*huff*
Ive had so much to think about and do this week, its been nuts.
Firstly, Im sure Ive mentioned that the nuclear medicine department of my hospital where Im being treated managed to lose my PET scan request sheet – or it got lost in transit (Im not even contemplating that the hematology center lost it since they are sooo organised in there)… and Ive been waiting for weeks to find out my PET scan time – Ive had the receptionists and the head nurse ringing them to get me a definite date. Without a PET scan we cant know if the cancer is gone or not, and that defines my next treatment.
So – Monday, blood test (normal) still nothing from PET service. Tuesday, nothing. Wednesday I had a heart function test, which basically consisted on breathing in different fashions into a big machine which measures your intake and output of air… I was below normal until they gave me 4 puffs of ventolin (which gave me the shakes), but it pushed me into the ‘normal’ range. So my lung function sucks right now, but Im sure it could be worse. We went downstairs to get more blood taken to test (in case youre wondering, its so they can keep track of my levels in case I need another blood transfusion – saves me getting even sicker), and there was still no sign of PET scan.
The head nurse told us to go get a drink or something, come back to get my dressing done and she should have a response by then. So we came back, and sure enough, she had managed to secure me a date for next Monday (2 days) at 8.55am – horrible time of the morning really, especially having to drive in peak hour down the freeway BUT its good because I wont be awake and starving too long, because I have to fast from midnight.
Oh and also, I should mention, in case youre worried about me being a pin cushion with all the blood Ive had taken, and things pumped in, the port Ive got allows them to take blood from it as well as administer drugs. Its cool that way.
So, Ive got my PET scan booked, so please assume pretzelling position!!! We want it to come back CLEAR (and my heart function test on Tuesday to come back ok as well), so that I can start the BEAM (yucky disgusting chemo) on Thursday…
Yes, I never thought Id say it, but I WANT to start this chemo – if only because it means that in a week after I start it should mean no more drugs, and then in a month I should be getting better – I mean, if I feel like I do right now, in 4 weeks, I think I will be good.
AND I will be able to go swimming in our fabulous pool that has been looking so tempting these past few days – but bets that it gets really cold and unswimmable weather once I get my port out?
Ive not been posting much simply because I feel good – I dont DO much during the days that Im not in hospital, but Im just chilling and doing what I want to, aside from going out, because I know that when I feel like crap I wont feel like doing anything much.
Oh and thats the other thing. Ive not been going out, even though my bloods, white cell count etc, are good, because I dont want to risk being near infectious people that will make me sick and delay the start of this treatment – I want this over and done with as soon as possible!
So, I shall keep you updated on the results… of course, if the PET scan comes back positive for cancer (ie, its not all gone), then I will start the next round of HiDice chemo on Wednesday probably…. but I hope not.
ciao!
