The Good, the Bad and the Encouraging

Today was a busy day with radiation treatment #12, blood work, COVID swab test, and meeting with the medical oncologist (chemo doctor).

The radiation treatment itself went fine, but the side effects are getting worse. I was nauseous all day and my behind is starting to get a bad sunburn (among other unpleasant side effects).

I’m still amazed at the speed in which things happen here. My blood work was drawn around 1:00 and shortly after 2:00 the results started to pop into my patient portal.

The appointment with the Medical Oncologist, Dr. Halfdanarson, was encouraging. He is still very optimistic that my treatments will be successful. Surgery may still be necessary to get all the cancer, but that won’t be decided until further down the road. I’m still hoping for no surgery, but will do whatever is necessary. We also spent time talking about my side effects and what I can do (and what I’ll have no control over and will have to do my best to endure). Currently my white blood cell count is extremely low so I am immune suppressed and need to be carful so I don’t get any infections. The white blood cells are suppose to rebound on their own, so they plan to do more blood work next Monday to see if the count has increased. If it does not increase they will need to delay the next round of chemo scheduled for next Wednesday, Thursday and. Friday. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that everything can stay on track.

I feel fatigued a fair amount of the time but thankfully we are still able to get a couple good walks in the morning as well as walks to each of my appointments, and if Milton cooperates, a walk-in the evening. Today I clocked 14.38 miles. Just wanted to let you all know that Jon is not cutting me any slack! And, he is trying to drown me with all the water and Gatorade he makes me drink each day! Hydration, hydration, hydration!