Doctor Discussion
I had my appointment today and Dr. Kauh and I decided that instead of completely stopping chemo, I am going to take a 1-month holiday from it. Hopefully, that will be enough to let me get back some of the zip in my step. Meanwhile, my weight continues to drop. I was 174 today, down from 179 last week. One of the biggest surprises was the level of my bio marker. The CA19-9 marker is an indication of active pancreatic cancer. When I was first diagnosed, my CA19-9 never really got over 50 (upper level of normal is 37). Unfortunately, my level last week was 320, well above normal.
So I am not completely giving up on treatment, but I’m taking (hopefully) a sufficient holiday to start to feel better. We’ll see how I’m feeling in mid-March.
Merle
Sending you and Mary Beth and the kids lots of love from all of us here in Israel.
I have been reading your blog regularly for a year now. I have been and will continue to pray for you daily.
Hope you get some of your perk back! Thinking of you always. xoxoxox
Merle,
Thought you might appreciate some humor that made me laugh out loud, and it’s even ‘G’ rated (hopefully it is one you have not heard):
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
‘Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.’ said his mother.
‘I don’t need to,’ the boy replied.
‘Of course, you do,’ his mother insisted. ‘We always say a prayer before eating at our house.’
‘That’s at our house.’ Johnny explained. ‘But this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook!’
love you uncle merle <3 sending my thoughts and prayers your wayy.
Hi Merle,
Sounds like a lot of difficult decisions. I hope that you can find spaces in between it all to enjoy some moments–moments of whatever brings you joy. I honor you and all that you are living through.
@Jim..good one! And here’s another for the funny bone for all of us reading this blog:
A very arrogant oncologist, Dr. Stoneheart, dies and goes straight to Hell. On arrival the Devil says, “I’m going to give you three choices, which is more than you ever gave your patients. Whichever door you choose will be how you’ll spend eternity.”
So the doctor opens the first door and sees a mob of people sitting on a floor covered with spikes. He goes to the next door and sees a humongous crowd of sinners lying down in maggots. At the third door, there is a throng of people chatting happily and drinking coffee, although they are up to their knees in manure.
“Thank God,” he exalts, “It smells terrible, but least I could drink coffee and be able to talk to people.”
He enters and joins the group. He is about to sip his first coffee when a loudspeaker announces, “Coffee break is over. Back to standing on your heads!”
Am thinking of you all and sending hugs!
Hi Merle and family,
I don’t know if you remember me and my family, but we used to attend UUCG with me. I remember when you shared the news of your diagnosis and I have checked in on your blog from time to time.
I am sorry to read your latest entry and I want you to know that your family has been very close to my heart and prayers lately. Unfortunately, our life took a turn for the worse also. We quite attending church a while ago… I was pregnant with our third child and feeling very sick throughout the pregnancy. Our baby was born healthy but 10 short weeks later I was diagnosed with Leukemia. AML to be exact. I have been undergoing chemo treatments for the past 4 months and have thought of you often.
Again, I know there are no words that can help. All I can say is I hate cancer. My thoughts are with you.
Feel free to email me at jennspry@yahoo.com or follow my story on caringbridge.org/visit/jenniferspry
Sending positive energy,
Jennifer Spry
Merle,
I just happened to be googling O’Kelly’s new school and came across your name. It’s been quite some time since you judged one of “Little Kevin’s” colored belt tests- I’ll be 30 in April. I couldn’t be happier to have found you and find myself taking many happy walks down Amnesia Lane and find you there the majority of times. I look forward to catching up soon.
All my best to you and your family.