Wednesday, 12/15/21

How quickly things can change....

I saw my oncologist on Monday.  I had researched the new cancer drug that they want me to take, and I had a ton of questions for her.  Mentally, I had pretty much decided not to take it, but I wanted to wait to ask questions.  She took a lot of time with me and explained everything and I did an abrupt turnaround and decided to take it after all.  However, we will wait for the results of my CT scan tomorrow morning at MD Anderson.

She told me that I'd have to have labs every other week only for the first 2 months, and then only monthly after that for the next 2 years.  She also said I'd be sick for the first 2 months and then my body would adjust, so I shouldn't be sick for 2 frickin' years.  The side effects are really icky, tho, so the first two months are gonna be Hell.  It increases my odds by 3.5% over the 2 year period.  That doesn't sound like much, but I was informed my odds pretty much suck, so I can use all the help I can get.  I was told it's not a question of 'if' my cancer spreads, it's 'when', so that was a bit disconcerting, too.

Now that brings me back to my scan in the morning...  both oncologists think the cancer is in my lungs.  They have no proof.  They can be wrong.  So, until positive proof is presented, I'm going in thinking they're just guessing and I'll prove them wrong.  So, there.

I had an x-ray of my back yesterday, along with an MRI.  My oncologist gave me her blessing for the spine doctor to do whatever is necessary to help me, but he's got to be quick about it.  If I start this drug, it'll be on 1/3/22 and my white count will drop even more.  I'm still in the danger zone for infection now, so any procedures need to be done quickly.  My count is still no where near normal, so they have to be vigilant.  I have another appointment with him on Friday morning to discuss my options.

David is driving me to Houston today and we'll be back mid-day tomorrow.  My CT scan will take 2 hours, so I'll be done by 8 a.m., we'll grab some breakfast, then head home.  We are planning on a date night tonight in Houston.  Nice meal, then go see some Christmas lights I found online in the evening.  A few games of Gin Rummy in the hotel room (we're staying near the hospital), then I'll call it a night and try to get some sleep before I am headed to the hospital for my procedure at 6 a.m.  Sleep has been elusive for several days.  Can't get my legs to quit jumping around and the same with my brain.  I NEED some sleep tonight!

I've lost 10 lbs. in the past month, which is delightful.  However, I'm here to tell you that standing on one leg on the scales doesn't appear to help at all, and can likely contribute to a trip to the ER after you lose your balance.  So, forget it.

One of my friends just sent me a text and told me to give my doctors Heck.  I told her I always do.  Some day I will start behaving myself.

Maybe tomorrow.

Probably not.

OK, that'll never happen.


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