Hi everyone,

 

Can’t believe it’s now May.

 

It’s no secret that chemotherapy will cause Lauren’s hair to fall out.  We have both accepted it, and we are both ready for it.  On Friday, Lauren cut her hair taking off about 15” worth, and I think she looks fabulous!  I call it her “power” look, so just you watch out!

 

She is so strong during this, and always maintaining a positive outlook, that I am truly blessed to have her as my wife and best friend in life.

 

As for this week, we have two events going on.  Thursday, Lauren is having a PET Scan or medically knows as a positron emission tomography for those who are technically inclined.  The PET scan is an important test as it will determine if the cancer has spread elsewhere in her body.  This is done by injecting a radioactive substance in her bloodstream and it will react with the cancer cells, highlighting the cancer or tumorous cells on the computer screen.  The reach of the cancer cells will also dictate her treatment plan and the overall scope of chemotherapy.

 

On Friday, Lauren will have a “port” medically installed near her collar bone.  The port, made of silicone has a tube that will go into a vein which will serve two purposes:

1)     Allow chemotherapy medicine to go directly into the vein without having to utilize a needle or IV at each visit

2)    Allow doctors to pull blood directly from it without having to use needles or an IV

 

Lauren will have to be sedated during the port install, so there might be a delay from her if you reach out to her or text her asking her how she’s doing.  I will be sure to update everyone on how’s she’s doing.

Lastly, we are both glad to get it started, yet also scared of the unknown, but Lauren is scheduled to start chemotherapy on May 9.  Again, more details to come.

 

Double lastly, thank you so much to everyone for the outpouring of support.  We both are at a loss for words and are very appreciative.  We love you all.

 

Chris Yerkes