Caller ID
“Private Caller” is seldom a good sign. It’s usually some telemarketer totally flouting the FCC regulations that specify that our number is on the do-not-call list and making my marketer husband hot under the collar.
Or it’s The Cancer Factory. Which is was this morning. And not only just the hospital, but my actual oncologist. The day after a scan.
::cue ominous music: dum Dum DUMMMMM…::
Right. Pelvis and abdomen stable, she began. (Always lead with the good news.) Lung tumors progressing. (Ah, there it is.) Slowly, but progressing. Which, frankly, I’ve known for about three weeks. Ever since the allergy season started, I could tell.
Cancel the cytoxan. Bring on the PI3-Kinase inhibitor trial. They’re holding a spot open for me (let’s say it again: thank heaven I’m in Boston!), so as soon as my cytoxan wash-out (4 weeks) is over, I’m in like Flynn. Unless my tumor tests positive for the B-RAF genetic marker, in which case I would be eligible for that trial. And we all know how I love making important decisions. (Or maybe you don’t: when I used to have to choose between A and B, my mother would write each option on a piece of paper and mix them up behind her back, then I’d choose a hand. And invariably want the other option more. Pathetic.)
So we wait. Again. Lovely.
Maybe without the cytoxan I’ll have a little more energy for OMG! this weekend.
I'm a two-and-a-half time ovarian cancer survivor who is not only determined to make it to sixty but also to look damn good while getting there. My two boys, husband, and dog are counting on me to get out of bed every day, so I might as well wear something cute and make each one COUNT. I'd love to hear from you about your odyssey - sharing makes it all easier to take. And laugh at.
The Carcinista 
Dan Gennari said,
May 20, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Sorry to hear about that. I just had the same meeting with my oncologist last week. I was so certain that I was going to spend the summer like a normal person…but nope…tumor went from 6cm and dead to 9 cm and hot. So, I check in next week for a few rounds of chemo and then a stem cell transplant. I’m jealous that you are going to OMG! this weekend. I couldn’t afford to make the travel plans this year, but hopefully next year I will be there. Good luck with treatment and keep writing.
tori said,
May 20, 2010 at 3:58 PM
I agree – thank god you’re in boston and can hop from trial to trial like a little test bunny. I hope 4 weeks without the cytoxan makes you feel better and more ready for the next round. Have a wonderful weekend!!
Jennifer said,
May 21, 2010 at 7:43 AM
How wonderful that you will be able to travel & participate in OMG! this weekend, especially after this news. I’m sure you already have your suitcase packed including a separate bag for shoes! love you!