Didnt get a chance to finish this post from yesterday 🙂 I have been tardy as of late!
I just realized I never posted since the CT report 2 weeks ago. Chemo day the following Friday was another 10hr affair with a string of complications. Blood test repeat, clogged picc line and another nasty allergic reaction. In the grand scheme of things, relatively minor annoyances. These things happen and everyone at the center does an amazing job to minimize them. But sometimes not much you can do except deal with the issues as they come.
Recovery however, was very, very difficult this cycle. Its been quite some time since Kathleen has been this low energy wise. Feeling just awful and unable to get out of bed/her chair for 3 days. Its a good thing she still has her IV food at night as she ate nothing for a good 72hrs. Down 5 lbs from a few weeks ago.
Wednesday was another checkup with the main chemo doc. An assessment and review of the CT scan. He confirmed the good news in it without any caveats. There was one thing in the report we didn’t understand (a ‘feature’ on the lung). When I looked it up, it implied it was part of the legacy of smoking which chemo dr confirmed it was unrelated and uninteresting. It reminded me of when I had all those back issues and had a couple of MRIs. The first report was a paragraph and the second 2 pages with all sorts of detail with way more dire sounding language. I had the good fortune to be referred to one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Canada. When he looked at the raw images he said there was no difference in his opinion… Same conclusion from his resident and Nurse Practitioner.. Different radiologist, different conclusions, different effort and detail. Its amazing how TV really pollutes our notions of how professions with such vertical skills are uniform. Anything but.
We also asked if the shrinkage was predictive and if it was typical. He said, no, not everyone responds to the chemo with spots shrinking and that it was hard to say where and when things might go. But he said take it as a good thing. We will. We do. Round 7 tomorrow. Kath at least got 3 good days in this week. Hopefully next cycle wont be as rough on her.
—Mike 
in the cancer bubble 
lots of love and hugs
mike and jacquie
lots of love, gentle hugs, and hopes that this next cycle is easier than the last. Trudy & Bill.
Hello Kathleen and Mike,
It is nice to have the chance to say hello to you both and to let you know you are often in my thoughts. The posts you share are so well articulated and your strength and positive spirits, are so inspiring and sure shine through.
Indeed, it is always a pleasure to think of you both, send very best wishes and take a moment to let you know that you are really special people.
xo
Hi Mike and Kathleen,
We’ll be thinking of you both on Friday for the chemo Hope it is an easier chemo day.
love JUdy Rob and Michael
Great news about the CT scan and the shrinkage. Now Kathleen, just because there is shrinkage on the CT, no need to have shrinkage of the body as well! Hoping your recovery and energy is better this time and you are able to eat and regain those 5 lbs. Thinking of you.
Hi to both of you! So great to hear from you. I am certainly thinking about you today as you get in the boxing ring for Round 7! Kathleen, I am looking forward to seeing your festive wrapping paper at Wonders of Winter Zonta display. Let me know if you want to go see it together….
Hi Mike and Kath,
I am thinking of you both and hoping today will be a better day at the CC. On way to K’la next week, for a meeting this time. Will write when I get in. Alice
Hello Kathleen. A big hug from my heart to yours. Thinking of you all day and sending wishes for comfort. We’re with you in spirit. Love Fran
All the best today with chemo. My heart and prayers are with both of you during this journey.