The One with New Scan Results, a New Chemo Pill & small "Wish List" update

Happy 2026 readers! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and was able to spend time with loved ones and make lasting memories. Before I get into the cancer part of the update, I just wanted to send congratulations to Jackson for being accepted to Florida Institute of Technology and Auburn University. After serious consideration, he has decided to attend Florida Tech in Melbourne, FL to pursue his aviation degree. We could not be prouder of all of his accomplishments! He also just returned from a week-long Senior Class Mission Trip in Puerto Rico, where they served meals, packed and handed out supplies, and made repairs to housing. So grateful he was able to partake in this life-changing trip. I am so grateful for his life experiences.

In November I began a new chemo pill called Lenvima. I would like more than anything to report that the side effects were manageable but unfortunately I cannot. I had such high hopes. Shortly after I began the treatment I started getting mouth and throat sores. It also caused me to have high blood pressure. I have tried several different mouth washes to numb/treat the pain in my mouth but nothing works enough for me to be able to eat. I have lost a lot of weight not being able to eat. We decided to lower the dose on the Lenvima, which I started this week. Fingers crossed I can get some relief and be able to eat again.

At the beginning of January, I had a new set of scans. The scans showed that my liver tumors are STABLE and no new tumors. That was news I was thrilled to get! I learned from my oncologist not to expect shrinkage from my tumors because that is generally not how my type of cancer behaves. Best-case scenario is to have no growth. So we will celebrate these scans!

I was supposed to have an infusion on the 12th, but my scan showed colitis, so we had to hold treatment. I have been on prednisone to try and clear up the colitis. Between the colitis and the side effects of the chemo drug, I have felt pretty lousy since November. I've tried to put on a smile and push through it, but it has been VERY difficult. I have another infusion scheduled for 2/2, so hopefully I can start back on that treatment. Full disclosure, when I was waiting on my new dose of the chemo pill, I decided myself to take a 10-day break. I have been eating 3 meals a day, sleeping and having an abundance of energy (might be the prednisone too!). I have felt better in these 10 days than I have felt in almost a year. It is night and day different. I am now prepared to ask my oncologist if it is ok to take breaks here and there for me to be able to enjoy certain events, vacations, nutrition breaks, etc. I need to find a balance between kicking cancer's ass and having a quality of life. So please say a prayer that I can do that.

I discussed my Wish List in my last blog, and I am proud to let you know we have a trip to London planned this spring! Jackson and I have had this trip planned mentally for probably 7 years. It is a dream come true! I am so excited and hope I can feel well enough to make it a huge success. I am also looking at preliminary ideas for a possible Hawaii trip this summer before Jackson goes off to college. Hoping we might be able to make that happen.

Thank you always for your kind words, encouragement and support. I couldn't do it without you! Thank you for being in my circle. I appreciate it more than you know!

Love,

Cort