From December 2011 to April 2012, there has been quite a bit of tumor growth, despite trying 2 different chemos. In February, the tumor on L5 was a tiny spot --- and by April it had eaten up most of L5! So I had surgery at UNC to stabilize the spine so it wouldn't collapse and paralyze me. I'm at home, recuperating, on short term disability. My next step will be more chemo, once I am healed up enough to handle it.
There are eleven tumors that we are tracking:
- about seven small tumors in my lungs
- one tumor in my psoas muscle next to L4
- one tumor on L5 that is pressing on some nerves and causing a lot of pain and consternation
- one tumor near my bladder
- one mysterious large mass on my pancreas, pushing against my liver, that we assume is leiomysarcoma
I've been dealing with this since January 2007, and I try to have fun every day.
I have the best husband in the world to help me deal with this. My parents, family, and friends are all pretty awesome too.
I work full time as a technical writer at an amazing company, and I love my job.
