TREATMENT #22

Michael and Bekah (10 yrs old) made the trip up with me this time. Thankful the rain held off until we arrived at the Block Center. After checking in, we established ourselves in the "Cherry" cubicle--Bekah's choice. These areas that the patients settle into are named after trees and have really cool art hanging on the wall that corresponds to each name.

Nurse Lindsey, new to the Center a couple of weeks now, took my vitals, which were all good. I was thrilled to have weighed in one pound less. Weight gain is a terrible, terrible side effect of shutting down estrogen. Of course, the single pound I lost must have been in a big toe--last summer's clothing still snug! (patience has never been my strong suit) Seriously, I will feel much better if I can drop the 8# wt. gain. 

I do have feet pain, somewhat (perhaps from the weight gain?). Actually hoping this to be a minor orthopedic issue. Walking is a very important component of my restoration to health.

Mike and I will need to make a decision as to whether or not I go on Prolia. This is a drug that would be administered subcutaneously, every 6 mo., during one of my visits to the Block Center. My oncologist recommends this to prevent osteoporosis. A residual benefit may be against the cancer, though not scientifically proven at this point.

I will have either a PET or CT scan in the near future. We would like to see the actual tumors, if any still exist. It could change our mode of attack. Also, end of May, beginning of June, I will have another nutritional panel (at least 15 vials of blood are taken for this test).

Okay, so while I'm sitting there reading waiting for my Vitamin IV to run through, Dr. Udhrain, my oncologist, walks in to take time to greet Mike and I, and meet Rebekah. And guess what A Team? I got a hug!!!!  :)

By 1:00 Chicago time, we left Block and stopped by one of the Whole Foods for lunch and some minor shopping. One of the nurse's told me Chicagoans, for whatever reason, have trouble driving in rain. She must be right because it took us MUCH longer to get out of the city. 

In love and appreciation for all of you,

Cathy

21st TREATMENT AT THE BLOCK CENTER

My apology for taking so long in posting this. Overall, the 28th was pretty eventless as far as my appointment is concerned. This trip's threesome included: myself, Suze--designated driver who managed to breeze through the traffic (always a plus) there, and back, and Maria. Thank you, ladies, for such pleasant company and meaningful conversation. And thank you, Lord, for the beautiful sunshine and safe travels.

Vitals were good. No tests done recently, so nothing to report there.
Met w/Jen, the PA. Discussed the possibility of going on Prolia, to protect against osteoporosis (I currently have osteopenia) and fractures. The drug helps lay down new bone formation and strengthens the bone. The Prolia would be administered as an injection subcutaneously once every 6 months. The two major side effects include: low blood calcium levels, and osteoneucrosis of the jaw. There are several common side effects including bladder infections, muscle aches and pains (supposedly for just a couple of days after the shot), and at risk for high cholesterol. This list of side effects is not exhaustive. So, who wants even MORE side effects? We'll have to pray for wisdom about this one.

In the near future, a PET will be done to show us the activity level of tumors. So far, everything shows us moving in the right direction; we're (Mike and I) are just curious to know exactly what it looks like we are dealing with at this point.

My gratitude to all of you who take the time to keep up w/the blog; and, most importantly, your consistent prayers on behalf of my health.