I met with Dr. McCoy today. He was encouraged that I had no swelling in my legs, had gained a couple of pounds and thought my wounds looked good. All of these will be in my favor when I begin chemo again. He didn't see any indications that the tumor(s) have grown, but he has scheduled CT and PET scans later next month. The CT scan will tell the size; the PET the activity level.
I was interested in taking the oral chemo, but he explained that it was not a good choice for me if my goal is to cure the cancer. So I will most probably have a treatment called EPOCH, which must be administered in the hospital (3 - 4 days each time) and through a main line. Since port-au-catheters are not an option for me, a PICC line is it. I have had success with those in the past. However, I do not want one in my neck again, so he said they could use one of my arms. It can be easily removed when no longer needed.
Of course, both he and Dr. Williams at UVA will not make the final decision until the scan results are received, but I am extremely encouraged by today's appointment.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Doin' Fine
I have been reminded too much lately, that I haven't updated the blog. I was going to wait until after my appointment with Dr. McCoy on Wednesday, but was just told that ANY news would be better than no news, so here goes....
I am doing very well considering where I've been! While my energy level has improved, I still tire after trying to do too much and have to stop and rest. That's my body talking to me, I guess. With more movement, my appetite has improved, but I still don't eat a whole lot. Snacks are good, though.
David, Trisha and Heather invited me to come join them at the beach next week for my birthday (6th), so I'm going to do that. I hope to have new CT/PET scans done the week of the 10th or 17th, and am resigned to begin chemo again soon after.
The Senior Associate Director of my office has approved holding my office position until January 2010, which was a HUGE relieve for me. It is one of the best pieces of news I've had as I absolutely love my job and our office unit, but recognize that the office needs a "warm body" working my position. I'm still blessed with donated leave from the wonderful employees of Virginia Tech. I am hopeful I can get through this nightmare known as 2009 and be back to a normal life by the 2010.
Please feel free to call to say hello, visit, play cards, etc. I will update again after my appointment with Dr. McCoy.
Love to all!
I am doing very well considering where I've been! While my energy level has improved, I still tire after trying to do too much and have to stop and rest. That's my body talking to me, I guess. With more movement, my appetite has improved, but I still don't eat a whole lot. Snacks are good, though.
David, Trisha and Heather invited me to come join them at the beach next week for my birthday (6th), so I'm going to do that. I hope to have new CT/PET scans done the week of the 10th or 17th, and am resigned to begin chemo again soon after.
The Senior Associate Director of my office has approved holding my office position until January 2010, which was a HUGE relieve for me. It is one of the best pieces of news I've had as I absolutely love my job and our office unit, but recognize that the office needs a "warm body" working my position. I'm still blessed with donated leave from the wonderful employees of Virginia Tech. I am hopeful I can get through this nightmare known as 2009 and be back to a normal life by the 2010.
Please feel free to call to say hello, visit, play cards, etc. I will update again after my appointment with Dr. McCoy.
Love to all!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Doctor Visits
I went to both my oncologist and surgeon this week so I wanted to bring everyone up-to-date on where I am.
After my last visit to Dr. McCoy (oncologist), my family and closed friends forbid me to go by myself, so Heather went with me and took notes! And what a great "note-taker" she is, but that's the teacher in her. Dr. McCoy agreed that I need to build up more strength before taking another round of chemo, since it will have to be a stronger dose. He agreed to let me skip treatment for a month, then he wants to do new CT and PET scans to re-evaluate the tumor. The new scans will tell him (1) if there is any activity in the newly discovered left tumor and (2) the exact size of the right one.
Naturally, I recognize that I run the risk that the tumor could grow in the month off, but as I explained to him, I take comfort in that it has not grown from 4 cm, which was what it was in March when I stopped chemo for the 1st round.
Dr. McCoy is in contact with Dr. Mike Williams, former Head of Oncology at UVA about my case, so that's my 2nd opinion. Dr. Williams was Dr. McCoy's Mentor when he was in medical school and I understand they talk regularly about me. David has researched Dr. Williams and feels very comfortable that he's on the case, so that's good enough for me.
Dr. Stoeckle (surgeon), is very pleased with how well my abdomen wound is healing, but is quick to add that it's because I'm not on chemo. He was happy to hear I'm not going to take any for a month as it will heal more in that time, too.
I am encouraged that I'm eating and moving more, but still love that afternoon nap and tire easily. Last Saturday, Cindy, David, Trisha and I went to Emerald Isle beach and as I sat under the umbrella and looked over the ocean, I had to think that I was as close to heaven as I could get within the last 8 months. What a treat that was!!
After my last visit to Dr. McCoy (oncologist), my family and closed friends forbid me to go by myself, so Heather went with me and took notes! And what a great "note-taker" she is, but that's the teacher in her. Dr. McCoy agreed that I need to build up more strength before taking another round of chemo, since it will have to be a stronger dose. He agreed to let me skip treatment for a month, then he wants to do new CT and PET scans to re-evaluate the tumor. The new scans will tell him (1) if there is any activity in the newly discovered left tumor and (2) the exact size of the right one.
Naturally, I recognize that I run the risk that the tumor could grow in the month off, but as I explained to him, I take comfort in that it has not grown from 4 cm, which was what it was in March when I stopped chemo for the 1st round.
Dr. McCoy is in contact with Dr. Mike Williams, former Head of Oncology at UVA about my case, so that's my 2nd opinion. Dr. Williams was Dr. McCoy's Mentor when he was in medical school and I understand they talk regularly about me. David has researched Dr. Williams and feels very comfortable that he's on the case, so that's good enough for me.
Dr. Stoeckle (surgeon), is very pleased with how well my abdomen wound is healing, but is quick to add that it's because I'm not on chemo. He was happy to hear I'm not going to take any for a month as it will heal more in that time, too.
I am encouraged that I'm eating and moving more, but still love that afternoon nap and tire easily. Last Saturday, Cindy, David, Trisha and I went to Emerald Isle beach and as I sat under the umbrella and looked over the ocean, I had to think that I was as close to heaven as I could get within the last 8 months. What a treat that was!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Stronger and Stronger
It's funny how not taking chemo builds up strength! This has been the first week that I have felt like doing ANYTHING since I got out of the hospital. I've run more errands this week than in the last 2 months, but sometimes I just have to stop and lay down. I still enjoy that afternoon nap, too!
Both my abdomen and old port-au-catheter wounds are healing very nicely and have I have cut back on the pain medication, which has been great. That stuff works, but I worry so about addiction. The Home Health Care nurse told me that the more I move, the less the wounds will hurt, now that the infections are clearing.
I'm still holding out for chemo in August and have appointments with both the surgeon and oncologist next week. I'm especially anxious to see Dr. Stoeckle (surgeon) as I'm hoping he'll also be pleased with the healing.
I'm off with my dear co-worker/friend Cindy Finney to Greenville today for a long weekend with David and Trisha. Cindy's going with me because I (we) just didn't think I could drive the 4 1/2 hours by myself. We're all going to Emerald Isle, NC for the day on Saturday. It was made very clear to me by Dr. Stoeckle that ocean water was COMPLETELY prohibited for me this summer. So, while the 3 of them sit and enjoy the beach and ocean, I'll be sitting on the porch of my aunt and uncle's house in the shade, but loving the view and just being at the ocean!
Both my abdomen and old port-au-catheter wounds are healing very nicely and have I have cut back on the pain medication, which has been great. That stuff works, but I worry so about addiction. The Home Health Care nurse told me that the more I move, the less the wounds will hurt, now that the infections are clearing.
I'm still holding out for chemo in August and have appointments with both the surgeon and oncologist next week. I'm especially anxious to see Dr. Stoeckle (surgeon) as I'm hoping he'll also be pleased with the healing.
I'm off with my dear co-worker/friend Cindy Finney to Greenville today for a long weekend with David and Trisha. Cindy's going with me because I (we) just didn't think I could drive the 4 1/2 hours by myself. We're all going to Emerald Isle, NC for the day on Saturday. It was made very clear to me by Dr. Stoeckle that ocean water was COMPLETELY prohibited for me this summer. So, while the 3 of them sit and enjoy the beach and ocean, I'll be sitting on the porch of my aunt and uncle's house in the shade, but loving the view and just being at the ocean!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Roller Coaster Days
I met with Dr. McCoy on Tuesday who was concerned that the new mass on my left abdomen was blocking my kidney, so I had ultrasounds of both of them done yesterday. If they were blocked, stents would be required to be implanted to unblock either or both of them. But, luck was with me and there was no blockage.
Heather, Tom and Kay went with me for support and Heather was in the ultrasound room when Dr. Bishop gave us the news. We both cried and cried as we were ready for some good news for a change! On Tuesday, Dr. McCoy talked about keeping me comfortable until I died, etc., so that was pretty upsetting.
So the plan now is to do nothing for a month, hope my wounds will heal within that time, and try a new chemo in August.
I am happy to report that I am eating a little more, which has increased my energy level, which in turn is helping my wounds heal. The abdomen one still gives me consistent pain so I do take pain medication daily, but it does look better each day.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!
Heather, Tom and Kay went with me for support and Heather was in the ultrasound room when Dr. Bishop gave us the news. We both cried and cried as we were ready for some good news for a change! On Tuesday, Dr. McCoy talked about keeping me comfortable until I died, etc., so that was pretty upsetting.
So the plan now is to do nothing for a month, hope my wounds will heal within that time, and try a new chemo in August.
I am happy to report that I am eating a little more, which has increased my energy level, which in turn is helping my wounds heal. The abdomen one still gives me consistent pain so I do take pain medication daily, but it does look better each day.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!
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