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Monday, November 5, 2012

From Brooke



From Brooke Brown:
The past two weeks have been crazy busy with meeting with doctors, commuting to San Francisco and Marin, and keeping up with Kahala, who is enthralled by Becky and Jane's incredible 4 1/2-year-old twins, Finn and Emalia!  

Finally, the meetings are behind us, and we have a bit of breathing space before the appointments begin again on Tuesday in preparation for Emalia's next round of chemo--no. 5--at Kaiser SF on Thursday. 

The good news is that Emalia's tumors have shrunk! She has responded well to the chemo.
But right now Emalia's only treatment options are chemo, rest, and diet/exercise. The regimen entails chemo off and on to shrink the tumors. Chemo regimens are every 2 weeks and can go about 6 months, and then she’d get a break. If tumors reappear and/or grow, she would start chemo again. 

More good news is that Emalia is no longer in pain, and her nausea is now mostly controlled. She still tires easily but is more and more able to get out for walks, get on Becky's elliptical, and play with Kahala. It has been so heartening to see her able to do these things--like go trick or treating in the neighborhood with JB, Kahala, and the Worley-Mitchell crew; and, it is also clear to me how much energy these fun things take from her...so it is essential that lots of rest time is available for Emalia to use. 

We are beyond happy with Emalia's medical team here--which includes UCSF and Kaiser SF doctors as well as two Marin oncologists--and that they know each other and communicate back and forth readily makes for Emalia feeling even more supported and closely held medically.

We had a wonderful meeting with the head of the Osher Center, an MD who is also UCSF's chief of oncology. (Osher Center is UCSF's integrative medicine "arm.") This MD advised Emalia to use diet to create a "hostile terrain" for cancer cells, something she has already begun. Also exercise is key and vital for her fight.

I know it is hard for many of you to not be in direct and frequent communication with Emalia, and please know that Emalia must continue to ration carefully what energy she has, prioritizing JB, Kahalakea, and exercise--and so far simply hasn't had energy to spare. I can only say that she is SO appreciative of your support and knowing you are with her/us on this journey. We all feel your love streaming our way and know that there is absolutely no way we could do this alone. 

We will return to Maui shortly before Thanksgiving and return to California in January for another scan.

With great aloha & gratitude,
Brooke

8 comments:

  1. Great news!
    Thanks for the update and love to all.
    Auntie Suzanne

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  2. Thanks for the update Brooke.
    Go Emalia!!!! Thinking about you every day and sending so much love and SHRINKAGE energy your way!
    Aleka

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  3. Mahalo Brooke for the news!Iit is so good to hear the cancer is responding.

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  4. Hi Ema, JB, Kahala, Brooke, and the Worley/Mitchell gang .... you all truly epitomize the meaning of Ohana! Although I know you'd all trade the reasons for your being together in a heartbeat, what a tremendous blessing it is you are able to share in all that is happening. Everything Brooke has described is a miracle, from the top notch care right down to the love and caring of two four year olds. You all are awesome and we send our love and good thoughts. Take care and lots of hugs and aloha Mary Helen and Jim (a.k.a. Uncle Keeemo)

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  5. Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better, Em! Cancer and chemo are no match for a stud like you. I remember the first time I took your spin class at the Y - years ago - I thought I was in decent shape but you totally schooled me. You got this, girlie, and we are all cheering you on!

    Much love, smiles and cheers,
    Theresa

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  6. So glad to hear that there is positive news. And so happy that Em has such a solid support team- in all areas! Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
    With love,

    Kalia and family

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  7. Wonderful update, Brooke!!! Everyone here at 3115---Mumsie, ALBS, DTB, CBQ and Uncle Charlie---are thrilled to hear how well things have gone in SF. What a great way to head into Thanksgiving and Christmas. We send all the love and positive energy we can muster and will talk when you get back.

    Love and hugs,
    Browns, Lowreys and Quisenberrys

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  8. Em, I don't know if you are reading these. I assume you are. I am thinking of you and your family every single day without fail. I had a great dream with you as the main character the other night. I want to call, email, text or stop by so badly, but I know you have limited time and energy. I want to respect that. Glad to hear that things are improving...and shrinking. Please know that we are sending mountains of love and aloha your way. Josh DeSilva and Ohana

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