More Chemo Embo?
The opportunity has presented itself to endure another dose of chemoembolization. Honey and I are discussing it at length and making our own decision, naturally. But I want to know, as my dear dear friends and family, what do you think I should do? Knowing that two week hell the last embolization put me through, should I try it again now (even though we didn’t see significant results) or just continue with this IV and pill chemo regimine i’ve been on (three weeks on, one week off)? I’m just curious as to what ya’ll think. I had my last one done March 17 so feel free to scan backwards on the calendar up there on the left side of the page to see how it went.
Hi Abbey! Our words we lived by during my treatment, and still do, were/are “whatever it takes.” We based a lot of decisions on those 3 words. If this helps, I’m glad. If it doesn’t, you will at least know we are thinking about you and praying for wisdom.
My gut reaction is to hit it as hard and as often is possible, so I say do it. You have to evaluate your quality of life in terms of this, though: do you risk enduring two weeks of hell for something that may extend your life for x-number of years?
We’re behind you 100% no matter which decision you make!
Oh goodness, Abbey. What a heavy question. My mom always told me to make a list of pros and cons when facing a difficult decision, but I don’t think it would help you on this one, would it? The unknown with effectiveness and treatments is just so irritating and downright frustrating…
I don’t ever want you to feel that crappy again. Ever. But? You said your guns are “locked and loaded.” I’m right behind you either way… “Whatever it takes” as Betsy said up there… “whatever it takes” to have a long, high-quality life. I’d say that getting healthy and ridding of this disease could be one line item that would fill up your ENTIRE pro’s column on a list like that..
I don’t know, but maybe it would help to ask yourself if you DON’T have it done, how would you feel about that a couple of months from now. Regret, or relief? Then ask yourself the same question if you DO have it done.
Hi, Abbey! I haven’t written in a while, but I keep up with you through your blog, and still wear my garnet ring for you. You continue to amaze me with your wisdom, honesty, and humor!
The first procedure may have made an unapparent difference, since you don’t know what would have happened without it.
The question I come back to for myself in these things is “What do I want my life to look like in five years?” That’s a question that helps me to take a longer view when it is otherwise difficult to do so. Adjust the number of years if five is too many to consider at the moment - it still helps.
And remember - sometimes fighting is deciding to forego procedures in favor of using the positive energy from feeling better, getting outside in your garden, and bringing life back into your body.
Above all - follow your gut on this one.
That decision should be pretty straightforward: the embolization was supposed to shrink the tumor to faciltate surgery. Correct ? Has it done that ? Apparently not. Would a second round accomplish that goal ? Only your onc can give you the probability on that, but if the expected outcome is similarly negligble - why put yourself through another round ?
Abbey & Pete, I know this decision is a tough one for you, but in reading the other comments, I tend to agree with Betsy’s “whatever it takes” attitude, and Candace’s “what if I DO, what if I DON’T.” I think that whatever decision you make will be the right one for you. You’re ever in my thoughts and prayers, and I know that is true of so many other family members and your wide circle of friends.
Regarding your “Mosaic” post, you are, as I have said before, a gifted author.
Your thoughts are profound, and you express them so beautifully. We are truly blessed to be a part of your life.
Love you guys a bunch,
Aunt Linda
hey, I know it stinks, but you were strong enough to get thru it before, and you are strong enough to get thru it again. Kick this tumor’s butt with all the weapons you got!!!!!
Before you know it, the 2 weeks are over.
Well, this tumor is proving to be a stubborn little shit. I want you to get well for Pete’s sake, for your Dad’s sake, for your rediculously large exteded family’s sake….for the whole worlds sake. What a tough decision.
Three weeks ago Malcolm received a vaccine for some weird dog virus. the first shot (treatment) didn’t seem to affect him (like most vaccines there was no reaction) When he returned for the booster (2nd treatment) last monday, he did have a reaction. The build up of the vaccine in his system affected him negatively and he has been sick all week.
Even though the first embo didn’t seem to have an affect, is it possible it was breaking down the tumor (unnoticable to the naked eye) and preparing it for the second treatment to have a profound affect? I don’t know, I’m not a doctor.
What does your doctor say, is this a possibility? If it is, go for it. If not,try something else.
Your mosaic is beautiful, I can tell already. Hope you are feeling well enough that we see you Tuesday night.