Yes! Almost all the bits are in. The preliminary pathology report on those lymph nodes in my groin shows no issues. The caveat is the final report might show issues. However, it doesn’t alter the area to receive radiation. Only the dosage levels of the later treatments would be changed. So no worries with these.
Chemotherapy
Thursday a device called a PICC line was installed in me. If you want details, I am sure you could Google it and learn as much as you would like to know. It is used to drip chemo fluids into me, draw blood for tests and administer any other fluids as necessary, such as electrolytes in the event I become dehydrated. Quite a brilliant device, actually. Do Google it if you have a spare moment.
Yesterday the dressing on the PICC insertion site was changed. All is well. There’s a slight conflict of opinion about how much exercise is permissible with this device in. The team who put it in seemed to think I shouldn’t do much of anything at all. Nurse J, who changed the dressing today seemed to think I could do anything I wanted as long as I didn’t get the site wet from showering, swimming or sweating. Watch that sweat! I’m going with Nurse J.
The first of two chemo sequences begins July 5. I get an immediate dose through the PICC line of one drug, and a five-day drip of another drug is begun at the same time, and I will pack a little pump around which is housed in a fanny pack. I was told the names of the drugs, but I have forgotten them. Neither was one I recall hearing of in my limited experience with chemo.
Radiation
Got part two of the two part set up process for radiation treatments. The team headed by Dr. H is happy with their work. First treatment is set for July 5.
Spent some time with Nurse L who reviewed what to expect during radiation treatments. Compared to what I experienced with radiation for breast cancer – this will be nasty. Definitely nasty. Compared to what many people experience every day with chronic pain and other chronic conditions – cakewalk. Hold that thought. Revisit in 4 weeks.
Life goes on – or not.
I have two sources of Internet. This evening neither one is working. What kind of evil joke is this? I had a fine evening planned relaxing, doing all manner of Internet activities. Not to be. I’m going to shoot over to the near by rec. center where there is wifi and get this sent, and do some other odds and ends. Breaking news – the rec. center wifi is down as well! Oh no! Conspiracy! – Unplugged! How about that! I accept the gift.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Saturday afternoon
Here I am at my office using that internet. It's OK, I was planning to get some stuff done here anyway. I've been a busy little bee today - did a full workout (watch that sweat!) and a full dusting of the house. All prepped for what I expect will be the last vacuuming until October! I can live with this.
Now to get some office work done, and attempt to fix what's wrong with at least one of the internet access programs.
Oh, and big thanksgiving for the first two days of July being absolutely perfect. Cloudless and around 80 degrees. Yummy.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm 19:1-4
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