All is well - very happy

A friend let me know that the article on death could be interpreted as concerning for those not in regular contact with me. Sorry about that, I am very well and happy.
It is amazing that my 5-HIAA 24 hour urine collection test came back at a 0.6 when the norm is under 6.0. This is the proliferation rate of the existing tumors and this is an excellent result showing no growth. The last liver CT scan also showed no growth with a comparison from all the way back to April 2013.
I don't even have the diarrhea I once had possibly due to getting the Octreotide injection every 21 instead of 28 days now.  I also don't have the flushing or night sweats very often. I have fallen down a bit on the discipline around my diet and have been enjoying some deserts and treats a bit more frequently than I was. I'm still eating very well and have not been loosing weight as I'd hoped I would. I'm getting slightly more comfortable with being 30 pounds heavier than when I was diagnosed in October 2012. Oncologists still suggest I do not try to lose weight since this weight is also a good sign that the disease is not active.

I'm loving my daily exercise routines though. I'm now going to Lotus Yoga in Columbia City 3 times per week. I've discontinued Pilates which I was doing twice a week until this week. I'm doing water exercise at the new Rainier Beach pool once a week and plan on making that 2-3 times per week starting next week. I'm doing the 2.5 mile walk around the Seward Park Loop 3-5 times per week and hope to add Wednesday night Zumba at Columbia City Fitness and Salsa dancing weekly with Peter next week. The Central Area Senior Center has a line dancing class and Chicago Style Stepping class that I hope to check out just for fun. I do love dancing. My son has a monthly art show and African dancing event and I get to dance at that to live drumming.

I always remind myself to count gardening, which I've already begun with this beautiful weather we've had and babysitting as exercise. On Wednesday I still watch the 2 granddaughters all day. These first cousins are just 5 month apart and both of them walking and talking now. It is truly entertaining and rewarding to be a part of their lives. My friend Louise still helps me make it possible to have the grandchildren with her support and love for them as well.  But carrying them up and down stairs, in and out of strollers and highchairs is exercise. On Friday's I have Paityn the youngest and her cousin Kimani the oldest and almost 5. They are a joy to have together too. Kimani is so great with both his sister and cousin. What a smart guy and a sweetheart. I totally adore all 3 grandchildren with their unique and wonderful personalities and spirits.

Off I go to see another movie. We're celebrating the Oscars by trying to see almost all the main movies nominated. Selma is my favorite and I hope everyone goes to see it. I probably won't go see the Sniper movie but tonight it may be Whiplash.

Lastly, travel - I'm already plotting my next Hawaii trip even though we just went to Maui in January. We get to go to Stanford for the Clinical Trial interview in March and to Peter's youngest sisters 50th birthday celebration in California in May. For my birthday in May we take the boat up to Desolation Sound.

My husband, parents, kids and friends continue to help make my quality of life extremely high at this point. I am very happy and satisfied with my life. It is a great feeling to be having so much fun and so many people I love in my life.

Be well everyone!