Anyone remember those inflatable toys - usually a clown? They had a weight in the bottom and you blew them up and then over active little boys could punch the willies out of them and they always bobbed up again, ready for the next punch? My brother had one - don't remember what they were called, although I must admit I'm beginning to feel a little - a lot? - like one. And wondering how many times Life can smack me down before I deflate and stop staggering upright again.
But today I got some good news, news that gives me hope that I can and will keep bobbing up again. I'd done a little reading on the internet so that I didn't go into the appointment with the oncologist completely ignorant. But what I'd read wasn't great so I was prepared for some not-so-great news.
Instead I got some hopeful news. Yes, I will be getting chemo. Yes, I can expect to lose my hair. (cringe)
But the chemo I will be getting won't be the really horrible stuff that makes people sicker than anyone has a right to be in order to get well. In fact it should not incapacitate me too terribly much. Yes, it will be done here so I will have my own bed, my own bathroom (in case I am the exception and sick with it) and my toys for when I feel well enough to go play in the studio.
While I will get the details of treatment when I meet with the clinic team, he did say that I will receive two different drugs, likely one on day 1, one on day 2 - so two days a week for a while. In other words, lots of reading time coming up! Doug and I did not process the information the same way so we're not clear on duration, but I'm assuming weeks, possibly over the summer. In the meantime he's started me on another drug that will help prevent the build up of uric acid in my blood, preventing gout. I'm all for that!
The other news that I did not expect to hear was that he gives an 80-90% chance of remission for at least 2 years after treatment, more if he will be allowed to follow his protocol, which is different from the current protocol common here. I got the impression that he is more than willing to fight for his patients so I'm keeping fingers crossed that he will write that letter to the powers that be and that they will grant permission for him to follow his protocol with me. If not, oh well. It was just good to hear that this can be beaten back for a relatively significant period of time.
As for weaving, I haven't done a lot of that the last few days and won't likely for a few more. My ankle is fairly sore and because I'm using the fly shuttle on the shawl warps I need to use my left foot to activate the shuttle. It's feeling a little better this afternoon, in spite of the walking I did all over the hospital so I'm hoping that if I ice and elevate it this afternoon that by tomorrow it will be into recovery mode. Maybe even feel up to weaving on Saturday. But for that I will just have to wait and see.
14 comments:
I like the image of the weighted down clown, you just keep bobbing back up Laura, and keep sharing the journey.
As for your ankle, ice is the answer!
It sounds like you have the right doctor,too.
Cheers, Liz
who has no excuse, but isn't getting any weaving done.....
That's wonderful news! Hurray for a doctor who's a team MEMBER rather than just giving orders - your relationship and confidence in him can make a world of difference in your treatment. Plenty of rest alternated with weaving will speed your recovery. Yay!
Hi Laura,
I always thought you were someone that would and will bounce back; though you are no clown in my mind. Good news, and how wonderful to have a doctor that is willing to work with the team and get the best results possible.
Let your foot take the time it needs to heal - just keep reading and doing hand work. Take care and wish I was closer to offer a little help. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Weaverly yours .... Barbara
Remember this?
"Weebles they wobble but they won't fall down."
Just for you: Weavers, they wobble, but they won't fall down!
Joanna
Ice and elevation as you heal. Great news from your oncologist!
Hugs from Virginia
Martha
i'm glad to hear that the news is hopeful, and that you have an amazing doctor. it makes such a difference when they treat you like a person, not as some symptoms to be treated.
it's great that you'll have your "toys" around you to help you recuperate--whatever it takes to get you through this!
Every bit of good news is a gift, even the little bits. I'm glad you've gotten some of those bits, and glad that your doctor is on your side. That makes all the difference!
That does sound like good hopeful news and I am happy for you that you have such a great sounding doctor. The ankle looks ouchy. Hope it doesn't take too long to get yourself back to physio-weaving mode.
SO glad to get some good news, Laura! Continued prayers from way down yonder in New Orleans.
You know, I am really liking your oncologist.
As for the cancer, I'm going to imagine those little poolside buggers rousing themselves just enough to get up for another Mai-tai and then getting whacked by your chemo.
Glad to get an update on how things are going with you. Heal well my friend.
I'm very glad the news is hopeful. My oncologist was also one to see how the patient was doing and decide on her own about the chemo regimen I had. I think that helps a lot.
Good thoughts coming your way.
Teena Tuenge
Some good news -- I think that the odds sound very positive.
We are all crossing our fingers and sending strength your way.
The sun will be out and shining in no time! Our cherry blossoms are out, bulbs are up.... just the 0c this morning was a bit of a shocker to the system.
Love you.....
So glad you got some good news, even if it wasn't all you wanted to hear. As for the hair, it'll give you time to (a) wear some cool hats, (b) learn to sing like Sinead O'Connor, and (c) say "who cares, I'm a SURVIVOR" to anyone who looks at you funny.
Hope my package arrives at your door soon.
Good news Laura. The shoe is a little funky but may help you elevate and ice. You are an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing your journey with us all. Sending love of pure healing energy. Love.
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