Round 6 is under way. Today I had blood tests done, got fluids, and saw 2 doctors - regular oncologist and radiation oncologist. My hemoglobin was really good this time (10) so no need for blood transfusion. There's still some debate about how soon I can start radiation...Dr. Gupta wants me to wait 3-4 weeks after chemo but Dr. Logan is okay with me starting sooner than that if I feel like I can. The drs are going to talk to each other; in addition Dr. Logan wants to talk to the surgeons who took my tumor out. She said she will give me about 25 low doses of radiation over a large area (front and back); then she may give me 5-8 higher doses that target a specific spot (what she calls "coning down"), if the surgeons can tell her specifically where the tumor was touching my back muscle and/or spine area. So a lot is still up in the air, but my goal is to get it all done as soon as possible...within reason.
I just have to take a moment here to say that the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Center are wonderful! I've liked Dr. Gupta all along and I just met Dr. Logan today and I really like her too. She was very willing to answer questions and was very thorough and nice. She has a southern accent which makes me grin. And the chemo nurses, Barb and Kara, are just great. They are always on top of things and do their best to get me done and out of there as quickly as possible. They are always busy but still make sure that I'm comfortable. Last round Barb even picked me up and gave me a ride in on Thurs and Fri morning because she doesn't live very far from me. It's a full-service place, I'm tellin' ya.
From what I've heard, radiation is no big deal compared to chemo, so if I can get through the next week and a half, I think I'll be over the worst. So pray me through this last round, please, friends. Thank you again for all your kind thoughts, prayers, gifts, cards, help...everything.
Love, Susan
I am so glad that your levels were ok this time. I worried after the beginning of last week. You are soooo right - radiation is a breeze. So happy your feeling good and hope this round goes better than any that you have had. Glad to have you back to the real world again with all the other women.(ha ha)Sounds like your Dr.s are great and that helps alot. It really does take special people for this type of work. Hurry back to work but take it easy. YOUR DONE WITH CHEMO!
ReplyDeleteI am unbelievably HaPpY for YOU!!! Yay! I am praying this round will go super smoothly...then you are FINISHED!!!!
ReplyDeleteYOU GO GIRL!!!
Love ya,
Patricia
I am catching up on e-mails and blogs, so by now -- YIPPEE!! YOU ARE FINISHED!! I hope that just knowing you are done with chemo is such a huge relief that you are bouncing back faster this time. You will be amazed how you will feel a little better with each day that passes. Dr. Logan is a GEM!! She was my radiation onocologist, too, and I love her dearly. She is a beautiful Christian lady and she and her husband have participated in several medical mission trips. I think you will have a lot in common with her. I know you want to be completely finished, but give yourself enough time to feel better and get some of your strength back.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Beth