Arrived!

This week brings a number of reports and observations.

The most important is that the results of my petscan show improvement in my liver and my lymph nodes and nothing new.The readings in the lymph node are down to about half of what they were 2 months ago. The liver readings are down about 40%.

What does this mean? It means that the oncologist is recommending another 4 sessions of chemo, not my first choice, but likely right.

Having said that, I am looking at clinical trials and also will attempt to get a second opinion re future treatment from Moffitt Cancer Center.

The second big development is that my white blood cell count was very low yesterday, The associated measure (ANC) was .9 and the minimum acceptable reading is 1.5. Low ANC is called Neutropenia. This prompted the requirement that I have two shots of  Neupogen to help bring it back up. I got one needle yesterday before rushing off to the petscan and one this morning which took a long time, which was frustrating, but I still made it to all my appointments.

One of the effects of Neutropenia is apparently mouth sores and infection. I have experienced that big time over the past three or four days, but it seems to be improving. That will help me feel like eating more, which has been a problem. It sometimes hurts to eat and my taste buds seem to be not functioning all that well.

Notwithstanding all this, I still am playing tennis when appointments or really cold weather don't get in the way. Monday, I was the best player on the court. The fact that it was drizzling and cool may have been a factor as no one else showed up to play. But then today, the best player who usually takes me to make things even, took someone else, which gave me some reason for optimism.

Some people encourage me by saying that at least I am trying. I am quick to observe that the research manager finds me trying often.

Finally, we all try to make it in whatever endeavor we undertake. I learned yesterday that I have arrived! We had about 30 minutes to eat between my petscan and an appointment with my GI doctor with whom I had a followup visit just prior to the one year anniversary of my big surprise. We located a McDonalds for an Egg McMuffin and asked for directions on my phone. When we got there, it told me that I had ARRIVED!  I did not realize that it was so easy to reach that lofty goal.

Finally, I learned today that someone who I see about three times a year on the tennis court (March Break) reads my blog regularly. Wow...all of you who follow the blog are great. I so much appreciate your interest, prayers and support. It gives me energy.

So, I am truly energized to carry on and intend to do so for a long time. Thanks.