Trial run

Quick update to the treatment plan...

Went in on Wednesday for the hepatic angiogram. They mapped all vessels in the liver and gave a test dose of radioactive dust. Looks like all is a go for the full treatment (delivered in two parts). However, found out it actually takes 2 weeks to get the "dust" here as it comes from Australia and needs special handling/timing/etc. They space treatments 4-6 weeks apart (1/2 of the liver at a time). So...they ordered the first dose and we'll plan treatment date as we know when it will be scheduled to arrive. Chemo will wait for now. May schedule one 2-3 weeks after the first dusting, then no more until 2 weeks after the last dose. Waiting for chemo doesn't make me sad...this new mixture is everything unpleasant people imagine about chemo...I was so fortunate with the first round!

Focusing on maintaing weight at the moment. (NEVER thought that would be anything I would ever worry about!!) Seems I can't eat a lot and nausea has been a frequent companion...Anyway, I think I'm about the weight I was in 6th or 7th grade. I always knew I enjoyed eating, but struggle with my weight has always been about weighing too much, not too little.

Have to schedule a little fun here soon and take pictures...blogs need photos!! :>)

Thanks for all your calls, cards, emails...I so appreciate each and every one!!!

Treatment planning

So, no new photos for this update...have mostly been home snugged in bed or on the couch trying to recuperate from a new round of chemo. Since tumors are growing and markers up, the first round (which seemed a piece of cake) is deemed a "failure". So...they've created a new mixture of drugs that is definitely making an impact with side effects (most of which are not pretty, so I'll spare the details). Just had the second treatment on Monday, now it's Friday and I'm starting to feel better...

Next, the "Fairy Dust". I'm scheduled for an angiogram of the liver on Wednesday (February 20) and if all looks positive, will get radioactive "dust" treatment on Thursday and Friday (they do 1/2 of the liver each day). Sure hoping for a miraculous outcome with stabilization of tumor growth! Appreciate so much your prayers, thoughts, positive energy sent in that direction!

Feels like time is coming for reflection on lessons of this journey...hoping to finally settle down and just "be" with what has happened. Perhaps journal thoughts that are starting to emerge... feels like a rich place to mine some philosophical truths. Maybe even some poetry...Will keep you posted. :>)

Also considering knitting lessons. A dear friend has suggested I use some of my time to learn to knit. Maybe something like a baby blanket for the grandbaby (who has passed all tests to date and by all ways we can measure is healthy!) I am imagining the most beautiful, brilliant, compassionate, creative, sweet baby (just like every grandparent does! :>)