Final update on the western detour

[pricciar]

It has been a month since the surgery; I am now officially allowed to pick up heavy objects, drive a car and eat pizza. I haven't been especially hungry for pizza or eager to start training for the spot on the Olympic weigh lifting team. But, I did drive the car the first time yesterday and that passed by without incident. (Unless you count Sunday drivers and my upraised fist at their driving sins incidents. I don't.) I still have some pains, but everything seems to be healing up according to schedule. I feel a little bit better almost every day.

Two weeks ago I had an appointment with the Chemo doctor. He was able to expand my understanding of how the treatment works and greatly alleviate my concerns. He showed me my chart and explained the meds that would be used in my treatment and how they would be applied. He said the outlook was good and that "We can't prove beyond a doubt that you still have microscopic cancer cells. But, we cannot prove that you don't, either. Since you are young we are going to be aggressive so that you can live a long life."

The treatment plan hast two parts. Radiation coupled with chemotherapy medicine in tablet form. Followed by about 8 sessions of traditional chemotherapy. The radiation starts tomorrow and will be 5 days a week for 6 1/2 weeks. A month later, giving my body time to heal, they will start giving me chemotherapy. I will go in for chemo every other week. All told it's going to take about 26 weeks to get through every thing. I'm lucky in that the chemo I will have to undergo does not cause hair loss. Winters in Philly can be cold, that's one huge piece of good luck.

It's amazing how helpful and knowledgeable everyone at the Cancer Center has been. One of the nurses recognized me from when I was 12. Her son was in my cub scout pack. I told her to tell him Hello and the next time I saw her she said "Kevin remembered you and said you were a good kid. I told him 'he's still a good kid!'" It's nice to start off well liked. My original GI doctor called to see how I was doing and when I told her I was being treated there she said "Great! I like that group over there they do great work. I meant to ask to make sure you had considered them."

I am extremely glad the Phillies won their first World Series in 28 years this year. I was so lucky to be in Philadelphia to experience it from beginning to end. It was exciting to be around town for the sea of Red that the entry into the Series brought along. The excitement was palpable anywhere you went. And, it was delightful to be able to celebrate the win with my family as pandemonium overtook Greenacres Road. Also,this year's win means that I can safely make the wish that "I am going to live to see the Phillies win another World Series" and know that the Chemo/Radiation is going to give me atleast another 28 years to boo, cheer or both.

Obviously, this stuff isn't going to be easy. But, the amount of support I have makes it seem almost easy. And, on top of that- when they say Knowledge is Power they aren't kidding. It helped me so much when I found out the hows, the whys and the whens of my treatment. I know the timeline. I know what to expect - I know the worsts and the best. So, I am strongly prepared for the coming months. And, the greatest news is that my goal of getting back to California for the summer of 2009 remains unchanged.

Thanks to everyone for all of your replies. I have been really bad about emailing back the past couple of weeks and I am sorry about that. But, I truly appreciate all of your words.. And, all of the cards and letters have been awesome, too. Thanks a lot!

Comments

[withbutterflies.livejournal.com]

tldr

[edwardina.livejournal.com]

*guffaw*

[daedalsobriquet.livejournal.com]

so i finally got a chance to read my friends list and i got to your entry. i had to go and read several entries back to get the whole story and oh my goodness youve been dealing with lot! *hugs* im so sorry that you have been going through all that but it sounds like you have been quite the trooper and that things are looking up! i have every confidence that you will make it through this healthier and stronger than ever and then you can go get that aforementioned tail! my hamsters and i will think happy thoughts for you. xoxo - shiri

[hairy-canary.livejournal.com]

Good luck Pat! I hope your regime means that you're also missing out on the other stuff like nausea.

(We're doing about the same amount of radiation as you, but my chemo is coming first and will be about 3 weeks apart. Don't know how long for yet.)

[themermaid.livejournal.com]

Good luck with everything. That sounds like a good plan. Cancer treatment has come a long way.


I am an oncology nurse if you have any questions you can email me.

[wineandsong.livejournal.com]

You sound so upbeat and positive -- and that's half the battle when facing treatment and the next steps. I've been keeping you in mind, a lot, and hoping that you're doing well. It sounds like you have an awesome doctor, and treatment team, and I know they'll look after you well.

And yes, Knowledge *is* Power. xxx

[drainbead.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[backuplj.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear you're in good spirits. I reiterate for the nth time that I'd be glad to come visit or help you with your Xmas duties or anything else you might need. Good luck with all the therapy!

[tpbrcombo.livejournal.com]

Will any of the treatments assist with the dribbling on your shirt we've all been noticing lately?

[raspberrypie.livejournal.com]

good luck with your treatment. i am glad that you are in good hands, and that your experience with your doctors and nurses has been positive so far. that makes a very big difference. you have a lot of people supporting you, and you will do wonderfully!