More Chemo and Positive News

We did chemo infusions numbers 17 and 18 on March 19th and 27th.  Both were pretty much like normal: access the port, take blood-work, wait for results, then get the drugs and hydration.  It takes 5 or 6 hours total.

We also saw the oncology doctor this last trip, and went through the usual questions: "how's your appetite?  Any pain? What's your activity level? Any complaints?"  To this last question my answer was that I was just "tired" from the chemo and not motivated to get up and do a lot.  It seemed like these last few infusions were worse that way, but I imagine that it was just cumulative.

He responded, "we could take a couple of months off, do another scan and blood-work for the tumor markers, and see where we are.  You've been doing well.  The chemo has been working, and I think it is fine to take a break and let you rebuild your strength."  

This kind of surprised me since the plan has always been "more chemo until it isn't working any more."  I gladly told the oncologist I'd appreciate two months off.  

I am looking forward to the break.  I'm not quite over the last infusion yet, but it will be coming in a few more days.

We also talked more about the clinical trial that he is doing regarding immunology.  We would introduce a different type of chemo drug along with a promising immunology drug that has worked in other forms of cancer.  This is done via the infusion method, so that will be more trips to the cancer center on a routine basis, like I've been doing.  The idea behind this trial drug is to "re-program" the immune system to spot the cancer cells and get rid of them.  Right now it is as if the cancer cells were in disguise; they are ignored and allowed to do their thing.  The current chemo is designed to stop any growth and, while that has been working, we also want to get rid of it as well.  The whole field of using the immune system to attack cancer is showing lots of promise, so we are really hopeful about this.

I want to let you know that I am aware of all the support through thoughts, prayers, text messages, e-mails, etc.  They do make a difference in my attitude, which I am supposed to keep positive. It sometimes brings a tear to my eye to think that people think about and support me, when their own lives are so busy.  I really do appreciate it.

"Routine" Chemo

I know it has been a while since the last update, but I don't have much new to say.  We have done another round of two chemo cycles on February 20 and February 27th (both Fridays).  Now there will be two weeks off again.

Back on January 31st (after the previous round of chemo), I got a shot to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells -- it helps some with the red ones as well.  I think it did help to give me a little more energy and generally feel less fatigued in between.  These last two cycles of chemo knocked all that back, so right now I'm feeling pretty fatigued and not up to much.  You don't want to know how much insurance was billed for the shot -- it was expensive.

We did see the oncologist, Dr. Gilcrease, on the 20th and he is pleased with how this is going.  He says that he does not often see such positive results responding to extended chemotherapy (as is my case).  So we will continue with this routine: two weeks of chemo followed by two weeks off.

I do want to say again how much I appreciate all the positive thoughts, text messages, e-mails, Facebook messages, and prayers on our behalf.  As I consider all of that, it really does help me to stay positive.  Thanks again.  I know my family appreciates it as well.