Day 9 Back from the Edge

Day 9

The last five days have been full, and certainly interesting. I have picked myself up off of the floor, dusted myself off, and think we are moving forward. Monday marked the insertion of my first power port. Not exactly the kind of bonding experience I wanted to have with my sister, but here we are with matching ports. So, my thoughts on placing a port are this….. Someone should have mentioned that it was more surgery than a “procedure.” The morning after the port was installed, I mentioned that it felt like I had a straw in my neck, and was reminded by my husband, Chris, that actually, that was almost exactly what it was. Hmmm. Accessing the port the first time was an interesting sensation that I am not anxious to repeat, but I could immediately see the value, and the veins in my arms thank the interventional radiologist.

Monday afternoon found us in Columbus where I was loved, tended, and fed by Momma Mia, and Steve. It was a wonderful visit, punctuated by meatballs, and rigatoni that I can still smell, and a send off breakfast that you couldn’t get at Cracker Barrel. It makes me giggle to think of all of the goodness in her pantry, which resembles exactly what would be found there if I had made the list, from strawberry pop-tarts to orange slices. It was so good to spend some down time with them in the middle of all of this chaos. We need to go back again soon.

Tuesday afternoon brought my second opinion appointment at The James Cancer Center at Ohio State. Chris, and I estimate that my physician there, a real live thoracic oncologist, must have been at least twenty four, which caused me to note that all of my doctors seem to be children. Very smart children, but children non-the-less. Frightening that I am having so little pause turning my future over to children who have been alive fewer years than I have been married.

The Dr. at the James, and everyone there, were so kind.  After looking over my records, the group decided that my physicians were doing everything they would do, which was very reassuring. The only additional tests they would recommend would be on a molecular level to determine whether my cancer cells had one of three specific markers. If that were to be the case, they might recommend a new, targeted treatment. I believe that both The James’ doctors, and my local guy will work together to get those tests complete. I am finding it funny that I actually know two molecular biologists, but neither of them works in the oncology field. Perhaps I should exert some persuasion.

Day 8 arrived and found me back at The Christ Hospital Cancer Center for week 2 of my trial drug. Really, I cannot say enough about the wonderful staff there. After reviewing all of my labs and fussing with me about loosing too much weight last week, my oncologist pronounced that my labs looked like they hadn’t touched me. Good news on the white and red cell count, and probably accounts on my bouncing back so well. I am so blessed, and have no illusions that this good news is anything but the result of all of my family, and friends’ prayers. Again, and again, I thank you.