I have gotten several emails from readers expressing concern about my cancer diagnosis. I wish I had some good news for everyone.
After three rounds of chemo, my tumor is stable. Tumor markers are still elevated, but they don't always coincide with tumor shrinkage. There is no evidence of new spread of disease. My CT scan from last week looks exactly the same as my CT scan from August. So we don't know yet if the chemo is working. I have to have 2 more rounds of it and will get reevaluated in mid January.
I've been able to manage the side effects from this chemo, and I know now pretty much what to expect from it, so I am ok about staying on it a little while longer and giving it more of a chance to work.
Physical therapy wasn't addressing my hip pain, so I have been seeing an acupuncturist. I was very skeptical about whether or not this would help. I have a degree in chemistry, and the scientist in me felt that acupuncture was akin to witch doctoring. My oncologist was not exactly supportive of it, but agreed it would not hurt me. But it has been working not only for my hip pain, but when I told her that my white blood count was getting very low ( a side effect of the chemo which can delay treatment), she started treating me for that too. Needles around my belly button!
The good news is that my white blood cell count is up in the low normal range now. It is the highest it has been since I started chemo. It actually went up during my last round! Acupuncture is not covered by my insurance, and it is a little pricey, but it is so much better for my body than taking advil and tylenol around the clock. I am going to keep on having acupuncture as long as it seems to be helping. For those of you who haven't tried it, the needles are tiny, much smaller than your extra fine quilting pins, and I rarely feel them being inserted. If they hurt a little, she removes the offending needle.
Overall, I am feeling pretty well other than a sore throat that is probably a cold coming on and not cancer related. I am still working a few hours a week in the quilt shop. The biggest news is that I have been able to walk my dog again! We have both missed our 2 mile a day walks, but with my hip pain I haven't really been able to walk him. Just this week we have been out 3 times, and I love getting that part of my life back.
I'll update you again when there is more news. Thanks for all your concern, prayers and positive thoughts!
4 comments:
I'm so sorry you are having to deal with all this--it must be very stressful. Interesting that the acupuncture is helping your hip pain. I agree that it doesn't seem very scientific--lol! Take care!
Thank you for letting us know how you are, Laura. Doctors usually are not as enthused with alternative treatments as others but it does sound as if the acupuncture is helping your hip...isn't that wonderful. And...if it means not having to take advil and tylenol round the clock then that is a good thing. How nice to be able to go for walks with your dog again. 'Tis good that you are still able to work at the quilt shop. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for the update, and I am glad your numbers are stable and hope the chemo helps reduce the tumors. Good to hear that acupuncture is working for you too and especially that you are finding ways to manage it all. I continue to keep you in my thoughts,
I was going to ask how things were going, once I got caught up on blog reading (still behind). I'll still be praying that things look much better at the January check.
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