This week Jeff and I realized we've fallen into a pattern of expecting a revival when my chemo treatments end. We've been lounging around, putting things off. I've dreamed of reclaiming my brain, shedding the fuzzy effects of chemo on thinking capacity. Somewhere along the line, though, I began to suspect there might be more to this than 6 treatments, a remission and a likely return. On Tuesday, at my 4th chemo treatment, we pumped the doctor again. Though my tumor marker numbers have been steadily declining, he anticipates I'll need two additional treatments plus one year of maintenance chemo--one drug instead of two, every four weeks. After that, it's anybody's guess.
But the upshot is, I realize this may be as good as it gets, so I better get my kuttocuss in gear. So today, despite being feverish, I hunkered down in front of the Christmas tree (quite possibly the source of my fever) and spent several hours revising a manuscript. Hooray, you might say. I just hope my fuzzy brain remembers a few days from now which manuscript I worked on and what in the world I was attempting to accomplish in it!
Some good news for all my wonderful ladies and for those who love them: According to my chemo nurse, the FDA recently approved a new ovarian cancer screen that should be out after the first of the year. It's expected to be a routine part of a woman's annual exam--yes! Yes! This is not the CA 125 tumor marker some of you may have heard about that is unreliable because it registers inflammation from any source in the body (not just ovarian cancer). Ask your doctor about this new screen at your next exam. As some of you know, the reason ovarian cancer is so deadly is because its symptoms are rarely recognized until the disease is far advanced like mine.
Love to you all,
Diane
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4 comments:
You sound so positive and upbeat that it's like an early Christmas present. And hooray for revising the manuscript, fuzzy brain or not. That was always my favorite part of the writing process, even if it sometimes was the hardest.
It's not about fuzzy bunnies is it? Hee hee! Even a fuzzy brain is a creative force. I'm glad you're getting off your, er, whatever it was you called your butt. ;-)
NTM
Diane. I have been trying to get a link to your blog since I first heard of your illness. Finally got one. I am so glad to hear that things are improving. I love you guys and all the love you have shown my kids. I wish you the best of luck and will keep you and all you Hamms in my prayers.
Hi, Di,
It's great to hear that things are progressing!!! And you all sound so positive that you keep our hopes up!!!
Luv you,
Donna
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