am incredibly happy to share that this week I have “turned the corner” and am basically back to regular everyday life. I’m having to remind myself not to lift heavy objects, and I am trying to be intentional pacing myself so as not to overdo it. But my appetite is back, for most of the day my energy is back (cue an early bedtime), my abdomen is healing nicely, and I can concentrate on tasks (which means I am back to driving). I’ve even started back “running” - gingerly, carefully - since we do have the WDW Half Marathon in just over 2 weeks!
Thank you for all of your kind words, visits, and support during this time.
I had my 3rd Lupron injection on Monday at Zimmer Cancer Center with Dr. Robinson, and I will see Dr. Rossi at the Duke Cancer Center on Monday, December 29. I am hopeful we’ll be able to agree on a plan of action for 2026. I am going to remind her that I want to live, not simply be alive. I believe there’s a huge difference in those two things.
No, Baby Clara is not here yet, but every day brings us closer to her arrival, and we will be seeing her very soon!
This morning I read Luke 2:19, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” The question from Catching Whimsy asked, “With all the mysteries and unknowns in your life, what would it look like for you to treasure up in your heart the ambiguity God allows?”
I’ll be pondering that question in the days ahead.
Merry Christmas!
My 2nd Lupron injection - November 24, 2025
I have to admit that being back at the Zimmer Cancer Center here in Wilmington is a little surreal, and I also feel like I have come back home. I am thankful for the opportunity to receive care locally in coordination with Duke.
Yesterday I received my 2nd Lupron injection - 21 days after my 1st. Again, it was administered in my flank, this time switching the left side. Very little discomfort, just a pinch. No noticeable side effects so far. In fact, I ran 2 miles, then walked 3 this morning and felt great.
I appreciated the opportunity to see Dr. Robinson yesterday. He is so incredibly kind and caring. I felt seen and heard.
He allowed me to have blood tests yesterday that I requested, and, at my request, he has ordered those same blood tests for December 8 - two days before my surgery with Dr. Rossi and Dr. Zani.
Further, we scheduled my 3rd Lupron injection and next office visit with him for December, as well as a follow-up visit in January before the WDW Half Marathon (which I am still hoping to complete).
Tomorrow I’ll be two weeks out from my scheduled liver resection and debulking surgery at Duke.
Don't burn bridges
Taking a great deal of advice from other women with GCT, this morning (October 13) at 7:30 I showed up at Zimmer Cancer Center without an appointment and asked to be seen.
The front desk said, "You have to have a referral." (Who just walks in at an oncology office and gets seen on request, right!?) I went on to do a bit of begging, and the front desk said they'd send a note back to the team of my former oncologist, Dr. Robinson,
A few minutes later, my favorite nurse, Melinda, walked out. She remembered me, and she had taken a look at my chart. It was 7:45 am, and she asked if I were willing to hang around until 9. Of course, I said yes. Five minutes later, a 9 am appointment appeared on my phone, but I didn’t even have to wait until 9 am.
At 8:30, I was called back. Dr. Robinson saw me in the hall, smiled, and gave me a hug before going to see another patient.
I went into another exam room where I asked the normal questions you get with a visit.
15 minutes later Dr. Robinson came in, and he gave me his full attention for an extended period of time, answering every question I had and affirming his willingness to talk to Dr. Hillman and his willingness to think outside the box.
I reminded him I am willing to drive full speed into a brick wall, but I am not willing to die by a thousand paper cuts.
He seems to be okay with that, too.
I look forward to sharing more after my telehealth consultation with Dr. Hillman at UCSD on Thursday.
