Yesterday’s MRI showed some minor growth at the bottom of the tumour cavity. According to my doctors this is no surprise, but the small amount of growth seems to indicate that the chemotherapy with Temozolomide is working to some extent. Nevertheless, we will prepare to go one step further:
Next Monday I will check into a private hospital and have a portacath installed. This is a little titanium box with a silicone bubble for needle insertion. The box will be inserted under the skin in the upper chest and will be used to deliver intravenous drugs as well as contrast agents for the MRI and CT-Scans. It will also be used to withdraw blood for the various tests which I will have to undergo during my treatment.
This is a small operation and I should be out of hospital again the next day.
On February 10th I will have another MRI and we will decide then whether it will be necessary to top-up my chemotherapy with Bevacizumab. This is actually not a cancer drug, but stops tumour growth by preventing the formation of new blood vessels.
So here goes, I get an artificial bump on my chest and I probably get to try out a new drug with a fancy name.
In the meantime I’ll eat, drink and try to be merry. My thoughts go out to my friends many of whom have been touched by fate in similar ways.
Cheers,
Tom
Good luck with your next stage of treatment.
port-a-cath? is that similar to what we have in america – port-a-potty?
as always tom, all best to you and the family,
xxoo kim
Great to meet you in Klosters, Tom, however briefly. I am sure you are exploring all options in your treatment protocol. Curious if you have tried alternative therapies, including diet, herbs, various detox programs, et. al.
Best,
Jim
Elly’s friend
I hope you have stop smoking classical and recreational cigarettes…it always help. Also i heard on the news that is a vaccine on experimental phase. Try to investigate something about. I finally watched last nigth the “bucket list” and i really hope that you are not suffering too much with chemo therapy disconfort. Try to exercise,walk or go out to watch beautiful landscapes, seeing the world outside relieves the soul. Best Regards .Carime