Wednesday, November 12, 2014

The Results Are In!

Yesterday was the cancer center follow up for all these scans and things I have had lately.  Here's the skinny:

1.  No cancer in the brain!  Or as the doctor put it, "You brain is normal," which is the first time in my life anyone has ever said that to me.  If only they knew.  Turns out the brain is an even bigger deal than I thought.  Besdies being, you know, the brain and all.  The doc said that the immunotherapies I am on do not work as well in the brain or spinal column.

2.  On the other hand, the spot on my liver is cancer.  I've now metastasized to two organs.  One more and I have a collection.  I do not want a collection.  At least I do not have to have this one biopsied.

3.  I got the port approved!  I could not get it scheduled until the day before the next treatment due to work, but I am shifting my hours around to better deal with my treatments, so I am going to call and see if I can get it moved up.  I was all prepared to roll up my sleeves and show them my collection (and yes, I have more than enough for a collection) of bruises from the last week.  One of them extends down the back of my hand and around to the palm!  All I had to do was ask, and they said, "Eh.  Why not?  We'll schedule it for you."  That was easy.

4.  I got the clinical trial meds and all the stuff to do the belly shots.  BLAM!  It's these little bitty vials of powder that I have to mix with sterile water every time I do a shot.  I feel like some kind of junkie.  I had the first one this afternoon.  This is the one that is supposed to cause the most serious diarrhea, plus a rash.  So far, no sign of either.  Just a little lightheadedness.  Surprisingly, there are also none of the immune reactions that I was dreading.  (So far, anyway.)

"The Works"
Now, I just have to shoot myself in the belly (BLAM!) every night for the next two weeks, then it will be time for the next infusion.  I guess I'm taking kind of an active role in my own treatment, or something.  It sure beats having to go to the clinic every day for two weeks to get them.

More to come, I am sure.

12 comments:

svelteSTUFF said...

WOW!
We'll be thinking about you and sending positive thoughts.
GOOD LUCK EDDIE!

Roger Owen Green said...

well, wishing you nothing but the best. A normal brain, who woulda thunk it!

Lorraine said...

I'm imagining all kinds of funny tee shirts about having a normal brain. lol. Glad you got the port approved. I'm sure that's a big relief.

Lynn said...

Thanks for the update. Now I can gear my prayers for the right things. Glad that you got the port and really nice the Dr thinks you have a normal brain. Who knew it was so easy to fool him!

Sheryl said...

Glad they didn't fight you on the port. Excellent news about your brain even if it is surprising and even better no serious side effects so far. Keep up the good fight.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I'd ask for a 'recheck' on the normal brain thing :) but really that is great news! Yay to the port. So shoot that belly and fingers crossed there are no bad reactions. I vote for no collection on the organs also! Big Hugs and keep on fighting!
XO
Linda

Donna Wilkes said...

Yay! For the brain scan - though being normal is not what I picture when I think of you. Yay! For the portal - though I am sure you will miss the digging expeditions all over your arms. Yay! For the clinical trial medicine - though now all the bruises will be on your belly. I so agree with Clamco - you need a normal brain tee just in case others do not notice.

Shara said...

Your sense of humor is still rocking! I agree that it is good to be able to do things yourself instead of hours waiting and seeing other people to do it. You hang in there and take care of yourself!

Unknown said...

The Doctor Says My Brain Is Normal soooo needs to go on a T-shirt. ;) So happy to hear that good news!

laurie -magpie ethel said...

As much as you know I love a collection...LETS SKIP A COLLECTION HERE. High five on getting the port approved.

Pat said...

YESSSS! on the port. I so wish I could be there to throw you a port party - "tequila thru a tube"... You will be amazed how much easier it makes your treatments. And Dr. Pat says - make them draw all the needed blood tests thru it too. Don't let them tell you otherwise.
So glad to hear you have a normal brain, too. I think "A Normal Brain" is the perfect logo for the Team Eddie t-shirt. As always, sending you a virtual hug.

Judy said...

Great news on the "normal brain"! Sending prayers and positive thoughts as you continue with your treatments. Best of luck, buddy. xo