The results are good, the lymph nodes are still shrinking. We learned that the masses inside the nodes will never completely disappear because of scar tissue. It gets a little confusing here, because while this is good news, it still opens up a chance of having to go through two additional cycles after my next two cycles, when we were all hoping to be done by April. This would mean four additional treatments at the hospital, meaning two extra months. This is not what we were hoping to hear. I had a little cry while I listened to the doctor.
It seemed odd to hear I could possibly get more treatments if the lymph nodes are still shrinking. But what we really want is to see is that the lymph nodes are unchanged from scan to scan, because it means the drugs have completely destroyed the disease and it can't get any smaller.
So, if the scan after my next four treatments comes back unchanged from this week's scan, it means there is no more disease that could be killed and I'm done with treatments. If changes are reported, I will need to extend my treatments for two more months.
It's not what we all wanted to hear, but it's best that my doctor prepared us for what could be! No one goes over 8 cycles (16 treatments), so even if I do have to continue, I will be done by June.
The first thought that popped into my head was, of course, 'my hair!' I think I have enough to last me for two months, but four?! I guess it's time I go back to the wig shop-- just in case.
Otherwise I'm feeling pretty good after yesterday's treatment. I felt a little light- headed last night while hanging out with mom, dad, and my friend Joan. I'm hungry this morning, so that's a good thing. Sometimes when I don't have a great appetite or what seems like my taste buds aren't working, I will eat Cheetos for the crunch and the flavor. I had a chocolate donut after dinner last night that tasted so bland! (And I sure do love my chocolate donuts!)
I think I'll find something to eat or just go back to bed for a while. Thanks for your support, blog readers and friends!
Next treatment: Friday, March 14th.
Love love love to you. I feel like I could post a novel onto every one of your blog posts. You are tackling this with more courage than I can even begin to imagine, and I know it will get easier. I am sending you bags of cheetos and Ann Taylor Loft gift cards. xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
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