From this day forward...

I suppose that, even though I knew that we would always be fighting Harv's cancer, I have always kinda continued to hope (and pray) that one day we would be able to have an extended period of time (more than 3 weeks or even 4 weeks) where we DID NOT have to go to the doctor. We're not there yet. And, truthfully, we are both tired of doctors and hospitals and treatments and misbehaving spouses and so forth and so on and what have you....

The other day we met with Dr. Lin. He had Harv do another blood test to check for CEA count. Turns out it was 15.3 a week after it had been 13.2... I don't really think it's in the "alarming" range, but it seems to be increasing rather than decreasing...which I find annoying.

So, today, I got an e-mail from Dr. Lin and he and Dr. Park will discuss possible options....all of which we have known were possibilities. If a miracle doesn't happen between now and the next CT scan, I believe the first choice would be radiation beads given internally and directed RIGHT AT the tumor(s). Then, possibly surgery if the radiation can shrink things enough. If that option, for some reason, isn't feasible, then they'd go for external radiation.

We are approaching the two year mark since diagnosis... TWO YEARS, people!!! On December 20, 2011, Harv was diagnosed with STAGE 4 colon cancer. We didn't know what that was gonna look like, but I think we were all a little afraid that two years was stretchin' it a little bit. But -- we also know that Harv is an overachiever who likes to excel in what he does. He's a goal setter and a person who likes to succeed. 

If you look back over the past two years, you will see some major milestones... His CEA count dropped from 661 at its highest to 1 at its lowest. He hiked all of almost-100 trails of Galbraith Mountain after his colon surgery. ALL of 'em! He also WROTE A BOOK, dammit! A BOOK! THAT GOT PUBLISHED!  He and I were able to take two trips to Hawaii (hopin' for another one :-) ). The family went to the Grand Canyon in 2012 and to the Olympic Penisula twice. 

We have had lots and lots of family togetherness. :-)

The other day a neighbor stopped me in the grocery store to ask how Harvey is doing. I told him pretty much the latest and he said "He looks so GOOD. Every time I see him, he's just BEAMING..." and then he said something like "I think he's gonna be fine." 

And the truth is: I do, too.

But the reality is that we still have work to do... And, as the doctor said, "It's a marathon." (Hey! It just occurred to me that Harvey has actually DONE a marathon before (told you he was a goal-setter!)!!! So, he has what it takes to do another one! But, do I?!) Anyway, we're in the race. We're not giving up. We still have a shot! 

We are praying now for some "easy runs" in this race... :-) Please pray that we can surgically remove the tumor that is the most aggressive. Pray that we will feel a sense of renewal and energy as we continue this crazy marathon.... 

And, please continue to pray for Harv's parents and siblings. Pray for safety for his parents around the house, a spirit of cooperation and behaving for Joe...wisdom for Peggy as she helps Joe... Peace and calm for all of us.

Thank you for reading this blog. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for your support over the past couple of years. 

WE. LOVE. YOU.