I keep trying to post something here about something other than cancer. Something other than the CT Scans and the doctor appointments, the treatments, exams and my pitifully fatigued state of existence. I always come back to it though. I guess this is just my life right now…ironic, huh? The thing threatening my life is consuming my life. Whatever. It is what it is, right?

Did I mention the small pelvic mass in my latest scan? I discussed it with my radiation oncologist and my surgeon and they both did pelvic exams and both noticed a small hard spot during their exams that they think might be that spot in the scan. They also both think it could be just scar tissue or even (sorry for the detail) stool. They’re going to shoot some extra intense radiation toward that spot during my treatments just in case and if it changes in size or shape in the next scan then they’ll start discussing what my next options are, be they surgery or what not. I don’t know what else those options may be. All I know is that this is what my surgeon said: “I’m not going to lie, it concerns me a little.” And when someone treating me for cancer tells me they’re “little” concerned I become a lot concerned. I’m downright freaked out if you really want to know the truth. Oh, well. I know there’s really no sense in worrying about it if I can’t do anything about it. I am working on coming to terms with the possibilities and trying to maintain a level of hope and positivity surrounding the whole situation.

In related news; I have a small amount of stubble on my eyebrows and head so I think my hair may start growing back soon. I hope it doesn’t grow back thin and fragile, I just want to be able to run my hands through some thick hair again and feel it blowing in the wind. I miss my hair. If only I didn’t have to start shaving my legs again too. :)

I had my chemo port removed yesterday. I feel like something’s been ripped out of my chest, but I have mixed feelings about it being gone. On one hand, I hated the thing because it was awkward and was a terrible reminder of the reason it was there. On the other hand, I will miss it because it was essentially there to help save my life. The doctor who removed it told me that sometimes they sterilize the ports they remove and then use them in dogs. I jokingly asked him if he moonlighted as a vet and he told me that he does sometimes help out a little at Alameda East. That’s the animal hospital on Animal Planet’s show about emergency vets. He and the rest of the medical staff that removed my port were all amazing; they made the whole procedure kind of fun and it could’ve been so much worse.

I’m trying to think of other new things in my life to talk about, but there’s nothing much going on these days. I am hoping to go see The Avengers this weekend. I’m still working between 30-37 hours a week and waiting for the day I’ll have the energy to make it to 40. I’m loving the Colorado weather this spring; it’s been unseasonably warm so I’m also happy that the car my friends got me has AC.

I promise to try and think of new things to talk about next time. Have fun!!

I had what’s called a simulation this morning at my new radiation oncologist’s office. They make you get half undressed and lay you down on a CT Scan table, tie your feet together and make you hold onto a big ring to keep you from moving. No joke. Then they scan you for a few minutes to make sure you’re positioned correctly for the radiation treatments and then give you three little tattoos that look like freckles so they can make sure you’re aligned exactly the same way every time.
My first treatment is May 8th and then I go every day (M-F) for about 5-6 weeks or 28 treatments.
The side effects don’t sound nearly as awful as the chemo side effects so I think the worst part is all of the driving I’ll have to do. And the best part is that I have a car to do all of that driving. :)
My hair’s not growing back quite yet, but I am a little more fuzzy than I was last week. I also feel a little more energetic.
I’ll take anything I can get right now.

For those not on my Facebook page I should provide an update.

My last chemo treatment was on April 6th. I had my post treatment CT Scan and the results were favorable. There are some node thingies on both of my lungs and something that looks like scar tissue in my pelvis, but the doctors aren’t worried about them because they haven’t changed in size or shape significantly enough to freak them out. Everything else was clear. I’m especially happy about my kidney and bladder being clear since that ugly tumor invaded my ureter.

Anyway, I met with the radiology oncologist today (who, by the way, could be Doogie Howser) and was informed that I’ll have about 28 radiation treatments over the course of about 5-6 weeks; that’s one treatment a day except on weekends. I have to have a CT Scan (again) on Monday even though I just had one last week and then they have to do a dry run to make sure they get me positioned right for each treatment and then the fun starts.

Man oh man! I am so grateful I have my car now! Can you imagine how difficult it would be to do this by bus for a month and a half?? Wow. I just can’t wait for this all to be over and to get a clean bill of health!