Huntsman and Christmas Stories

December 17:  Nanette returned today to Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake for an appointment with Dr. Colman, the oncologist who has been treating her from the beginning.  Again, her physical exam results were good, all her lab reports were within the normal range and encouraging and we all viewed the MRI which she had done on Friday.  There was no significant change to the picture of her brain from the initial one.  However, there were indications of swelling and they are inclined to believe the headache and dizziness discomfort she is experiencing is related to the swelling.  The radiation is not easy on a person, no matter where the location.   The doctor now wants her to start infusions of Avastin in addition to continuing with the steroids.  Avastin is an anti-anglogenic therapy and may prevent growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors.  He is hoping this will help with the swelling which would help alleviate the headaches.  She will start with the infusion of Avastin as soon as they can schedule it at Huntsman at  Day Break.  They want to start this procedure before she resumes chemo again.  She will have to have infusions ever;y two weeks and the procedure takes several hours.  She is holding up well in spite of the headaches and fatigue.  She still gets up early and showers and get dressed ready to face the day.  She has even been able to do a very small amount of Christmas shopping.  She reads Christmas stories and scriptures every night to Regan and Riley which has been a tradition in their family for many years.  She's missed out on some Christmas activities which she usually loves but she is still cheerful and thoughtful of others.  Their home is decorated beautifully for the season and she feels the Christmas spirit and peace.  Thank you all for your phone calls, gifts and visits.  She is so appreciative of your love and concern.