Pomianowski Pandemania

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Well I think I may have spoken to quickly about the lack of cancer in my lungs. I went back today for the in depth scan. This scan shows far more as I have a dose of I131 on board and so I 'light up' more. Turns out that as well as the cancer that is recurring/left on my thyroid bed I also have a small met of thyroid cancer in my left lung. My right lung is thank God clear. I'm not really sure what the plan is now.

UPDATE: I am heading back to UCSF Oncology hospital on Monday and will have a CT to confirm involvement of lung and/or posterior mediasternum. Also we will discuss weather I need more external radiation.

I see my endocrinologist next week however a few things are on my mind - how the hell did cancer survive in my neck after all that external radiation. I'm not too worried about my lung as people have walked around for years with mets in their lungs but I am worried about my neck. This cancer is so stubborn! From day one we knew it was going to be a tough journey due to the fact that my tumor was huge and it is poorly differentiated.

I continue to stay busy. I have just finished and shipped the wedding invites for my brothers wedding in May. I have rented a cello and I am having so much fun trying to learn that. Finally I am taking the time to catch up on listening to music and finding stuff that is new to me. Again a huge thank you to the families and teachers at Eoin's school for being there as support this week!

I am hoping that with your prayers and my strong will that this latest I131 treatment works. Please pray for my doctors as well as my family.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A little more of Eoin swimming

As you can see Eoin has progressed onto freestyle and side breathing. His swim school (Menlo Swim)has just been amazing with him but also sensational in supporting us as a family through this last year and my continuing battle with cancer. Big shout out to Lindsey and Kaleb and the whole team - thank you!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Bungee!

Radioactive Iodine on board

So yesterday saw me get my second dose of radioactive iodine or I-131. I was given 150mci. I reported for my scan in the morning and after three scans just to be sure the doctors confirmed that the cancer had cleared my lungs but still remained in a small area in my neck near my trachea. This concerned them as this had survived external beam radiation and previous I-131 so everyone was in agreement that I should get another large dose. This means I am now in isolation at home in the guest room while Andy and Eon have their boys weekend in Sacramento. Eoin loves going up there because of the train museum. We had hoped that maybe they would get to Tahoe but there's no snow this winter!

I feel rough - like I've got a bad case of the flu but nothing to really complain about. I have my laptop, nook, phone and TV so feel connected to the world in someways. I'm glad I finished making my brother's wedding invites and now I am dreaming up decorations and other projects. Being in isolation when you are alone at home is actually ok. It becomes harder once Eoin and Andy are home as all you want to do is give them big hugs and be with them but for the next two weeks we have to be content with Skype.
Please continue to pray for me and my family. We hope that this treatment will work but it may be six months before we know for sure. If anyone ever wants to know more about thyroid cancer or how to check your own neck please do visit - http://www.thyca.org/index.htm

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Carmel Valley Vacation

Photos from our pre Christmas vacation at Carmel Valley Ranch.

It is a little slice of heaven that is so welcoming to kids! Eoin and Andy had a very interesting time bee keeping. Eoin loved swinging on the many swings hanging from the oak trees on the ground and each night we loved making s'mores before bed. In short we fell in love with the Valley and the ranch and we really hope we will be back for my birthday!

Health Update

So its been a year since I had neck surgery to remove a large thyroid cancer tumor. A year on I am about to have another round of radioactive iodine. But we are hopefully that this will be the last treatment and that life will return to 'normal'. I am trying to stay busy by designing and making wedding invites for my brother Peter and planning our trip back to Ireland for his wedding.

Andy has been away this week which is hard as I have been off my thyroid meds in prep for treatment next week. This leaves me very tired but Eoin has great nannies in Miss Amy and Miss Ashley and for the most part seems to be ok. His school have been amazing along with all the parents and we feel very blessed to be loved and care for so much. I think Eoin is looking forward to his four day trip away with Daddy next week while I'm radioactive but I will still be in isolation at one end of the house when they get back. This for me is the hardest bit of it all - not being able to give your kid a hug or console them when they are upset but it is just for a short while compared to the rest of our lives together!