Today went well. We left home this morning to go to the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Mesa at 8:00 a.m. and arrived home at 4:00 p.m.
The first part of the day was meeting with our Medical Oncologist, Dr. Homsi. He is very concerned about the overall treatment as well as my quality of life. We discussed doing everything here in Mesa as opposed to going back and forth to Houston for scans and consultations. He was very objective and said that it needs to be based on how we personally feel about the services here in Mesa. He also said that if we decide to shift our treatment to Mesa, but something more serious comes up that we feel we need the experience in Houston, we could still do that. We are very comfortable with Dr. Homsi who by the way was in Houston before he came here.
We plan to go this direction of doing everything here in Mesa. As a result, they have scheduled an MRI of my leg and pelvis on March 27 as well as a CT scan of my chest. These will be done and compared to previous scans. Dr. Homsi feels that if there is continued improvement in reduction of the cancer in my leg, he will have me do another round of chemotherapy at that time. At the point when two subsequent MRI’s do not show much change, they will quit chemotherapy for a time. I hope this all makes sense.
I am continuing the Lovenox injections for the blood thinning once a day now instead of twice, and blood samples are taken weekly to monitor the process.
Today the actual chemotherapy IV process of dripping 5 bags of medication through my pic line lasted from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. I sit in a recliner for the treatment. I read for a while and slept a little, then at a certain point I was totally out and didn’t wake up until I was finished. They put some type of sedative in the IV fluid which does a job on me. Through all this, Daryl has to be the most patient and positive person I know – just doing what needs to be done in a most cheerful & willing manner. He is my hero!
I will go back in tomorrow and Friday for more IV fluids with anti-nausea medicine as well. This worked great the last time in that the nausea was not nearly as bad, so I am hoping for the best and hoping that the you are enjoying “the best” in your lives at this time also.
You're in our thoughts and prayers and I"m glad so far so good :)
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of coming out to AZ for Spring Break, but are not sure, yet. It is the first week in April, I believe.
Dear Irene, I have had you on my mind lately and wanted to see how you were doing, but had lost this blog address! Getting old and forgetful, I guess:) Pleased to hear the good things that are happening, and amazed to hear your positive and faithful attitude. You are an inspiration to me, and I'm sure many others! My prayers are with you and Daryl and your family. I will stay in closer touch now that I "found" this blog.
ReplyDeleteLove, Tamara
P.S. Congratulations on your grandson's mission call. We just had our second grandson start his mission in Honduras. His brother just returned from Calgary. Wonderful blessings!