Quarterly update

It was refreshing to approach my quarterly oncology appointment with no anxiety about my CT scan results. On Monday, my pulmonologist confirmed that my pulmonary function test results showed huge improvement. He said it's rare to see someone improve so much. For once, I'm an outlier in a good way! 

At my oncology appointment in Pittsburgh, Dr. Villaruz said my CT scan looked great. This is a relative term because there's still a lot going on with my lungs...but it was very reassuring to hear her say this. She thinks there's been some improvement since May and about the same compared to August. Functionally, I'm doing much better. I only use my portable while biking or lifting, and I'm going to start using my pulse oximeter to see if I even need it in those instances. (Although, exercise is on hiatus because I pulled a muscle last week and can't do anything that activates my glute. Aaaargh.)

People on Tagrisso develop resistance at a median of 18 months, meaning the drug stops working because the cancer has mutated. December 30 will mark 18 months for me (including the ~2 months I didn't take Tag while in and out of the hospital last year). Some people have taken Tag for 5 years or more without developing resistance. I'm doing very well now, but I often find myself scanning the horizon, wondering when storm clouds will appear. Dr. Villaruz reassured us that new drug treatments are constantly emerging, that there are lots of other options. Nonetheless, it is hard not to jump ahead and spin out scenarios. I want to appreciate where I am now and how far I've come rather than worry about where I might be down the road. 

I am reminded of a verse that Leland and I included in our wedding ceremony bulletin: “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do” (Ecclesiastes 9:7). On that note, I will wrap up and head out to a holiday party.