Light at the end of the tunnel

Two weeks ago, the doctor decided that, because of the increasing side effects I've been experiencing, we would discuss the possibility of continuing treatment before each of the following three treatments.

Over the last two weeks, a significant amount of neuropathy has developed in my feet and hands. This is a side effect of the oxaliplatin, and one that may be permanent and would worsen with further treatment. That was a big development, but I've also been feeling worse and worse the last few treatments and the time that I was feeling better was shortening significantly. I was ready to stop completely, though we were still 3 treatments away from the standard of 12.

The doctor decide that it was no longer a good idea to give me the oxaliplatin, as even now it may take a while before the neuropathy improves, if it ever does. He also convinced me to take the 5-FU pump and Leucovorin for at least one more week. I've found that I am the most sick around the time pump is disconnected. I don't know if that is a coincidence or a sign that it is the main culprit of my severe nausea. At the moment, I don't feel horrible, but Friday mornings are usually when I feel the best during treatment.

I didn't like the idea of showing up each week, not knowing what we were going to do. Also, I don't think I can do three more treatments, if the nausea continues like this. The doctor agreed that if I feel the same way this time, I can know that we'll be done when I go to the office on December 1st. So far things are following the normal path of treatment for the last 3 or 4 times. Maybe, I will recover more quickly this time, or won't feel as bad. We'll see. Part of me knows it would be better to do 12 treatments, though there's no guarantee that will improve my chances by any significant degree. Another part of me is ready to be done for now, and find out what the new scans will show.

I'm hoping to visit my family in Maine over Thanksgiving, and meet my new niece Lillian. Whatever, happens with this and future treatments, it will be fun to see my family.

Thanks as always for your prayers and encouragement.