Last Blog we hope.

Here is note from Carla to family and friends. Love, Brad

Hello family and friends everywhere.

I had my oncologist appointment today to assess my current state since the primary chemo is completed and to discuss the next step. I had a slew of scans and I'm happy to report that at this time, I am cancer free, which is remission. You can think of it like this. There is still a microscopic mother ship circulating inside me, and at any time, it can send a signal to the microscopic drones to activate. At this time, there is no cure for this, but if it rears it's head (as a blood test will tell), we do chemo again. And I could go years with no flareup. In the meantime, I'll be on maintenance chemo, which is avastin every 3 weeks. I think I've said all this before, but I'm not sure so I'll say it again. It won't have the side effects of the usual chemo. My hair should start growing back soon and my energy will return. Every day is better and I'm a happy camper.

So, Beth, you can take off the teal colored bracelet now. I attribute at least some of the remission to you. And for all the rest of you who have been so faithful and caring, you may now stop worrying about me. I'm considering this chapter closed. I promise to start it up again if it comes back, so no news is good news. I may send a message every now and then just to say hi and pass on news of some of our doings, but there won't be any health issues to tell you about, since remission is quite likely to last while I'm on maintenance which I'll be on for a year.

But your prayer and support offerings aren't over yet. There is still Brad and his cancer to cause concern. Breast cancer that returns is much harder to treat and with his stage and the number of lymph nodes involved, that's a significant possibility. I don't want to be grim, but I'm far more concerned for his situation. He'll be monitored quarterly and for now is as healthy as can be. I pray that will continue for a long time. And then there's that cure that's coming. :-) But please keep all that positive energy going for him.

We're as happy and busy as can be and look forward to some great travel and visits this summer, as well as lots of family time.

I love each and every one of you and count myself very lucky.

Love,

Carla