I am rebounding! We are just back from apppointments and tests at Lahey with my oncologist, plastic surgeon, and ostomy nurse. My blood tests look good as do my incisions! The last of the (non-dissolvable) stitches were removed today! I have long, dark scars running down the inside of each thigh and got approval to start using scar cream on them. Although I imagine they will look better over time, I expect it will be long shorts and skirts for this girl from this point forward. I was disappointed to hear that I won't be able to sit for another month, which means driving is out for another month as well. My plastic surgeon has put the fear of internal tears, infection, and incision failure into my brain, so I guess I will be compliant!
After consulting second-opinion oncologists at Sloan Kettering, Beth Israel and Johns Hopkins, I have decided to go with my oncologist's recommendation for the more aggressive chemo treatment. Because my cancer is rare and aggressive, this seems the most prudent approach. Although this treatment will be tougher to tolerate than a less aggressive regime, it will likely give me the greatest chance of recurrence-free survival - and that is my goal!
My chemo treatments will start on May 17th. I will have to go to Lahey next week to have a chemo port installed in my chest. Treatments will involve 1/2 day infusion of oxaliplatin, followed by a 48 hour (pump) that will infuse 5-FU via the port for 48 hours. This treatment will happen every 2nd week for 4 months. I should know within the first month how I am tolerating the chemo, and am hoping I can come up with a way to go back to work part-time throughout the 4 months. I am a terrible couch potato!
I want to thank everyone who has filled my past few weeks of healing at home with fun visits, walks, flowers, and meals! When I look back on this recuperation, I think that what I will remember most will be the many smiling faces who brightened my day, the healthy and delicious food that magically showed up at our door, and the scent of flowers filling the kitchen. You all have transformed a potentially dark and difficult period into a time of joy, love and gratitude!
THANK YOU 💕💕💕💕💕!!!!!
Jane,
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the WRP Division! Everyone at NEIWPCC is so glad to hear that you are doing well. At our WRP meeting this past week, everyone agreed that if we would like to stop by and visit you after work sometime, if you are feeling up to it. We would be happy to bring you a meal or anything else you might need! Please email or call and let us know. Happy Healing!
-Nicole, Mike, Shelly, and Heather
Glad to hear that you're rebounding and your numbers are looking good! We appreciate the update and are making plans to visit you as you move to the next phase. As always we think of you and your family all the time and hope that you feel the "virtual" hugs that are coming your way!
ReplyDeleteLove, Amy and Matt
Excellent news!!!! Compliant Jane is a good thing.surrendering into quiet, peace and less to do my dear is a gift...if you choose to take it:)
ReplyDeleteChemo may knock you back onto your knees perhaps not, but if it does ,you have the experience now of of knowing how to get right back up ! Summer may suck in 2017 but fall and winter and beyond will rock! LOVE YOU GIRLFRIEND!