Update to the journey
Todd's Journey
The story of my cancer journey
The story of my cancer journey
I was warned before I began chemo that there is a higb probability that with each cycle of chemo, the side effects may become more pronounced or worse. Well, I can legitimitely say that is a true statement.
With this Cycle 3 completed, I do have more fatigue, and much more nausea and actual sickness. Moreso than in previous cycles.
But, I only have one cycle left to go, so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.
I have to give credit to my aunt-in-law Danielle who did warn me that the chemo could get harder with each cycle. She was right. As she is most times.
To celebrate the end of my chemo and hopefully my radiation therapy, Jamie and I bought season tickets to the Ottawa Redblacks for next year. We do like the outdoor event of football, so hopefully we'll be in good shape to attend the games.
Just one more thing that I can look forward to, and helps incentivize me to keep up the fight.
The date is set! December 6th will be the day that I have my new CT scans and bloodwork done to determine whether or not the 4 cycles of chemo have successfully stopped the growth of my cancer, or even shrunk some of the tumors.
The results of these CT scans and bloodwork will determine which forks in the road of this journey we will head.
We will either continue forward with radiology treatments, go for more chemo or immunotherapy, or have to look at bladder removal. The results of these tests will determine the journey forward. Obviously I am hoping the chemo has been working for me, but I have learned with cancer, there are no guarantees.
Cancer is a horrible disease that fights me as much as I fight it.
Let's hope shortly after December 6th, the results show we may have won this battle, and keep moving to winning the war.
Well, I was hoping that maybe when they changed my nephrostomy tubes yesterday, they might actually remove one, but that was not to be. I guess my urological oncologist, Dr. Morash, decided to wait a bit longer to remove them. Perhaps after I finish my neo-adjuvant chemotherapy on November 30th, they may look to removing them then. It would be a nice Christmas gift to have them gone.
Other than that, I am definitely a bit more nauseous this time. Was sick twice yesterday after eating. It could be related to the new neutraphil booster shots I am taking. Tomorrow is the last day for the shots so we'll see if my nausea improves.
Also have much more fatigue this round. Been sleeping a lot more than previous chemo sessions. They did say that some of the side effects of chemo build up each cycle, so this could be a normal result of the 3rd cycle.
Anyhow, going for bloodwork today to see if I am able to take my chemo on Thursday. Will keep you all posted.
I had a new support friend today join me for Chemo. Her name was Annie. She was wonderful.!
Talked with my medical oncologist today. He said I was good to go for Cycle 3 of Chemo tomorrow, but have to have a blood transfusion on Friday morning to bring my hemoglobin up a bit. He also put me on a five day program (shots every evening) to help me with my neutraphils and white blood cell numbers.
He has ordered a new CT scan in four weeks to take a final look at how the Chemo has affected my cancer (shrunk it, stopped it from growing, etc.) He suggested I may even be a candidate for a clinical trial of new cancer therapies.
I may be able to have at least of my nephrostomy tubes removed soon. He is going to talk to my urological oncologist. That would be an awesome step forward, so am keeping my fingers crossed for that word.
That's it for now. Making good progress.
My bloodwork came back today, and it seems most is good news. The only potentially problematic ones were my hemoglobin is very low again, making me anemic, but they should be able to correct that with another blood transfusion, and it shouldn't delay my next Chemo cycle. My red blood cell count is also low, but that is expected as the chemo kills off a large amount of red blood cells. My white blood cell and platelet numbers were perfect.
All in all, I expect my chemo will be able to go ahead as planned on Thursday this week, but will know for sure tomorrow after I meet with my medical oncologist.
For the first time in five months I actually took a full shower. Up until now I have been having to either sit in a few inches of water and use a wash cloth, or sit on a chair in the bathtub and use a wash cloth to clean. The problem has always been that the dressings that surround my nephrostomy tubes need to be kept dry and cannot get wet.
Today, Jamie wrapped me up like a mummy around my mid-section with Saran Wrap, covering up the dressings on both sides in a water tight seal. That finally allowed me to shower fully in the bathtub.
When I got out, the dressings were all good and dry. So thank God that I finally am able to shower properly.
It still wipes me out a bit, but that's to be expected. And I will limit the full showers to twice a week, and use the Adult Wipes in between.
Another small success on my Journey.