Another Infusion and Testing

Last Friday, October 17, was another infusion day.  We also saw the doctor.  My question to him based on his comments a week ago was, "If the baseline CT Scan and bloodwork did not really show any cancer, and if the upcoming follow-up (and post-chemo) CT Scan and bloodwork show the same results, then how do we know that chemo is even working or doing anything?"  He explained that this was the whole essence of what they do at the Huntsman Cancer Institute is to offer prescribed treatments at the earliest possible time, which then extends the life of cancer patients.  He acknowledged that the only evidence that I even have cancer is from the surgeries and associated pathology reports.

He also said that we could delay further infusions until future tests indicate more chemo or if I start feeling bad.  The choice of course is ours.  We do plan on doing the clinical trial mentioned in earlier posts.  I will see him again on Halloween and a decision will be made.

On Monday the 20th, we had the follow-up CT scan and bloodwork that will look for cancer markers in the blood.  We'll talk about results at the next appointment with the doctor.

I continue to monitor blood glucose levels and do the insulin shots plus metformin pills.  It kind of spiked right after the chemo because of the steroids to keep me from being nauseated.  I've passed the worst part, and now I'm back again to mostly levels mostly before 200 just prior to meals.  I know that is high for a normal person but, considering I had an 800+ reading when I was first diagnosed with diabetes a few weeks ago, this is a huge improvement.

The good news: at least a two week break from chemo!