Late Tuesday Update
Okay, so who says I’m hooked on blogging? Just ’cause this is my 3rd post of the day? Does that mean I’m hooked? I think not! Instead, I’m only interested in keeping you, my loyal friends, family, and fans apprised of my situation.
So the meeting with oncologists today: The radiation oncologists basically said that since I had the neo-adjuvant (pre-surgery) radiation and chemo therapy, I am not really a candidate for further radiation treatments. This is consistent with what Dr. Kauh had told me back in May (that once I had the IMRT, I would not be a candidate for additional radiation); however, Dr. Landry (the radiologist) did say that under special circumstances, I may still be able to get additional radiation.
The medical oncologists essentially said that my treatment with post-surgical chemo therapy was going to happen regardless of the pathology results. The fact that I had positive margins on the mesenteric arteries and 2 (of 32 harvested lymph nodes) showed signed of cancer cell merely emphasizes the importance of doing the follow-up chemo therapy. According to the docs today, I will likely start a 4-6 month cycle of gencitabine (Gemzar) upon my return to Atlanta. The specifics of the protocol, however, will be depended on what Dr. Kauh says back home.
Today I was really uncomfortable through much of the morning. While on my morning walk, I also walked up and down 6 flights of stairs (it seemed like a good idea at the time). I immediately came home and got into bed and slept for a while. I really did not expect walking up and down stairs (slowly and deliberately) would wear me out as quickly as it did, but…. Dr. Winter (Dr. Cameron’s chief resident) told me that perhaps I had overdone it and I should take it easy for the rest of the day. As I said, I was really wiped today and I spoke with Dr. Winter about the possibility of staying one more day. I like that he is willing to discuss how I’m feeling in the morning before making a decision whether to discharge me or not.
As Sam pointed out in the comments, I have stopped shaving my head during my recovery, and currently have a head full of dark fuzziness on my head. I just decided I needed to focus my energies to be used elsewhere. Thus, for the time being, I will no longer be the bald wonder.
Today was busy…I’m trying to relax this evening so I am fit to leave tomorrow. Thank you for continuing your support over the past week and in the weeks to come.
Merle
