Today's doctor visit caught Jason and I a bit by surprise. When I was in for bloodwork yesterday, I saw my oncologist (Dr. Mahesh) in the hall and he stopped to talk to me about my nausea/vomiting/generally horrible experience with the chemo (Cisplatin). I mentioned to him that I was experiencing hearing loss and ringing in my ears which is one of the rare side effects of Cisplatin. He bumped a few patients so he could see me today to discuss it. This morning we went in and he told us that he is stopping the chemo, as the hearing loss I have already experienced is probably permanent, and if he were to continue treatment I would likely go permanently deaf. The risks far outweigh the benefits in my case.
He also put to rest any concerns we have about stopping the chemo. The main tool in fighting my cancer is the radiation. The chemo was an added treatment and is not critical to curing me. Therefore, my prognosis is still great without the chemo. We feel comfortable with this decision and the way he explained it. And honestly, a little relieved if I can be selfish. Chemo was and still is AWFUL for me. Apparently not all patients react as violently as I do - leave it to me to fall in the minority. I am happy to be rid of it, especially if my prognosis is not affected!
In other news, the nausea is finally subsiding. I am still weak and very tired. Jason is driving me to my 4:00 radiation appointment every day. Having Ellen here has been a huge blessing. We are so thankful for her help! I am still not taking many calls or even getting on the computer much. But I love to hear from you all when I do log on. I have also received so much "cancer mail" this week and last...it is so encouraging! Yesterday I took it all with me to my radiation appointment and read it in the car. I love it - thank you!
9 comments:
Erin always tells me I talk real loud. It'll come in handy when I see you again! Love you!
This is great to hear, ange! We have been praying that the Lord would give wisdom to your doctors. we will keep praying that He will comfort you and give you strength through the radiation treatments. we miss you and love you tons! ~Rachel and R clan:)
Good to hear that things are working out for you!! You should be getting some "cancer mail" from us probbaly at the end of the week. We are still praying!!
so glad you get to stop chemo and that the nausea is finally going away. praying for you!!!
Great news Ange -love you! Praise the Lord!
Well, the good news, no more chemo tourture. I will KEEP ON PRAYING though. (I Thess. 5:17) Press on Angie!
- Steven Manning
so glad to hear... I am glad.
Praying for you all - Love you!
Angie,
I am so glad you can up date via your blog.
I don't see Jason to talk to him, as I am nursing a broken RIGHT wrist. No pain, for which I am thankful.
Mary Jordan (trouble) as Jason calls me. :)
just got back from atlanta and saw that you need no more chemo..praise the Lord! Trust the nausea will totally go away for you. We are praying still for your full recovery and help through the radiation period. love you, karen and john
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