I just got back from a blood test, a CT scan and a consultation with my oncologist. My CA19-9 is down quite a bit but the CT scan shows a spot on my liver that wasn’t there in previous scans. I asked whether it could be something associated with the abscess I had on the […]
It’s been a week and 2 days since I completed my “Virginia Mason Protocol” with radiation and chemo combined. Yesterday was the first day since starting that protocol that I did not get sick first thing after waking up in the morning. I also could get through the day without using any anti-nausea meds. It […]
I have completed the Virginia Mason Pancreatic Cancer protocol. And not a moment too soon. I could scarcely stand up in the shower I was so dazed this morning. The last bag of Cisplatin last Monday. NO MORE!!! They removed the 5FU pump that I was carrying around attached to me for the past 5.5 […]
This has simply been the hardest, harshest treatment I’ve received so far in the past 2 years. I can list all the details but doing so just makes me sick again. Being ill is my #1 beef. Each week starts with what we’re now calling a “Monster Monday” with Cisplatin, radiation, interferon, and a top-off […]
I had my 2nd radiation Oncology appointment this morning. This time it was to take a CT scan to identify the places they will use to aim the high energy x-rays. I have sharpie maker targets just below my sternum, and on each side about half way between my hip & my armpit. I go […]
I had a CT Scan and a blood test today. I’ve been getting chemo for the past 6 months and we’ve been holding this tumor at bay. Only at bay though. Over the past 6 weeks my CA19-9 numbers have been flat and too high. If the cure was coming those numbers would have kept […]
Resume chemo, that is. My blood numbers are pretty much in good ranges. The antibiotics worked very well. I visited the hospital last Wednesday (March 25) and got a CT scan too. We could not find the abscess at all. What was measurable on March 11 is now gone without a trace. Dang, I wish […]
Don’t worry, I’m feeling pretty good. I still need naps. I’m on a strong course of antibiotics and so far, no side effects. I had a blood test and a CT scan on Wednesday and the news was good on all counts. My white blood cell count is still too low but has significantly recovered […]
It took me 4 days to gather the stomach to write this post. On Monday I had my every-2-month CT scan, blood test, and consult with my oncologist. The scan shows a “slight increase in prevascular soft tissue of uncertain significance”. It’s blunted a little by the observation that, “No evidence of metastatic disease is […]
Hoo-RAY! The drain is gone! It was taken out at my appointment with the surgeon yesterday. This was my last consult with him and his lead team member too. I thanked them profusely, and even felt a little nostalgic. Very little nostalgic, but it was there. They did a great job. I’m feeling great, even […]