Moving forward

Last week, we arrived at the first big benchmark since Juliana’s diagnosis in August.

The plan she agreed to take from the beginning was to undergo three rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a CT scan to check the effectiveness of the treatment. Knowing how quickly and aggressively the cancer metastasized, the doctor’s best hope and goal of treatment from the onset was only to slow or stop the spread of the cancer; reduction in tumor growth was not a stated goal, although a hope held by everyone around her.

And now, here we are.  After three rounds of chemo, Juliana had the follow up CT scan and got confirmation from her primary Oncologist that the scan shows no growth or spread of the cancer since her original scans in August, with the exception of one spot on her lung that shows a small amount of growth.

We are taking this as a win. 

Juliana has consulted with her primary Oncologist at Kaiser, her Gynecological Oncologist at Swedish Medical Center who oversaw her care in 2022, and the Oncologist at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center who specializes in muscinous ovarian cancer with whom she has been consulting. All three doctors have reviewed the scans and supporting lab results and all agree that the success in treatment so far warrants another three rounds of treatment with the same chemotherapy drugs. Juliana has agreed to undergo this treatment plan and will get another CT scan afterwards to see how the cancer responds to further treatment. 

So for now, we continue on. Between myself, our mom and my husband Pete, we make sure someone is available to be with Juliana during the weekdays, while her amazing network of local framily doubles up the support on the weekends. Juliana continues to be her pragmatic self, gathering information about her health and health care and checking off adulting tasks on her to-do list with mind blowing efficiency for someone who doesn’t often feel great. Her soul continues to be filled by her community of loved ones continuously showing up for her by sending thoughtful texts and emails, calling to check in, bringing or sending food and care packages, stopping by for visits and getting her out of the house as her energy allows. As the days get shorter, darker and wetter, these moments filled with love and care seem to shine even brighter. Keep sending the light, keep sending the love, keep sending the collective energy and positivity to the universe to manifest continued successful treatment with minimal side effects.

Koda begrudgingly dressed up as a dinosaur for Halloween, twinning with his bestie Walnut (aka Wally).