Ninth Treatment Update & Cycle 10

Pump Problem in Cycle 9, Another Weird Cycle
During my most recent cycle, I went through the usual five-hour infusion session and then they hooked me up to the portable infusion pump which typically distributes the last batch of chemo for the next 48 hours or so away from the doctor’s office. This allows me to receive the remainder of the medicine while I try to go about my usual daily activities.

But, this time something was different. Blood was visible in the line from my chemo port and the pump. By the time I noticed it, I was at home. I called the doctor’s office immediately, then sent them photos of the situation, and checked the pump’s progress. We determined that it was safe enough that we could wait until first thing in the morning. Even though the infusion pump has an alarm to alert me and to shut down if it detects a blockage, it wasn’t pumping anything into me.

The next morning, we swapped the pump, and after determining no medicine had actually been administered, we restarted the 2-day infusion again.

I was happy that in this process, there was no leakage, either of the medicine, or my blood. That my port hadn’t clogged, and apparently no air or infection had entered my port.

Cancer Markers and Trials
My cancer marker indicators continue to decrease (that’s good) or hold steady. I find it surprising how much I am moved by the good news. I try not to get complacent with the good news.

We are about to start the 10th of 12 cycles on February 26. This means that including this one, I will have three more. As much as I’m happy to end the chemotherapy, I have mixed feelings. I greatly appreciate how it has improved my cancer marker numbers, but yes, I don’t want my side effects to become permanent.

As standard protocol, I will not be receiving this same chemotherapy after the 12th cycle.

I feel a little bit like a High School Senior about to graduate school, with no after-High School plans yet. So, the search for a clinical trial will begin. I am scheduled to meet with one oncologist in a few weeks to see about my candidacy.

My minimal/manageable side effects and relatively good response to the chemotherapy may help me find placement in a clinical trial.

Your prayers regarding placement in a trial are much appreciated. Actually, your prayers regarding this whole cancer journey have been much appreciated. My chemo, my state of mind, my peace and confidence, my work life, have all been much better than I expected, and I’m grateful for your prayers and all of us trying to trust God in this situation.

I really don’t know how else to act. I definitely don’t have control of a lot of things in this situation, including the cancer, and its response to the chemotherapy, so I have to admit I’m not running this show, and in my case, I try to trust in an often unseen God.

What’s weird is that as much as that can be frightening at times, the more real I feel the lack of control, in this situation, it makes me feel that hopeful faith is the only way I can respond, not because I’m so faithful, but because I’ve got nothing left in my arsenal. All the other ammo is spent. Lol

But thanks for holding the line with me in this journey.

Thanks,
P

P.S. A Hike
This weekend, I took my first hike in months. It felt good to move and it kind of felt good to work up a sweat. The fatigue I experienced was the result of an out-of-shape guy climbing up a steep section versus just being drained by chemicals.

But it felt nice. It felt alive. The view was so pretty. Many deep breaths of fresh air were taken.

Speaking of exercise, perhaps I’ve gained a couple of lbs recently. I’ve noticed that the oft-asked question of “how’s your appetite?” (a common concern of one receiving chemo) has not been asked much of me recently. Hmm, perhaps my waistline is answering their question before they ask. 🙂