Chemo update - will be starting, but not sure when

 We met with Dr Hussein (my local oncologist) and he put in the order for me to start Chemo.  I do not have a date yet, since they will be sending the pills to me via FedEx.  As soon as I get the pills, he would like me to start on a Monday.  The regimen will be 2 weeks of taking the pills, then 1 week off, for a total of 6 months. Due to my “size” I will be taking 5 pills in the morning and 5 pills in the evening.   He prescribed me some medicine for nausea.  He did not think I should be impacted, but better to have it, just in case.  He also mentioned that I may develop a rash on the palms of my hands and the bottoms of my feet.  He suggested I use Udder cream.  Apparently, this is cream they use on cow udders to prevent soreness from milking.  MOO!!!!

Part of the plan for seeing if the chemo is working is to do frequent blood draws to test the blood for tumor markers.  The company provides a service where they come out to the house to draw the blood.  It has to go in a special vile and sent off to be processed.  This morning I had my first draw.  I am not sure what the timeline for results is.   Dr Hussein did mention that they can do the draw in his office.  So going forward, I will just go there and get it done.

The plan is to monitor the blood work and if there are any unusual findings, then it may dictate a scan of some sort.  Otherwise, I think it is just monthly checkins with Hussein and quarterly checkins with Moffitt.

Overall, I am “excited” to get started with chemo.  The sooner I start, the sooner I will be able to finish. I also want to see how I handle the chemo.  If it does not impact me much, then it opens up the possibility of me doing more things and taking my trips.

I know I say this a LOT, but I cannot ever truly express the appreciation Deb and I have for all the love, prayers, words of encouragement, and general support everyone has provided.  Knowing that I have an ARMY behind me, lets me know that I will have no problem winning this battle.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 10:23 AM

    Just like the surgery you’re going to knock it outta the park! Here’s to no nausea and lots of fun travel!! - Sue & Ron Smith

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM

    I am John Walen’s mother-in-law and of course Andreas mom. I am so thankful that you are doing well.
    Unfortunately I am in your cancer club having breast cancer twice and quite a few on my face and also on a lower eyelid
    You will come out of this stronger and healthy.
    Irene feldman

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 10:32 AM

    You are a true fighter my friend!!! Hope we can see you guys sometime!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 10:41 AM

    This will be behind you so quickly. Hoping you feel well through it. Love, Chris and Tim

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 11:11 AM

    Happy for you that you can take pill form and no hours spent in a chair for infusions. Here’s to hoping you handle the chemo like a champ without having to pause all your fun activities and travel. Stay strong. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
    Janet

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 11:31 AM

    Prayers that treatment goes well for you ❤️🙏❤️

    ReplyDelete
  7. Carol HutchisonMay 9, 2023 at 11:47 AM

    You’re an inspiration and I’m so happy you’re ready to go with chemo! Love you both!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 1:42 PM

    You got this! Everyone is praying for you! I love your positive attitude! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jennifer NMay 9, 2023 at 1:58 PM

    Absolutely fantastic Jim!! I hope the pills work well for you and little to no side affects! That is awesome they can do this in pill form. I always thought it was thru IV. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Best wishes!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 3:35 PM

    Glad you are finally starting so you can finish with this monster! Kick butt, Jim! ❤️😍

    ReplyDelete
  11. KathleenMay 9, 2023 at 4:39 PM

    You’ve got this because you have all of Bradford and beyond praying for you. {{hugs}} I know what you mean wanting chemo to start. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 4:59 PM

    You will overcome this! Attitude is everything! Support of others also helps in the
    healing process. Prayers changes things!
    Mike and Marie Ellis ❤️❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 5:51 PM

    The lord has you covered will keep praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousMay 9, 2023 at 6:51 PM

    We will continue to pray for you (and Debbie). You both are loved by so many. Bill & Nadine

    ReplyDelete
  15. Joe NetzelMay 10, 2023 at 7:39 AM

    Keep the good news coming...I wish they had a pill for my type of cancer, but not yet. Hopefully the side effects are minimal and you can resume the really important things in life, like golf and bowling. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousMay 10, 2023 at 8:07 PM

    Your positive attitude, faith, and prayers have produced super good results so far! As always, I will keep you and Deb in my prayers 🙏 -Sue

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMay 16, 2023 at 9:56 AM

    You are so strong and will do great! Thoughts and Prayers. Laura Newell

    ReplyDelete

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