I thought about waiting until tomorrow but... (11/17)

I just couldn't hold out. I needed to come on here and tell everyone that we received some fantastic news today. Two weeks ago, Dr. Pallera told us that he would like to see Elizabeth's tumors at least 50% percent reduced in size by the end of chemo treatments. Weeellllllllll, guess what? You know it - they have shrunk 90% in just three treatments. It was better than we could have ever hoped for. I know people may say she was unlucky to be stricken with this cancer but no need to dwell on that...well, now we are just damn happy to have this treatment working so great. We are so very blessed!

We went to see Dr. Pallera ahead of tomorrow's chemo treatment (#4 of 6). Her blood work looks great - so good, in fact, that she will not need the neulasta shot on Saturday. Her white blood counts were really high so even with a treatment, they should be ok for the next 3-4 weeks. She received her CT scan at 10:30 or so and we waited. We were sitting in the exam room waiting on Dr. Pallera and she was so nervous that the results wouldn't be that great. I told her not to worry - even if it wasn't ideal we still had 3 more treatments plus radiation. Everything would be fine I kept telling her. Little did we know how great the news would be. Dr. Pallera is so stoic in his demeanor that you can never get a read on him. Sometimes you'd like to just put your hand on his shoulder and say "Doc...just hit us with it, will ya?!?" But I saw a really interesting look in his eye - like he was about to deliver some wonderful news. If you don't know what that news is by now just re-read the damn blog people! Haha. Kidding.

Tomorrow is obviously the next chemo treatment. Elizabeth's parents are headed to Memphis tomorrow to help out. Hopefully this treatment and the few days after will go smoothly. They have been ok to date so we are just hoping for status quo. Then we get to FINALLY go back to Louisiana for Thanksgiving. We haven't been "home" in so long. We can not wait to see everyone. It's been too long. And we have sooooo much to celebrate this Thanksgiving - so very much to be thankful for. Family and friends and the outpouring of support to name a few things.

This journey has been interesting to say the least. We are ready for it to be over but know that there are some rough times ahead. That is why I am so happy about today - just proof that things are getting better. I think back to when she first told me about her "lump". We are so lucky to have caught this illness so early - there is no doubt in my mind that the early detection has allowed the chemo to work so well. I know I've said it before but I want to remind everyone - YOU know your body better than anyone. If you feel something that isn't what you think it should be, keep an eye on it. If it's making you nervous, go see a doctor. Believe me, a 2-3 hour doctor's appointment will be well worth the peace of mind and in our case - it was a potential life-saver.

We want to continue to thank you all so very much for all of the thoughts and prayers. They are working! I also want to tell my dear Elizabeth that she is the strongest damn woman I've ever been around. I have the privilege of watching this rockstar on a daily basis. She is just amazing! I don't think that I can accurately describe her in any other way!

I'll update everyone on the chemo treatment this weekend. I've got my fingers crossed.

We send our love to you all!!!

Scott