It’s been a while (6 months?) since we’ve given many of you an update. You may remember that Blake was told that he needed to go back on chemo. The tumors (peritoneum/mesentery) were becoming aggressive (pesky, actually) & needed to be knocked down. Blake began what we call “Evil chemo” back in September. He had treatments every other week & would leave the infusion room with the friendly 48-hour chemo pump. Back in 2008, Blake had 12 chemo treatments (Folfox w/ Avastin) and after the 5th treatment of Folfiri w/ Avastin, he said that he had had enough. The chemo was rough, he was sick of being sick and HE WAS DONE. This was devastating to us but I can only imagine how hard the decision was for him. The next day, a routine PET scan showed that the evil chemo lived up to its name! The tumors got knocked back and were no longer active!! YIPPEE!! Blake took a well-deserved chemo break from mid-November through the New Year.
With a renewed outlook, Blake began a new chemo regimen on January 4th. Because of the tumor locations, the Oncologist believes that the cancer is incurable and he wants Blake to continue chemo indefinitely. We hope this chemo (Xeloda w/ Avastin) will keep the tumors at bay and that someday there may be a chemo that will get rid of the beast once and for all!
It’s hard to imagine that he will begin his 20th chemo this coming Monday. He’s such a Rock Star! Seriously! He just keeps moving forward, takes the chemo beatings and never complains. He inspires me. We have been faced with reality in such a way that it makes you reassess what matters; Family matters, Friends matter, and your own Spirituality matters. That’s about it! I have said this before and I’ll say it again; I’d give up every material thing if someone would just take this beast away. Geez…..what a horrible way to put life into proper perspective.
I believe that cancer will one day be cured. Until then, Blake will continue to take his chemo beatings like his ‘ole Rock Star self!
Whether you Pray, Meditate, Chant, (or whatever/however you choose) would you please consider including us and all those* who are currently fighting this dreadful disease? Thank you.
*A dear friend was recently diagnosed with this dreadful disease and has begun treatment.
I have now officially done my public service for CRC! Thanks to each of you for your support.
With Love, Kathy
P.S. I know, I know, Blake is a Country Star! It just doesn’t sound as good as Rock Star!!! And yes, he now has a full head of hair!
A few FACTS:
-150,000 people will be diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer this year; 50,000 will lose their battle.
-Colorectal cancer is 90% curable if detected early.
-Seek early detection when you are healthy. If you’re already sick, your outcome is negatively affected.
-Get screened now if you’re @ 50.
-Get screened 10 years earlier if it’s in the family.
-Colorectal cancer affects Men and Women equally; about 50/50.
-Colorectal cancer’s blue ribbon is funded about 1/3 as much as the pink ribbon (no offense to my BC friends).
-Information is power.
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