Round 2
In the left corner: the remaining leukemia cells which think they’re too bad-ass to go away. In the right corner: my next cycle of chemo treatment, a bit stronger than the first (“induction”) cycle. The bell for the fight will ring sometime this afternoon. I was told yesterday (Monday) afternoon about the results of the most recent bone marrow sample and their plans because of them, but needed to let my own mind process it for a while before trying to write about it.
The treatment will reportedly be a combination of three different chemo drugs done in parallel: two of them will be for 5 days, and the third will be for just the first three days. Then on Monday, they’ll start injecting the growth stimulation drug which, as described to me, is to get leukemia cells to where the chemo can kill them. (I don’t know the detail beyond that—and don’t think I necessarily want to!)
Because it’s a stronger—and different—treatment, the side-effects can be different from what I had during the first cycle. Don’t know what if any I’d be susceptible to, aside from being (again/still) very open to infection. It’s also the same sort of thing as the list which appears in incredibly small type on a bottle of headache medicine: there’s a chance these could happen, but who knows which? So I’m staying focused on the reason they’re doing the treatment, not on what I could experience as part of it.
As you might expect, hearing I wasn’t out of the woods yet was pretty hard to process. A couple of people from the team came by to talk to me about the decision. Elana was also able to stay at the hospital much later than normal, directly thanks to our great friend Doug from the US, who was able to visit over the weekend on his way back on a work trip; he was happy to get the boys fed and into bed so E could stay for a while. Amazing.
I think it’s sometimes hard to really understand, to actually see just how lucky and how fortunate you can be with the people who are in your life. Your family and your friends make up part of who you are, whether it’s clear to you or not.
After the last 5 weeks, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind.
13 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
I want to thank you and E. for sharing and letting us into your lives.
Comment by Diane — April 12, 2011 @ 08:58 IST
Desite the less-good news, I am sure it was very good for you to have an old friend visit.
Comment by Sheelah — April 12, 2011 @ 09:05 IST
Cheering you on from over here. xxx
Comment by Rachael — April 12, 2011 @ 09:08 IST
You know I would be there in a heartbeat to help the boys with Legos… just so E could take a break. Too bad I have a child of my own on the way in about 4 weeks!
By the way, I know this won’t exactly benefit you, but I decided to donate my hair to locks of love… SO, starting a month ago, I stopped getting haircuts and am slowly, but surely, on my way to the 10 inch requirement.
Get well, and enjoy the good times!
Comment by Rambo — April 12, 2011 @ 13:02 IST
I can’t believe it’s been 5 weeks. As a total outside observer I am so impressed by the grace you and your family continue to show in the face of this cancer beast.
Keep it up and love each day!
Comment by Annie — April 12, 2011 @ 16:32 IST
Am rounding up a fresh batch of good vibes and will be sending them your way over the next five days.
Comment by Roseanne — April 12, 2011 @ 17:17 IST
It is very unfortunate that cancer and its treatment are more like a roller coaster with incredible ups and downs, than something more straightforward like a foot race (or even a nice walk). We found that there are good periods and frightening periods, days that are very hard to get through and others where you can just forget about the whole thing. I guess the only truly helpful thing to say is to advise that you appreciate the day that you are having, particularly if its a day where you can be outside or with family and friends. It does little good to worry, unfortunately, as worry makes little difference in the outcome. Work to do the things you can to help and let the rest slide. And, of course, remember that we are all pulling for you and your family. That should go without saying. Sending you big virtual hugs. /glee (the California one)
Comment by glee — April 12, 2011 @ 17:21 IST
I am lucky to have you and Elana in my life too. Thank you for reminding me.
Comment by Siobhán — April 12, 2011 @ 17:59 IST
california glee, your words touched and comforted us…. thank you….
the key west in-laws
Comment by TLC — April 12, 2011 @ 18:30 IST
We think about you guys every day! Stay strong and give ‘em hell!!
Comment by Stacy — April 12, 2011 @ 18:46 IST
You are right to view this as a fight/battle. You need to keep a fighting spirit to ensure this thing is vanquished. You’ve just been through hell fighting off the first wave when more of the enemy has been spotted on the brough of the hill. Muster up your energy and courage. You CAN do this! And you are not alone in this with that wonderful wife by your side.
Comment by UnderMeOxter — April 12, 2011 @ 21:27 IST
Keep that fighting spirit, B! Think about you daily here and sending positive thoughts all the time. You can do it!
Comment by Eleanor — April 12, 2011 @ 21:44 IST
Shades of my own experience, ups and downs, smiles and frowns, but this too will come out better with smiles on the upside. Its all hard to process with proximity… maybe I need to come by and do a Hawaiian chant or two and really scare those bad cells. But all that would do is likely empty the hospital and bring in the riot police. Instead I’m forwarding love and promise!!
Comment by kuku — April 12, 2011 @ 21:58 IST