This summer was filled with many great moments with family, friends and our little family of 4. We made time for the things that bring us joy and created a lot of wonderful memories. But Mike was right when we were walking the dogs the other night and he simply stated, "This year has been hard." In truth, it's only been 6 months since things really changed with my health, but at times it seems like it's been much longer. I am grateful that I am handling treatment well, but it's also draining and challenging scheduling my life around weekly chemo, battling fatigue, and feeling fearful about the future. It's hard for me to notice the way cancer is progressively chipping away at my life- the way I feel short of breath walking up hill with Mike and the dogs each evening, the fatigue I feel at the end of the work day, the changes I notice in my own reflection in the mirror each morning. All of this has weighed heavy on us over the last 6 months and while I am always trying to be optimistic, I know it is also healthy to acknowledge the truth and reality of the situation. The past few weeks have brought added anxiety as my first set of scans since being on this treatment approached. I have had daily headaches and jaw pain which I am hoping is simply attributed to the underlying stress of knowing how significant these scans are. Two weeks ago I underwent a MUGA scan to assess the impact of this treatment on my heart function and last Wednesday I spent a full day at Karmanos completing the usual battery of body scans.
Last Thursday, Mike joined me for an early appointment with Dr. F to get my scan results. It is with the greatest sense of relief and gratitude that I report my scans were good! What a huge exhale from Mike and I. We truly needed this good news more than ever to help boost our spirits and add a little wind to our sails. The scans showed that the many areas of bone mets are stable or healing and the tumors in my liver actually shrunk! Additionally, my heart scan looked good with no significant decline in my heart function since starting this chemotherapy regimen. I can't even articulate the wave of relief that washed over us. It's truly a challenge to describe this feeling in words - one where you feel like your life and future truly hangs in the balance. The one consideration is that while this is indeed working, I am already approaching the lifetime limit on how much Adriamycin a person can safely receive before it has a negative impact on the heart, and can ultimately cause heart failure. So Dr. F has decided to reduce my dose and continue weekly chemo (this drug combined with another) and stay the course as usual. He will continue to monitor my response to treatment and my heart function with scans every 3 months. So there you have it folks....some really good news! Hallelujah! Boy, did we need it and I am sure grateful. We celebrated while enjoying a weekend away in Saugatuck where we celebrated another beautiful wedding, enjoyed Lake Michigan, and slept better than we have in awhile. :) Thank you for your continued support, love, and prayers. We are always so humbled and thankful. Here's to breathing a big sigh of relief for the next few months! xoxo, Meg
19 Comments
Hayley Leichtman
9/14/2023 09:37:16 pm
So happy to hear the results of your latest scans! You both deserve some great news regarding your health and treatment. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers ❤️❤️❤️
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Norma Barquet
9/14/2023 09:53:19 pm
Praise God! This is good news. I’ll continue to pray for you and send you love, light, and many blessings! ❤️🙏🏼😘 Aunt Norma
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Jenny Flanagan
9/14/2023 09:58:32 pm
Meghan, Mike, yall are so beautiful and continue to let your light shine. You are reaching so many people with your testimony! God is with you in the valleys and mountaintops and may you get restored day by day! Love you!
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Kyle LeMarbe
9/14/2023 10:01:42 pm
I’m glad to hear you got some good news!
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Eileen Burns
9/14/2023 10:47:02 pm
So happy to hear this good news, Meghan! Know you are in my prayers.
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Cammie
9/14/2023 11:22:18 pm
What absolute wonderful news you two ❤️❤️ I am always in awe of how well you articulate your journey. You have so many gifts, but writing is also one of them. Your heart shines through your words. Sending my love and I am rejoicing with you guys 🥰
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Cathy foster
9/15/2023 06:06:24 am
Sigh wonderful news. You two are amazing. Love ya and miss you👍❤️
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Rachel Bryce
9/15/2023 06:34:32 am
Meghan, This is amazing news! I am always sending prayers and good vibes your way. This makes my heart happy that you got some good news. Thank you for talking to Kyle and helping him with his journey as well.
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Karen Hines
9/15/2023 07:42:07 am
PRAISE GOD! I am sooo happy to hear your fantastic news! Cheers to enjoying Michigan in this fall!
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Amanda N.
9/15/2023 08:01:34 am
Great news! Sending love and hugs!
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Roni Hall
9/15/2023 08:18:59 am
So happy. You both deserve some good news! ❤️
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Mary Catherine
9/15/2023 09:05:59 am
Wonderful news my sweet cousin. Prayers heard and continue for you, Mike and everyone that loves you! Many many hugs!! <3
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Sue
9/15/2023 09:51:00 am
So thankful this new course of treatment is working for you, Meghan. You and Mike deserve to celebrate this win 💗 And, as always, I appreciate your candor in sharing your experience. You truly are amazing!
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Cousin Caitlin
9/15/2023 11:24:34 am
Praise the Lord!!!!! Thank you for sharing your truth with us always, Meghan. This wonderful news has me offering prayers of GRATITUDE. You and Mike continue to be such blessings to all who know and love you. I love you!
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Diane Ullrich
9/15/2023 01:26:08 pm
I am so happy that you have good results Meghan. My thoughts and prayers are always you you, Mike and your Momma. Sending hugs
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Andrea Corp
9/15/2023 07:56:18 pm
Smiling over here in celebration of this wonderful news Meg and Mike! Sending all the lovebeams and prayers. ✨
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Deb Hart
9/15/2023 11:22:34 pm
That is great news. Your daily sacrifice is paying off. Hugs
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Mama Jules
9/16/2023 02:14:02 pm
Meg and Mike- Saying big hallelujahs from Ohio!!! You both deserve this good news and sooo much more! Love you lots!
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Brian S
9/25/2023 10:11:08 pm
Meghan,
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