Not exactly in those words, but thats what main chemo doc suggested. The scan at this point would tell us either cancer (surprise) or infection. The chemo doc knew that sending her back for the scan would be personally costly (extreme pain for Kathleen and potential drug overdoes again) compared to the benefits. If the scan showed new cancer mets, the treatment would be chemo. So, lets just get on with the chemo. So back to Avastin and FOLFIRI. The best outcome at this point is to freeze the cancer where it is. Shrink the tumors a bit and prevent further progression. We are all hoping that any metastatic spread in her spine (and elsewhere) will be held off and shrunk. But of course the cancer has progressed quite a bit, and we are in possibilities, not probabilities.
Last night was a little better pain wise– more in the managed sense. I will say ‘less worse’ ? They had to hold back on some of the pain meds after she came dangerously close to slipping in a coma. Today she is a little more alert. The Pain and Symptom doc will be by later this afternoon so we can re-group and plan / adjust some more.
As I write this, she is half way through her chemo. Still not like the ‘old days’ of chemo as she drifts away a lot.
Hmmm, just when it seemed all would go smooth, she had an allergic reaction. Been there. Done that. She is ok now. Short break before the 5FU starts…. 46hrs of slow drip poison/5FU killing the cancer cells.
—Mike 
in the cancer bubble 
Hi Mike and Kathleen,
Hoping the chemo freezes the cancer. Glad you are feeling well enough to get the drip. Thinking of you both
Judy
This is hopeful news. We are pulling for you Kathleen! Thank you Mike, for this latest update, our thoughts will be with you as always. Love and Hugs, Colleen and Terry
Dear Kathleen and Mike, Thank you for sharing this posting and this sweet photo of Kathleen (and banana). 😉 I hope that the chemo treatments will provide you with some relief and some comfort from the pain. Sending big and gentle hugs to you both on a sunny Saturday in Ottawa. With from one of the many people who think the world of you both. xo Jill
Thinking of you Kathleen and hoping the chemo is done for this round and that it has provided you with some substantial relief from the pain. Wishing you and Mike continued strength through this difficult journey.
Deanne
Dear Kathleen and Mike,
This is Greg and Carroll from down the block. We’ve now returned from almost 6 weeks in Mexico. This is the first time I’ve gone to the blog – it’s certainly a good way to get updated. We’re sorry to hear that you’re back in the hospital, Kathleen, but comforted by Mike’s explanations of the good care that you are getting. We hope you get comfort and relief from the pain. We’re thinking of you – a lot. I scored three crates of citrus fruit for $25 at the market yesterday and brought over a container of fresh orange juice and another of fruit salad today, but couldn’t catch Mike at home. Shall i try again?
All our love, Greg Michalenko and Carroll Klein