Time for New Medicines

Well I've delayed updating and for that I apologize. There have been quite a few things happen these last handful of weeks.

My lab results the last 3 weeks have been improving, but I've switched my treatments starting last week. Yesterday I would have been able to take both chemos which would have been 3 weeks in a row.

Instead I'm not getting the Abraxane nor the Carbo Taxol, but last Wednesday we started a daily regimine of 2 pills. Early morning I'm taking Everlymus and after noon I take a Gleevec pill. Thank goodness we still had these from last Summer, we didn't start taking the Everlymus nor the Gleevec but went with the Abraxane and Carbo Taxol. 

Dr McGreggor felt we needed better results on CT scans so before she left for maternity leave, we decided to change tretments.  I have to adjust how much I'm eating to more snack sizes and have a good amount of water with the Gleevec. My gut is fairly painful right now, but less than yesterday and the day before.

None Shall Pass

Last Friday I didn't have the test results to get either Chemotherapy which was odd as I'm a good tester, guess I didn't study hard enough.  But but blood was mid 90's so we decided to not get transfused on Monday.

Send good vibes for me to fatten up, and to improve in my weekly tests (tomorrow.)

Tuesday I had a CT scan with contrast, and there was .02 cm growth in total between the lungs and the masses above the liver which isn't much. Also there was slightly more reduction than .02 cm in the lower bowels and my original tumor, so we're going to keep the same treatment plan, and once Dr McGreggor returns post her 3 month-break to have her baby, we'll see what to do.

Still looking fwd to seeing Dr Garly, but it won't be often since the nursing staff takes care of the infusions and transfusions based on the Doctor's plans.

There are some exciting plans for Ki and I. We've put in an offer on a house to be built in a relatively new neighborhood. We're both very excited and are hoping to hear if the offer is accepted soon. No details just yet for me to share...

Bloods and Chemos

Not much has changed but these are items of note:

Yesterday Friday 3/11 I got the big bag of saline and Abraxane as my nutrafills weren't in range for the Carbo. My blood was at 9.1 so we decided to go ahead and get blood on the coming Monday. I was tempted to not since it takes 4 1/2 hours for the 2 liters to be transfused (unless the pump is speed up, but that's only an option if there's a real need as there can be stuff with pushing blood in too quickly.)

So we're hoping the blood on Monday will get my amounts higher for the next Friday's chemo. The decision to do this had to be approved by the Doctor's team but 9.1 is kinda low even if it is in my acceptable range.

We're waiting for the CT lab to schedule our next scan pretty soon. Dr McGregor is going on maternity leave soon and will call the lab to get on it.

Interesting news about her temporary locums replacement is that Dr Garly is going to take care of Dr McGregor's patients along with McGregor's primary assistant Lisa, so it's not going to be someone I don't know.

Me - tired, sore in the same places, and occasionally a bit woozy (not much,) but it is what it is. Hopefully to get a good scan soon.

Password joy

Man nothing makes you feel dumber than trying to recover the password for a google account.

At least it's reset, and I hope this doesn't happen again soon. How else can I update the Dogpatch?

The latest chemo update from 2/26 is I got both infusions which is good, but my blood needs to be transfused as its level was 8.1 which we had planned an "in case"  appointment for Monday.

I'm not having an easy time sleeping and am feeling anxious about not saddling Ki with all my gear. He's keeping my first100% custom guitar as he bought the neck as a Christmas gift, and it's my fave instrument. Eventually I'll be liberating quite a bit of gear...of course most of what I have has been modified somewhat. There are a few other instruments with plans for family. My hope is to recover my left hand ability, but that needs work.

Weight is still a struggle but at least it's been stable.

Still my fave.

When You get the Full Meal Deal

A week ago (Friday 2/1) I was just underneath on all the key blood tests to be able to get both chemos. I needed blood, but I wasn't too low to have get it Emergency Room style. (Close, but I'd also slept poorly the 2 nights prior.)

Yay for living on the edge. As its roughly 4 1/2 hrs to transfuse, getting a berth scheduled for the usual 2 bag fill up can be hard to find (we'd anticipated this and booked the last Monday the week prior.) 

As for my blood level, it almost made me feel like going into the ER on Sunday, but was saved by those magical crunch berries and some nice steak later. I splurged on some green tea Haagan Daas ice cream too.

Yesterday I went in for my weekly blood tests and everything was within range so both Abraxane and Carbo Taxol were transfused. The weekly liter of saline was infused while waiting for the lab results. 

The new Oncology transfusion building is really great looking, and has increased rooms treatment rooms as well as quite a good number of 1-2 patient bay window slots, but only 2 new nurses coming on, so if you know any good hem/onc nurses looking for a gig I hear Corvallis Good Sam is looking...

I still often think of the days working at Musician's Friend and the solid vendor community who helped with my growth and awareness of the industry. It inspires me to be positive, as does my hubby Ki.

Just One Chemo Last Friday

So my last treatment was only the Abraxane, as the results from my tests for getting Carbo Taxol were just close, but not quire where they need to be. 

Abraxane - yes

Carbo Taxol - no

Also my blood/hematocrit level was 8.9, which means I'll be transfused with 2 bags of blood, but that won't happen until Monday next week. I go in on Friday to see the usual stuff, and hopefully be able to get both chemos.

Other than that, I plan to try light exercise but only when Ki is home.  Light meaning trying 1lb and crawling around (which is not much fun) and doing leg lifts by the sink. 

Not much entertainment as of late, but I'm working on the blog to update my experiences more often.

Both Chemo Drugs and 2 Bags of Type O

If you've been with me during a blood transfusion you might remember my preferred flavor as type O positive. I was sitting at 8.9 for my blood counts last Friday, and anytime my blood dips below 9, I have to be transfused with two bags of blood (most non-anemic people's blood count is higher than 12. This isn't rule as far as I know, but it's more of a normal person's low level) 

For a more clear message/update - last Friday I was able to get both Chemo drugs, but had to schedule an appointment for Monday (yesterday) for blood.  My chemos are helping to keep it tough for both red and white blood cells.  The Abraxane seems to be easier on blood counts than the Carbo.  Of course you Gotta love the finish of O positive 🙂. At least I think I do 🤔.

Ki and I met with Dr McGregor after (this was a normal appointment.) during this meeting we set plans for a scan in early March. 

In general, I've been dealing with fatigue and the struggle to put on some weight.  Today's lunch features a frozen dinner called a Mexican Feast... I'll be adding some sour cream and Cholula hot sauce with lime - my favorite hot sauce. My palate for mildly spices is returning (not as much as in the past, but I'm digging the return to at least some spice.)

And since dark chocolate has been discussed here as of late. I have to show this super cool box of dark chocolate by origin and cacao %. One of many super cool gifts, she and our mom gave to me and Ki for Christmas.

Brief Update

Apparently last week being just blood transfusion gave my body enough to of a rest for the test results needed this week to receive both chemo treatments, which is good news!

And as this is going to be a short post, I've been asking some folks if they noticed more of a female preference for dark chocolate at a younger age than with most males. For me I started finding an equal interest and in the past years a strong preference towards dark. 🤔

Add sea salt as a component or a dark chocolate truffle makes a really nice experience.

Of course most of the best brands have European roots, but there are also great artisanal brands here in the USA as well. Kind of reminds me of a rich wine experience.

Both Chemos and blood counts solid rocks!

It's 2016!

I've not posted much as of late, but here is my latest...

As for my cancer treatment, for the last 2 weeks, I've been able to take both of the chemo therapies, which was a very good thing. I've had some weeks where my blood tests only qualified me for the Abraxane but not the Carboplatinum so we had to take a bit more care to wash the hands, and avoid large groups which meant all my gift shopping was online (likely most would have been via the Internet anyway.)

I also had a meeting with Dr McGregor during my latest blood infusion on the 23rd, and my last CT scan showed positive overall results. Nothing grew significantly and my original tumor reduced nicely. Most of this was following weeks where I only had the Abraxane. So hopefully I'll continue to have success with being able to revive the Carbo as well.

It's been a long journey and I'm glad to still be here.

Hope all ya'll have a great 2016. I know I've said so before, but I'll keep sharing the blog with better regularity.

Oh and I have a new found love of dark chocolate. And our white male kitten is shooting up in size. He's much bigger than this pic, and loves being petted.