I'll be having my last chemo infusion this afternoon. I've managed to bounce back from all of the rounds this time around and the tumor has shrunk down to a very small size.
HOWEVER, it has not disappeared completely as it had done by this point the first time, 2 years ago. Dr. Liu is worried that it will start to grow again as soon as the chemo drugs have left my body, and that this could result in considerable pain, and interference with the use of my right arm. Further chemo is of no use and radiation is still not an option. Fortunately, the CT scan I had on Tuesday shows that it has not spread anywhere else in my body and that the mass is not entangled with any ligaments or tendons in my armpit. Therefore, Dr. Liu and the radiation oncologist think it might be a good candidate for surgical excision.
So I'm changing merry-go-round horses yet again and consulting a Kaiser surgeon (James Constant) on 10/31. If he thinks surgery is a good idea, of course we'll move on that ASAP, to catch it before it grows again, and so I can be healed and ready to fly off to my cruise on Dec. 7.
Looks like I will in fact be the artist-of-the-month at Cafe Sophie, across the alley, for the month of November. With all that's going on medically, I can't promise an opening reception, but if there is one, I think it will be on Friday, Nov 4 in the evening. I'll post about that when I know more.
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Looking forward to seeing you in November upon our return from Florida...Regarding the tumor, knowing that anything is possible, perhaps it will leave forever upon removal...love always and forever, K.(PS, expect an obnoxious card in the mail from me...:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm a big believer in the "if you can cut it out, then do cut it out" approach, Dennis. I'm hoping you get a very positive meeting with your surgeon.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, John
Wishing you a good outcome, Dennis. Thinking of you. Glad that the chemo is behind you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the appointments and, if everything looks good for it, the surgery, Dennis!
ReplyDeleteWhat with Halloween and all, make sure this James Constant guy isn't just some fella in a doctor costume. :)