I received the results back on my CT Scan and I am continuing to make progress!! My tumor decreased in size from my previous scan, and my blood clot is gone and most importantly I am feeling good.
I will continue to take medication for the blood clot and we will assess how I do on the maintenance dose of chemo over the next period of time. We will assess the cancer via CT Scan on a regular basis to see if it stays stable or decreases/increases in size. If it increases, we will determine a new course of treatment, otherwise we will maintain it with the maintenance chemo. Stability is what we are hoping for at this point. I will be researching the options for future treatments over the next period of time to make sure I am prepared to make some decisions should it be necessary. I will also be focussing on getting my body and mind back into “fighting shape” as they say! My treatments will be every three weeks at UCSF and it was officially confirmed that I do not have to visit the doctor at UCSF every week going forward. Quick Reflection: If you read post #10, you read the story about Cheryl and the amazing role she has played in my life last summer. I learned more about her experience and I have asked her to write it up so that we can all learn from her unique perspective--which in my opinion is moving, sad, and inspiring all at the same time. This is real life….better than any sitcom! I had a chance to see Cheryl and several of my kids' friends the other night who have been diligent in praying for me, sending me positive energy, wearing bracelets, and being amazing friends to my kids during this period of time. I did not expect it to hit me in such a dramatic fashion but it was emotionally overwhelming to finally see people who from a far have had me in their hearts and minds and who genuinely have desired for me to return to good health. I know this would be true of any of you who are reading this, and it is just an amazing feeling to know and feel the love. I pondered today that I am so lucky to actually be able to see these people and to be overwhelmed with their compassion. I could not help but think that there are probably so many people cheering for us that we never get to meet, but if we could, we would have a similar feeling to what I had the other night. Enough random thoughts for one night…have a great day, get outside, exercise, eat right, be kind, work hard, turn the other cheek, do a good turn for someone you don’t know, be forgiving, be thankful for your family and friends, and tell the people around you that you love them! Cheers, Greg
12 Comments
Laura Pierce
1/30/2016 05:25:41 pm
Greg, such good news. You are ever in my thoughts and prayers. Your positive mindset inspires me! Enjoy everything!
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Cynthia
1/30/2016 05:54:31 pm
Wahoo! Love the great news! May blessings continue your direction! You are very loved! Thank you for being a blessing to those around you!
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Jules
1/30/2016 06:08:45 pm
Wonderful!
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Jen Berkley Jackson
1/31/2016 07:27:15 am
FANTASTIC news, Greg!!! I know that the docs were hoping for 'stable' tumor size, but you exceeded their expectations (and met yours)!! How neat that you were able to spend time with your kids and their friends...I'm sure it was a huge gift to all of THEM also, to be able to hug you and hang out with you and feel your great energy and determination. Looking forward to reading Cheryl's perspective...HUGS!!!
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Stacy Ferratti
1/31/2016 08:26:27 am
So happy to hear that you are doing better. I love reading your updates...so inspiring. Am sending healing energy your way!
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Susannah baldwin
2/26/2016 05:45:18 pm
Greg, Paul and I are in Nosara Costa Rica body surfing trip. Thinking of you everyday. Loving it and know you
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The Isoms
2/1/2016 02:38:15 pm
Greg, Yours is an amazing, ongoing tale! Thank you for sharing with us your highs and lows. It's wonderful to read that your tumor is shrinking; congratulations!!! Your blog lets us know that it's time to rally our thanks to God and ask for your continued success!
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Christie Killen
2/4/2016 12:32:21 pm
We are thrilled to know things are moving in the right direction. We were excited to see you skiing with the family, smiling and overall looking great! We'll keep up the prayers, glad they're being answered in the way we were all hoping.
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Kathleen Redd
2/14/2016 08:22:43 pm
We love you all, Madsens! thank you for keeping us updated.
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Pat and Bill
2/22/2016 07:36:35 am
We are so glad to hear the positive news!
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Carmen Pingree
2/22/2016 09:13:14 pm
You know how much we love you and the whole Madsen clan. You all permeate our thoughts and our prayers. We are very touched by your outreach, your concern and your faith in the eternal plan. Love, love, love from all the Pingrees
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Bill Freedman
2/27/2016 04:45:49 am
Greg,
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