Sunday, December 28, 2008

Cycle 5 underway

Cycle 5 on the 26th Dec. brought the usual array of symptoms, nothing unexpected, if not unwelcome.

I have received my appointment from the Stanford medical centre, Jan. 5, I am very grateful to get an appointment so soon, with any luck they can shed some light on why the mass is no longer shrinking.

I'll post the results, if any, of said appointment as soon as I can.

Until they, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and here's hoping for a more prosperous new year for us all.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

All quiet on the southern front!

Well, it's Christmas eve, or whatever you choose to call it. Yesterday I suffered the indignity of yet another colonoscopy, and I am happy to report that, other than early signs of diverticulosis I am all clear.

The diverticulosos, a bulge in the colon wall, is often caused by constipation, from which I have suffered as a result of the chemo therapy, all that straining and what not. Happily, most people are able to cope with this problem by maintaining a proper, high fiber, diet, so I am buying shares in Kellogs ---- the makers of All Bran.

Christmas day tomorrow, the girls are so excited, I am really looking forward to watching them unwrap their presents.

Chemo on boxing day so I will post again once I am felling better.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Stalled

Well, Nicky and I met with my oncologist today to review my latest PET scan. I wish I could tell you that I am in remission and that all is well but, as indicated by my climbing SED rate, things are not going as well as planned.

My mass has not responded to the last two cycles and is, in fact, the same size as it was two months ago, 9cm * 9cm. You may recall that after the first two cycles it had reduced significantly.

Dr. Kankipati is going to refer me to Stanford, a lymphoma center of excellence, to determine whether there is any need to adopt an alternative strategy.

I remain, in the main, optimistic that this is simply a bump on the road to recovery but one can not help but entertain some dark thoughts.

One thing I am resolved to do is to simply forget about this until after Christmas, I am determined that this will be the best Christmas ever for the girls and for Nicky.

Happy holidays to you all and a prosperous new year.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Cycle 4 complete

Had the last treatment of cycle 4 today, no problems other than the obvious.

Alice has saved Christmas by moving my next treatment from the 23rd to the 26 so at least we, that is I, will be able to enjoy Christmas dinner. I am however, having my colon scoped on the 23rd, so I may be sitting a little awkwardly.

I'll update as soon as I get some results from the PET.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Big week next week

Tuesday marks the end of cycle 4, the following Friday I am having my bimonthly PET scan. We are hoping that it reveals that I am in remission which means two more cycles and then radiation. If there are any traces of the enemy then it will likely be another 4 cycles.

The girls are starting to get really excited about Christmas, I have to admit, I am dreading it. I have chemo two days prior which is going to impose a punishing Christmas day. All that wonderful (BRITISH) food and I am going to be sick as a dog.

My dad is arriving in two weeks so hopefully he will be able to keep the kids entertained while I feel sorry for myself.

I'll jot another note after chemo on Tuesday. Till then.