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Tab

(11,093 posts)
Tue Sep 4, 2012, 11:33 AM Sep 2012

Getting my "last" chemo as we speak

WiFi connection from the hospital's oncology center.

This is the twelveth over 8 months (would have been 6 but platelets didn't always cooperate).

Overall, this concludes my second round of chemo, for Stage IV CC with mets to the lungs.

I have the option of continuing indefinitely if I want to be on top of it, or I can monitor on a regular basis. I think I'm going to take a break because I have chemo-induced diabetes and I think ongoing runs for the next two years will wreak more havoc on my body from the diabetes than anything the chemo will do. Of course, monitor via PET scans every 3 to 6 months.

Today isn't really my last day free, as I have to wear an infusion pump until Thursday; and I fully expect I'll have to repeat this whole process in two or three years, but it's "last day" for now!

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Getting my "last" chemo as we speak (Original Post) Tab Sep 2012 OP
I saw this on my latest page and just wanted to polly7 Sep 2012 #1
Thank you Tab Sep 2012 #4
Last chemo=celebrate Irishonly Sep 2012 #2
Did this once before Tab Sep 2012 #3
Chemo wears you down. Irishonly Sep 2012 #5
Happy you are able to take a break in a few days ... slipslidingaway Sep 2012 #6
Hope you have less side-effects than you anticipate. I'd say you're getting sinkingfeeling Sep 2012 #7
Congrats Tab.......... Uben Sep 2012 #8
My dear Tab. Helen Reddy Sep 2012 #9
Update: Not so fast Tab Sep 2012 #10
I am so sorry, Tab Irishonly Sep 2012 #11

polly7

(20,582 posts)
1. I saw this on my latest page and just wanted to
Tue Sep 4, 2012, 12:52 PM
Sep 2012

send good vibes and a "yay!" for a break from the chemo, I'm sure it's a huge relief.

Irishonly

(3,344 posts)
2. Last chemo=celebrate
Tue Sep 4, 2012, 04:55 PM
Sep 2012

Let the party begin. You can start out slowly and build up till the infusion pump is removed. I remember my last chemo. If I could have done a head stand I would have.

Tab

(11,093 posts)
3. Did this once before
Tue Sep 4, 2012, 05:36 PM
Sep 2012

Was good for about 2-ish years. Not under any illusions it'll be forever, but I'll take each day as it comes.

Thanks!

Irishonly

(3,344 posts)
5. Chemo wears you down.
Tue Sep 4, 2012, 11:09 PM
Sep 2012

Taking each day as it comes is the best we all can do. I do hope this round lasts more than your first round did.

slipslidingaway

(21,210 posts)
6. Happy you are able to take a break in a few days ...
Tue Sep 4, 2012, 11:47 PM
Sep 2012

one step at a time ... but stay vigilant.

Best wishes for the next scan




sinkingfeeling

(51,468 posts)
7. Hope you have less side-effects than you anticipate. I'd say you're getting
Wed Sep 5, 2012, 09:41 AM
Sep 2012

plenty of radiation with all those PET scans! Sending good vibes your way.

Uben

(7,719 posts)
8. Congrats Tab..........
Fri Sep 7, 2012, 08:58 PM
Sep 2012

..enjoy your break. I hope life is good to you. You've earned it! Good luck friend.

Tab

(11,093 posts)
10. Update: Not so fast
Thu Sep 27, 2012, 08:35 PM
Sep 2012

Results from PET scan show cancer not growing, but not reducing. IOW, held in place. Recommendation is to continue chemo indefinitely. Some time off could allow it to grow resistant and grow unchecked, forcing me into (relatively quickly) an even stronger chemo.

So, more of the same.

(sigh)

Irishonly

(3,344 posts)
11. I am so sorry, Tab
Thu Sep 27, 2012, 09:52 PM
Sep 2012

The good news is that the cancer hasn't grown and the chemo may prevent it. I went two rounds 13 years ago and I still shudder when I think about it. I light candles every night (even in the heat of summer although they don't stay lit long) for those fighting cancer and those who are no longer with us. I will be thinking of you every night.

I was finally diagnosed with Graves Disease. I have been ill for a long time and no one could figure out what was wrong. The medication is finally starting to work and I hope to start doing some long distance Reiki soon. I will let you know when I able to start,

Hang in there and know many people are pulling for you.

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