ATRA…
It’s cycle ten, people. Can’t believe it. 19 months since this all started and only just over nine months to go. I saw my oncologist today. The every three month visit. I had a couple of concerns as my liver counts had been elevated for awhile. My GP even ordered an ultrasound last week to make sure everything was ok. The results came in last Thirsday and it was good. But the numbers were still high… She thought it might be my chemo meds, but since my cholesterol was also good on the lowered cholesterol med, and I’m on an eating plan and working out again, she decided to take me off the cholesterol meds completely to see what happens there. I’ll be tested in late March to see if I can stay off of them. It’s also less taxing on my liver to be off them.
So today… Met with my oncologist. My numbers, CBC and Metabolic panel, were all good. Even my liver numbers, save one, we’re all back in the normal. The one that wasn’t was barely elevated over high. And this was me…. Sigh…. Relief. My doc allayed all my anxiety, which always rears it’s head in a big way right before I have the quarterly. To say I get anxious doesn’t fully describe it… I’m usually afraid of the what if. Not rational, but true none the less. This is when Ativan is my friend. That and hearing him say everything is great and I’m doing fantastic. Yes brother… Thank you!
So here I am… Cycle 10. Two to go. Entering the realm of taking 9 ATRA a day for 15 days on top of the weekly shot and the daily 6MP I’m already taking. Headache… Here we go. Tylenol and staying hydrated… Both become my good friends. And before you think I’m complaining… I’m certainly not. ATRA saved my life… Along with hardcore chemo, the love of my honey, family and friends, and fantastic medical staff. So there’s no complaining out of me. Zip.
What there is… There’s a huge sense of being grateful, being alive, being blessed with more love from family and friends than I can measure. Life, this life.. My life… It’s beautiful. And I am thankful for it, and for the ATRA I start taking today.
Cycle 10, people…. I’m in the last several months of maintenance now. This life is a wonderful miracle and I am more fortunate than is possible to express. So ATRA… Let’s go!
Way to go, Tam!!! You’re an inspiration. Hang in there, almost done!
As I was reading this I was thinking about the fine line between good health and poor health. How I have participated in watching you move from perceived good health to poor health and then back to good health. Like a trip. I liken it to my journey and how in that one instant of a test result, you trip over the barrier and land smack dab in poor health wanting nothing more than a plan to get back over the line to good health. Hope this makes sense.
And, BTW, I hate the headache for you and the not feeling so great part too. Big hug wonderful friend. Thanks for the transparency. Now go hug your pups if you aren’t already — they are great help and comfort…..I love you very much.
Great news, Tam! Your journey is inspirational. Such strength.
Yay! That’s great. I haven’t been posting, but I have been following along. Thanks for staying in touch and letting us know how things are progressing, both with your health and the big move. Love and miss you both.