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Good news...and a white-knuckle ride home

On Monday I had a follow-up CT scan to see whether the cancer medication is working. Yesterday we drove to Pittsburgh to meet with Dr. Villaruz and find out the results. She confirmed that the lower lobes of my lungs are beginning to clear up! We saw this ourselves on the CT scan. (Because my cancer grows in the lining of the alveolar structures of the lungs, there is no tumor to remove or monitor. This is why my previous CT scans looked very cloudy.) This means that Tagrisso is doing its thing and blocking cells with the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutation from copying themselves. There is some fibrosis (thickened, stiff tissue) that may be scarring; only time will tell if the damage is permanent. 

We were relieved and elated to hear the overall great news. Leland predicted we would get good news because I've been using less oxygen and walking faster on the same amount of oxygen, I don't cough anymore, and none of my symptoms have worsened. So I will just keep taking my daily Tagrisso pill and go back for another CT scan and follow-up in 3 months. I see my pulmonologist on Thursday to find out the results from my pulmonary function test. 

We didn't have much chance to celebrate because we had to drive home and try to beat the worst of the snowstorm. So much for that. If Lily weren't celebrating her birthday today, we would have checked into a hotel (we wanted to be there in the morning for her birthday). It turned out to be the most treacherous, harrowing winter driving conditions I've ever experienced. Leland drove the whole way: a trip that should have taken 2.5 to 2.75 hours took nearly 5 hours. (For those who aren't familiar with this area, the Pittsburgh-State College trip is almost entirely rural and involves going through mountains with some steep grades. And let's just say the PA budget could probably use more funding for snowplows). We decided to turn around and take an alternate route at one point because we were stuck in what seemed like an endless backup on Route 22. We saw numerous single-vehicle crashes, cars in ditches (some facing the wrong way), and a car getting towed, and we watched a minivan spin out (slowly) into the shoulder/ditch right in front of us. Needless to say, we are thankful to have arrived home safely. And if you ever find yourself in snowing driving conditions, be sure to have a Minnesotan at the wheel or get lessons from one beforehand.

How the day started (PSU golf course)

How it ended (somewhere on I-99 between Altoona and State College)


Comments

  1. Brenda S.November 16, 2022 at 11:02 AM

    So glad to hear the medication is making improvements Esther! And I know for certain this SoCal native would have passed out from fear with those snowy conditions.... so glad you have a seasoned veteran winter driver at the wheel! Happy Birthday Lily!!!

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    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 16, 2022 at 11:23 AM

      Thank you! I did a lot of winter driving while living in Chicago for 3 years and Ithaca for 5...but it's still terrifying, especially when these are hills. Driving tip: avoid using your brakes because it increases the chances of skidding or spinning out and creates dangerous conditions for the drivers who follow.

      Delete
  2. NickyNovember 16, 2022 at 12:38 PM

    I'm crying. I'm so happy to read this good news. I'm so happy for you all!!!

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    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 16, 2022 at 3:36 PM

      Thank you!! You should come visit next spring. :)

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    2. Leslie CNovember 18, 2022 at 1:33 PM

      I am also so excited to hear the good news (and the fact you made it safely home).

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  3. DoloresNovember 16, 2022 at 12:57 PM

    That’s completely great news to hear ! Glad y’all made it home safe . Keep going !

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  4. IreneNovember 16, 2022 at 1:37 PM

    Still praising God with you for the awesome news that Tagrisso is working and your lungs are clearer!!! Sheesh, had no idea your drive home was so terrible...nor that you guys had SNOW! Thankful you made it home safe & sound. Even more to celebrate today...along with Lily's birthday--enjoy!

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    1. Esther PrinsNovember 16, 2022 at 3:36 PM

      Thank you, Irene. Yeah, the drive was pretty horrendous for Leland. Lots to celebrate today.

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  5. Ruth K TNovember 16, 2022 at 2:34 PM

    Wonderful news! And glad that you (and also your car) made it home safely--it was beautiful to watch it come down but looked awful for driving. Happy birthday to Lily! Lots to celebrate.

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    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 16, 2022 at 3:37 PM

      Thanks, Ruth. We would not have driven if it weren't for today's birthday!

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  6. Kai Annyce & EmmetNovember 16, 2022 at 5:11 PM

    Good news and yikes about the drive!

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  7. AnonymousNovember 17, 2022 at 8:42 PM

    So glad to hear about the clearer photos from your lungs -- and clearer skies ahead!!!! -M&M&S&A

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  8. Bo ChangNovember 18, 2022 at 11:38 AM

    WOW, this is such an exciting news!!! I am so happy for you, Esther! Thank for the modern medicine! I look forward to seeing that one day you will be totally treated, which should be possible one day!

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  9. Kathy SNovember 19, 2022 at 2:52 PM

    Great news Esther!! I was thinking of you and hoping for this very positive result.

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  10. AnonymousNovember 19, 2022 at 4:16 PM

    Very excited for you Esther! -Betsy

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  11. ChungNovember 21, 2022 at 3:03 PM

    Esther, I am so glad to hear this good news. Stay strong! Lots of love from Hamburg!

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    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsNovember 29, 2022 at 3:41 PM

      Thank you, Chung! We are going to have a Weihnachtsmarkt party so we can bring a bit of Hamburg to State College.

      Delete

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