This week so far has been very busy, a lot to take in, and a lot more to action.
Starting on Monday, I had a Brain MRI at 9am with contrast to determine if the disease has spread, telling us that it was Stage 4, and changing up any kind of treatment plan that was in process. The MRI itself was as uncomfortable as it gets, with me trying to lay down, still for a prolonged period of time. Apparently, even though I could feel myself arching my back, and slowly moving my arms to try and relive the pain, I kept me head still enough that they didn't need to retake any images. The entire process was probably only around 30 minutes. Still left me feeling very sore for the rest of the day, as I expected. The results would be available hopefully by the end of the day, otherwise, early Tuesday morning.
Next up, at 10:15 I had my first official oncology consultation, with my chemo team. I also met my assigned Cancer Nurse Specialist, who will be available to me throughout the treatment process. They explained their side of things, how they work, and rely on radiation team to be ready with their plan. There was a lot of examination of my symptoms to see how far the Pancoast tumour was effecting me. It's confronting, but expected, as I've been living this nightmare for many, many months now. A few things have instigated and treatment should being, regardless of whether it's trial or regular, within a few weeks (2-3).
Later that afternoon, my CNS called to say the results of the Brain MRI w/Contrast was in, and was 100% clear. So no stage 4 here baby.
On Tuesday, as somewhat of a couresay, but also as a much needed final meet and greet, I had my appointment with the doctor from the respiratory clinic. Now, while a lot of other people involved are trying to claim credit for getting this all rolling, it really comes down to my GP and this guy, Doctor Arora, for pushing this process through as fast as it could go. Until today, everything had been a phone call, and this catch-up was much needed. I really appreciated his insight and honesty into the whole thing. He provided me with extra breakthrough pain relief, and he was finally able to close off everything on his end.
Wednesday, I met with the radiation Doctor and her team, to discuss what the process was there. And again, more testing by them to see how far this tumour has progressed and is effecting me. Always a stark reminder when they let their expressions show. In the end, just makes me more convicted to kicking this thing is the throat. Bug dummy, thinking it could take me on. There is option of going on a trial, tat is in stage 3. I will be consenting to being screened for that. I'm assured either way, the very best treatment and outcome is offered to me.
That ended a busy few days. Left me feeling pretty raw and emotional, and ended up dumping on Facebook in a pretty heavy way, and received a lot of support (where I normally probably would have deleted/hidden the post after venting).
Currently sitting at work. I'm not expecting to get much done but I really need to organise my upcoming time off and determine what they will be able to offer me during this time, and how much I might need to really start relying on donations...
I'm now looking forward to a pretty relaxing weekend with my son.
Blog comments1
Good stuff
Good stuff