And the news is . . . .

Here is some of the information we’ve been waiting for. Spoke with the radiologist yesterday and the oncologist today. They still have to confer with each other and the thoracic surgeon. But, as it stands now . . .

The radiologist said my pulmonary function report was okay . . . minor issues but this discussion will continue. (This had worried me – I have always been a shallow breather.) He checked my lungs yesterday morning and they are clear. He asked me to remind my oncologist they they needed to have a discussion ( they are across a lobby from each other and in and out of each other’s offices.)

Today I had my fifth chemo. Counts are a little low in several areas but not at any levels to cause appreciable alarm Still have enough cells to “fight with.”

The oncologist said that I will complete my six cycles of chemo and radiation. I will take a month off to heal. A PET scan will be done at that time to ascertain how well this regime has worked. Discussions will continue with all doctors and he reminded me very gently how serious thoracic surgery is – and just as gently suggested I not Google too much because it can be fairly frightening. (Jim, I do not want my computer to locate “Cute Overload” everytime I do a search – really, I’ll be fine) There is also the mention of two more rounds of chemo. This is all a lesson on what one forgets when one discusses issues of this magnitude.I thought he had said three cycles- he said he had mentioned two – and I wasn’t at all sure about the scheduling of procedures – that if there would be surgery it would definitely be after a break – I didn’t take notes.

Anyway – I also remarked that I thought the hysterectomy seemed like a serious matter which also should be performed in a timely fashion. He agreed. So – I have one and perhaps two surgeries to look forward to . . . and perhaps chemo. I asked the big question – if this regime isn’t working, then what? There is a genetic marker present in the adenocarcinoma which indicated a drug which has been approved within the last couple of years would be a possibility.

And so – there are possibilities . . . and hope . . . and faith . . . .

I asked him if he had any idea why I seem to be handling this as well as I am . . .I am finally sleeping really well, I’m eating well despite my off days, etc. Basically he said that I reacted emotionally, gathered my wits together and faced this head on knowing that I had gotten through the other cancer the same way. I don’t always feel brave. This time I have been able to admit to the problems and discomforts. This is not easy and it is not fun but life is wonderful and so are my family and friends, the pets I know, the yard I love . . . and I want to be here a long time. I have been handed another full time job. Like one of my doctors said – I have been asked to join a club and I am now part of it. Guess I do have to make of it what I want.

And, I have to add, so are the doctors, the technicians  – all the treatment staff at Gavers and Sage Cancer Center in McHenry- representative of the care I would wish everyone to have.  I have complete confidence in them all . . . I am at all times treated like a person  . . .and not an illness.  After my last treatment I wrote the CEO of Centegra because I was so appreciative of the care I received  . . . and received a hand written note from him thanking me and expressing his confidence and faith in his hospital.  Gratitude is also a good thing!!!!