TO DISNEYWORLD I GO!!

Hey everyone. So it looks like Im headed for new chemo starting in January, I have asked the doctor if I could wait until after the Holidays and he seems comfortable with that. Ill be taking two different chemo drugs, Abraxen (sp?) and Avastin. Abraxen is the chemo and Avastin is a newer drug used for Collectoral & Rectum Cancer patients but doctors have been starting to use it in Lung and Breast Cancer patients. Hopefully it will do alittle better than the last. Maybe my body will respond better this time around. The cancer has spread to my liver, but its a small spot, it will take awhile for me to become symptomatic, so the situation has only changed since I have to start chemo again. My beautiful short hair that most of you havent even seen yet, will be gone again very soon and my beautiful bald head will be shining again!!
Scott and I are leaving on Friday to go to DisneyWorld! YEAH!!! So that should be fun and full of physical activity. Im trying to get it out of my system before chemo. Although this round should be easier than last, I want to get some physical activity in before I start. We will be there from DEC 2 TO DEC 7. So, FOR THE FLORIDIANS, if anyone is around the Orlando area within that time call me on my cell so we can hook up while Im down there!!! I think that the following week I will be headed to New Mexico to visit my friend Tina and her kids, Russia and Ian. I think Ill be there for a week or something like that and then I have to figure out if I can get a trip in to Colorado as well. Im still trying to figure out where else to go. Scott is working a lot this season, so he can only join me here and there. I would also like to take a trip to the Carribean at some point, Im hoping I can fit that in too before chemo, but if not then after the first treatment. For relaxing beach stuff!!
Thats the newest update! Keep in touch and have a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!!!
Love to all!! Melissa Stanley Cohen

NEW UPDATE

Hey everyone! Its Wedneday 11/23/05.. I just got back to the house after
my new PET/CT Scan. No longer in remission, I have multiple lymphnodes that
the cancer is back and a new spot in my liver. Fun for the Holidays! so that means I need to start chemo again, just deciding on whether I want to start now before the Holidays or wait until January and start the New Year bald again. I meet with the doctor next week to go over the options. There is a chemo pill I can take at home everyday with less side effects, but doesnt do what the normal chemo does, but it could help.. Im not in any pain or anything except for the awful cold Ive had this week. Just finished doing the Christmas shopping for the kids in my life. Now I have to work on the adults.. I guess its time to start travelling around alittle. Maybe I can fit it in before the new chemo round. Thats the update for now, sorry it wasnt amazingly great news, but thats okay! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! Eat lots of turkey and make sure to put on a couple of pounds!! Nothing wrong with that. Have fun, stay happy, and start shopping for the Holidays! Ill write again soon.
Melissa Stanley Cohen