Thursday, July 30, 2009

Almost there

My second PET/CT revealed that my chemo treatments were tremendously successful. So much so, that no active cancer cells could be found. None. So I couldn't help asking my doctor, more than once, why go on with more rounds chemotherapy??? Why? Has he ever tried the stuff?
Well, the answer is that sometimes the chemo will only stun some cancer cells, sort of put them to sleep. We don't want them waking up in a few months with raging hang-overs, so we kick 'em, shoot 'em, zap 'em till we're sure they're good and dead.
It kind of feels like I've been stuck in this ugly, dank room for the past three months and people are starting to talk about letting me out...but not yet. I guess that's how the pioneers felt after pulling their wagons over big treacherous hills, just to find another one waiting for them on the other side. Endurance. Turns out it's more than a deodorant.
As for today, I'm quarantined. White blood cell count too low. Fought down a fever all last night, successfully avoiding a trip to the ER. Amazing what $50 pills will do for you. BTW....have I ever mentioned how much chemo costs? Just for the liquid poison, it's $17000 a whack. That doesn't include any other costs, like needles, tubes, nurses, etc. Insurance rocks.

5 comments:

  1. YAY! that's such good news to hear.

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  2. Wow! I thought the fact that the Orthodontist just added 2 more months to my treatment was going to kill me... I guess not quite.

    xxoo and Yay!

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  3. Give those cells a good kick between the legs for me while you are at it.

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  4. Wonderful news! Just wonderful! (And yes, thank goodness for insurance!)

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  5. I knew you were awesome already, but the honest way you write about this nasty cancer stuff raises you in my esteem. I read an awesome quote from Julie B. Beck today, "Because of Christ there is hope smiling brightly before you and you need not worry too much about sickness, death, poverty, and other afflictions. The Lord will take care of you. Your responsibility is to keep the commandments, feast upon the words of Christ, and stay in the path to your heavenly home." It sounds like you know this already!

    BTW, your girls are still welcome to come over. This week would be great. E-mail is michellew6k@gmail.com

    Love,

    Michelle

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