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I never reported here the report and plan, so here is an update.
- My July 23 3-month remission check-up revealed 2 lymph nodes that had grown relatively quickly (to 2.2 and 4.0 cm) as well as a small lung nodule
- The plan was to aggressivly pursue chemo (FOLFIRI protocol), then check after just a few rounds, to not put me through too much without having some indication whether it was working.
- After three rounds, I had a scan, which brings me to what I have reported so far.
- The scan after those three rounds (scan was two weeks ago) showed the lung nodule shrunk, but the 2.2 went to 2.7 and the 4.0 showed "slight increase". Recall that CT slices are .5 cm, I believe, so everything is +/- some uncertainty. The chemo has slowed things down, but we'd like a reversal.
- The plan was to continue the chemo - "not enough response either way to really tell." Also, we are adding Avastin to the recipe (Tee "FOLFIRI+Avastin" protocol). After 3-4 more rounds, they'll check again and maybe continue or change to a new chemotherapy approach (I've got one, maybe two more drug rotocols I have not received).
- At my initiative, I continue to bring up surgery and my surgeon has said he is not ruling it out. But I cannot tell how likely it is he will do it. Surgery is the only known current medical approach to get rid of it completely. But due to lymph node activity, they suspect a liklihood that after surgery, more can simply pop up. Like a very painful and risky process of whack-a-mole. And they cannot remove all lymph nodes preemptively, as that will cause a lymph node system backup. I actually prefer to keep playing whack-a-mole, enjoying extended life and continuing to try new treatments they come up with, hoping for the long shot that we finally get that last piece.
- So without delay, they kept me on the chemo with added Avastin. The chemo is administered for 48 continuous hours at 14 day intervals.
- Yesterday I began my second round since the scan (fifth since July 24). I am currently hooked up to the pump, which I take home with me.
- We'll do a few more before re-scanning.
- I am generally quite weak and feeling sick all the time. That is not to say I am always down emotionally. I am enjoying very simple things - reading, limited interactions with friends and family, and spending time with Christine. I have not been able to work as much as the past in the "good days."
- Many of you ask if I am able to work. I am doing so a little - about a day a week on average - not as much as during treatment in the past. I'm eating up my disability pay, but that is rarely on my mind - too far down on the care-about list. My managers are patient and adaptive and continue to work with me however possible so that I can best contribute with the resources I have.
Posted by Greg at October 10, 2007 11:42 AM | Comments (14)