One more week of my chemo "vacation."

I visited the oncologist on June 1. --Actually, I saw an ARNP (advanced practice nurse).... I'll be starting chemo again Monday, the 8th.

So until then, I've got another week to feel good. I know, there's a downside. IF the chemo has been winning the war against the LMS (leiomyosarcoma), then this has been a time for the cancer to grow. On the other hand, since we won't know until the MRI, ... which, at earliest, will be late July.

I'm assuming the chemo is doing well. That the cancer is reeling from the chemical warfare.

Meanwhile, I'm knitting a lot. Finished a pink lace scarf, am still working on a cream colored scarf, a chocolate brown shawl and a brightly colored knit-a-long (KAL) Most of these will be holiday gifts for my friends/family in Indiana.

This is the chocolate shawl.


The cream scarf (old shale stitch)

x

This is the knit-a-long scarf.... Pretty colors, yes?


This is my furry roommate. He's been quite happy I've been home more.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

After waiting.... more waiting

It's been a long two months since I last wrote. I've been battling fatigue and depression while waiting for a clinical trial to open.  Parts of the problem are physical, lung tumor is pressing against lung, making it harder to breathe.  I've also got a painful cough.  Nights I've been taking fever reducers, then sweating.  This past Monday, I was admitted to the hospital for a clinical trial (I'm very excited). Only the fevers prevent me from starting the trial.  So we've run tests to find if there is an infection.  No.  Virus? No. They're giving me a week's antibiotics, and Advil to keep the fever down.  Next Monday I start the study.  I'm in the hospital basically for the next 3 weeks, Monday through Friday.  (as per research protocol. I'm ready for something to happen....
Read more

Possible scenarios.... outcomes... and preparing for the future.

In the first days of this adventure, I found this TED talk. Baba Shiv talks about giving up the driver's seat TED Talk .  With this rare form of cancer, I choose to listen to my oncologist, and follow her directions.  My goal is to live another 10 years.  My roommate challenged that recently.  His sister has battled a variety of cancers for many years.  She's tenacious, intelligent and currently in remission.  Cancer has become a chronic disease for many.  I don't know.  I don't have the data (until the results are reviewed by my physician) from the latest CT with contrast scan.  I've gathered the old CT scans from other facilities and will be taking them to Moffitt next Tuesday.  Then... well, then we'll have a battle plan.  Overall, I'm working on multiple outcomes.  I need to be prepared.  For example, I'm going through my bookshelves and discarding many books.  Why?  I may be moving to a different home.  Even if I'm not moving, I need to ma
Read more

Research update. Letrezole use for 10 years post breast cancer.

Below is a link to the original article. I realize that links don't live forever, so I've copied the article. I am currently on Letrezole.... and having bone pain. --Although that is something I'll be discussing with the doctor at Friday's appointment. Remember there are no easy answers... so a way to prolong life, also has side effects... pain, and reduced bone density. I'm grateful that I've drank as much milk as I have during the past decades. Hopefully, that will help strengthen my bones during this treatment. This also shows how treatments can cross from one cancer to another. I'm not sure there are any official treatments for my cancer, it is just too rare... so we keep trying new and interesting treatments. Washington Post Article about breast cancer and Letrezole Extending anti-estrogen therapy to 10 years reduces breast-cancer recurrence, new cancers CHICAGO — Researchers said extending hormone therapy to 10 years reduces the risk
Read more