Rollercoaster Ride
Well, people say that cancer is a rollercoaster ride, and boy, are they ever right! Here I am, all dying and everything, calling Hospice, trying to decide which cemetery I should be buried in, ordering the silk for the shroud, requesting music for the funeral.
This morning I talked to a nurse at the National Cancer Institute. She is a Baha'i and a friend of Karen, whom I know from up here. (They are both in Maryland.) She is a clinical research nurse and has a string of letters after her name. She is sending me information on a clinical trial they are doing in Bethesda for pancreatic cancer. Karen asked for prayers for me, and the nurse asked questions. The NCI is looking for pancreatic cancer patients in fairly good (otherwise) health.
It sounds like it could be rough going, but with incredible results. And, I think it is exciting science. So, I am seriously considering doing it, if I qualify. I have to have a specific gene marker to do so and have a 50/50 chance at having it.
Gosh, hope feels good. Either that or the medicine that Dr. B gave me for my nerve pain is still making me quite loopy! But my hip feels much better. As a matter of fact, all of me feels pretty terrific.
I will keep you all informed as I go.
Comments
Maman, I'm really excited about this, too! Here's hoping (and praying) you have that gene marker! (p.s. today's Mark's bday!)
Posted by: Mara | October 28, 2006 5:23 AM
Stephanie,
I have to admit that when we went to Bahji yesterday, I said a long healing prayer for you. Initially, I was saying it so that you wouldn't feel any pain, but as I recited it, I began to feel more and more optimistic, especially after the "loathsome affliction and sorrow" part. I said it especially for you, but I was thinking about our whole family by the end of it. Anyway, I didn't tell Mara until today and after reading your post.
Posted by: Mark Fojas | October 28, 2006 5:32 AM
Stephanie,
I hope taht you get into the program! We are all praying for you.
Posted by: Nadine | October 28, 2006 6:03 PM