The Next Step

The CT scan is done and thanks to modern technology the doctor had the pictures to look at as soon as they were loaded from the machine. The good news is that the cancer is responding to the treatments, however it is responding very slowly and so it has made my chemo regimen lengthen out to as long as a year. That will then be followed by two more years of Rituxan. The doctor had been hopeful that the tumor would have shrunk enough to be able to start the Rituxan with my next round of CHemo but because it has not shrunk enough and because attacking tumors of that magnitude aggressively causes major problems that can be fatal it has been put on hold for another two rounds of chemo. After two more rounds I will go through another CT to check and see how much of the tumor is left.

Dr. Oken told us that as the tumor dies off and the size diminishes the after effects of the chemo will become less, however one of the side effects of chemo therapy is that is causes fatigue and that is one thing that does not go away. It has been suggested that I apply for long term disability through social security and I have been giving that some thought. Although this cancer may go into remission, and I hope that it will, it can come back and it can turn aggressive at any time. I think at this point in my life I need to look at this as an early retirement and just enjoy what time God may grant me to be here upon this earth. The thought of a motorcycle with a side car becomes more appealing as the gas prices go up and my desire to travel to see family, friends and the beautiful creations of God has increased. I may have to become a motorcycle mama /grandma!