Sunday, January 4, 2009

Big Week...

Now that I have completed 4/8 chemo sessions it is time to do some testing...Tomorrow I have a CT scan of my head, neck and chest and a MUGA scan. I don't really like being injected with contrast dye for the CT scan because it causes my entire body to heat up - very weird feeling that creates a bit of panic. I will also drink the Gallium 67 tomorrow for my Gallium Scan on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday I have an appointment with Dr. Hamm. I don't know if she will have any results at that time, but she should have at least the CT scan. Either way, the results won't affect my treatment plan.

The results of the CT scan and Gallium will tell if I am in remission or not and the MUGA will report on how my heart is doing (because of the drugs). Dr. Hamm is very very confident that I am in remission right now.

In addition, I am meeting with the social worker again on Tuesday to try out the radiant touch...I'm still a little skeptical, but I have to keep my mind open to anything that can help...so I'll do my best!

Thursday is my 5th round of chemo and a friend will be joining me for her first chemo session.

Finally, I received an email confirming that Dr. Gascoyne has reviewed my slides and file. His opinion is that I am a Grade 3b. The grading is still unclear, and I don't think that the professionals agree, but I will ask Dr. Hamm for clarification. My understanding is that Grade 3a has more small cells and 3b has more large cells. Grade 3a, supposedly, will act more like Grade 1 or Grade 2 (slow growing harder to kill) and Grade 3b will act more like Diffuse Large B Cell (Fast growing easier to kill). I also think that Grade 3b has ALL large cells...but I am not sure...

Anyways, I'll get some feedback from Hammy Thursday.

Ciao

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jeff, yes this will be a big week. Once you get your reults back, you will have a new lease on life. If Hammy feels that you are in remission, then you probably are. She is the best! Wow, what a great feeling!

I will also be interested to hear what Hammy says about Dr. Gascoyne's opinion. It all sounds so positive!

I look forward to coming on Wednesday. I have been taking Cold FX for the last week, to stay healthy this time!

I think I said this B4, but having your whole body heat up due to the contrast die is just a look into the life of a 50 year old woman. hahahaha. so I have no sympathy for you there!!!!!

The friend who will be joining you for her first treatment on Thursday is very lucky to be with you. You will be a huge help to her.

Radiant touch. very very cool! Way to go.

See you on Wednesday.

Kym

Anonymous said...

Ok, so I expect to see you wearing my t-shirt on Thursday?!!

And I CANNOT believe you are already at Round 5 - woot woot!

And your friend that is joining you, now is your time to "pay it forward" so to speak. You will get a great boost from helping people through their own battle and easing their mind.

And as for your staging, I could never actually confirm my own but I believe it was Stage 3C - ha! I upped you by one (just kidding!)

So, out with the old and in with the new, Jeff. Spring will be here before you know it and you will proudly claim that you "Made Cancer Your Bitch!"

Cheers,

Dana