A plan

Paul and I went to see the gynecological oncologist this morning, the doctor that will oversee my chemotherapy.  A few things have to fall in place, not the least of which is a strong starting white blood cell count, but I am tentatively scheduled to have my first treatment next Tuesday, May 7th.  It will take the better part of the working day.

Also, I haven’t used my port (the semi-permanent sub-dermal access point for the chemo drugs) since I finished chemo the first time, so it may need to be replaced.  We’re going to wait to the first treatment to find out if it’s still unclogged and usable.  If not, I’ll have my first treatment through IV and work out the port issues before the second treatment.

I will, at least, start with the same drugs and protocol as six years ago:  a drug combo abbreviated carbo/taxol, administered once every three weeks for six treatments.  It worked well for me last time, and I tolerated it well.  There’s no reason not to think it won’t do the same this time.

However, my doctor did warn me that sometimes in subsequent chemo treatments, bone marrow support becomes necessary, and if my white blood cell count drops too low, I’ll have to take something like Neupogen or Neulasta to stimulate my bone marrow to make white blood cells.  I understand these drugs can cause excess fatigue and perhaps bone pain, but I’ll just cross that bridge if I come to it.

I’m feeling very positive about this plan.  Yes, I’d rather be doing any number of other things for 18 weeks of my life, but there are certainly worse issues to face.

I’ll post more as the immediate decisions are made about the beginning treatment...but right now, I need to go buy some hats.