Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Going to NYC

I leave soon for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. I will have CT scans and MRI's and blood tests and whatever they can throw at me. I am praying that they will find nothing. I think this is a certainty since I was tumor free before the chemo. If a tumor developed during chemo then the entire game has changed.
We are also going to meet with two oncologists. I need to have some hope since all the studies have shown that individuals in my situation live only an average of five years. And I have spent two fighting. That only gives me three statistically. A very small percentage live beyond five. I certainly am aiming for that small percentage. Unfortunately, there appears to be no specific indication of what gives you that advantage for the small percentage. Surgery, chemo, radiation -- there are no clear indications that any of those are more successful than others. Well, shit. So we are hoping that these well known onc's will have some clearer answers.
In the meantime I am eating the family out of house and home. First the steroids brought on a great hunger - and I mean great. Now it is just stress eating. At least I have lost the puffiness of the steroids. Now it's just down to fat.
Overall, I am doing OK. This was a difficult round of chemo. I am still exhausted all the time. Breathless with any exertion. I hope that will change as time takes me away from the last chemo round.
On the positive side, I have such great friends. Many brought meals these past several months. Thank goodness since cooking has been difficult. Two very good friends came last week to clean the house for me. What a blessing!
Despite the difficulty of this past year between open heart/lung surgery and four grueling rounds of chemo; stress of family and my own depression; I count myself a blessed individual. I wouldn't have made it this far if not for my family and friends!

2 comments:

Nicole said...

My neighbor who beat her brain and breast cancers is from New York and New Jersey. She received care at Sloan Kettering. So, you will be getting the best, whatever it is that they throw at you.

Just as important are your wonderful family and friends. I got a little teary eyed thinking of your friends surrounding you with love and caring, the comfort of some thoughtful meals and a clean house.

It was great to read your post because now I can assure you that you don't have foggy brain, which you said you were worried about. You sound clear as a bell, rational, grounded, pragmatic, and strong.

Anonymous said...

WE LOVE YOU!!!! YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO US ALL... HANG TOUGH..PRAYERS AS ALWAYS..