Feeling better again

And she told me she was blue-blooded.

We’re midstream toward getting some answers about whether Susan is steroid dependent and if so, which drug and how much is best for her. We met on Friday with another top-drawer specialist at UCLA, endocrinologist Sheila Ahmadi. Her first step with Susan was to get up to speed on her history and order some specific tests to complete the picture. With that, we added the endocrinology stuff to an already scheduled set of fasting blood work this week. I think it was the most complex lab order Susan's had yet – at least ten vials for over 25 separate tests. We’re so thankful for her port catheter so she doesn’t need to be stuck in search of a vein – usually in vain. (That was appalling. I’m nearly sorry.) We’ll go back to UCLA next week for a bone density scan, follow up with her GP, attend the UCLA brain tumor conference next weekend, and then do another round of neuro-oncology and endocrinology visits. Remind me not to lose my Daytimer.

Meanwhile, Susan's gotten stronger again over the past couple of weeks and has been free from vomiting. It seems returning to her original steroid, Decadron, has normalized her system. In spite of chronic complications we thank God Susan's had no tumor progression for nearly 18 months, especially since two of our brain tumor friends are now on hospice, Robert Wearn and Hank Zavaleta. We pray for them and their families daily. Truly, the Lord is wrapping us in his care – and we continually praise him for the gift of life, his peace that keeps us, and the hope that sustains us.