Our futures are never certain

Its been many weeks since surgery and I'm feeling 100% recovered- I've even restarted jogging and am enjoying it.  Back pain is completely gone which gives me such reassurance that the cancer isn't progressing.  My oncologist said that the anti-hormonal therapy I am still on (to decrease estrogen from other sources in my body) can cause significant joint/back stiffness and often goes away after a few months!  

Since surgery I have had two cycles of herceptin, and the first month my tumor markers dropped, but this month they are slightly increased.  Although I'm discouraged by the second month increase, I'm trying not to panic.  Perhaps they will fluctuate in the 90- 110 indefinitely.  This would be a success, although not the idealistic under 40.  Plus I'm thinking that it really doesn't matter what the numbers and cancer do in the short term, because with the right therapy (ie. pertuzumab and TDM-1, coming in 2013 hopefully) it is possible the cancer would regress even more and those little increases in the middle won't make any difference.  I'm still hopeful for a cure one day, but I'm satisfied with stable or uncomplicated disease.  I'm not even going to think about the possibility of loosing my hair or changing therapy right now- I'm not going to waste my time worrying. 

Its a Thomas Birthday!  Ignore the #1, that is Thomas's number.

Parker loved his birthday cake.

I had lots of fun decorating for Parker's party.

In other news, my sister's baby is due in July and I am so excited for them.  Plus I think being an aunt will be wonderful.  Parker had his second birthday parties- one with the family and one with friends- and it was wonderful.  He really enjoyed the cake and loved the company.