Yesterday proved an interesting day with the oncologist in that I learned I qualify for a clinical trial. At first my altruistic thoughts were quite positive, until I read through the 23 pages of the abstract and learned I would have to make at least fifteen overnight visits to Denver, in winter months, over the continental divide, and at my own expense. So now the inclination is to let some other "lucky" lady take my place in the trial. In this double blind study, I had a 33.3 percent chance of receiving the placebo instead of targeted radiation, and even though it would be do-able, it would also be very taxing. I am continuing on with the Ibrance and letrozole, targeted therapies to slow down tumor growth. Dr. L offered steroids and analgesics for back and hip aches, but I am holding off for now and trying other avenues for pain relief. There will be time later to bring in the big guns to control pain. And actually, the pain, dare we say discomfort, is mostly under control, in case you were to worry.
On the Julie front: she is doing pretty well, better than I would have imagined a year ago. Her new social avenue is playing a card game, Phase 10, with one of her and my best friends at the manor, Ms. Louise. Louise just passed her 91st birthday last week with much hoopla. Julie gave her sweet presents and flowers, and Louise had two birthday lunches that she very much enjoyed. These days, all three of us are playing Phase 10 together in the mornings after Julie gets to the garden room around half past ten. This is sweet Louise with Julie.
