Sunday, July 28, 2013

Follow up with Oncologist July 15th

Blood work is great and CA 125 is down to 40.  I am prepared to be admitted for my next chemo and Dr. tells me that my reaction to Carboplatin on June 25th was a 'severe'one.  Who knew?  I knew that I did not care for how I felt during that reaction and that my recovery after chemo was not as easy as the last time.  I had a week of headache and lethargy.  Not myself at all.

Doctor explained that reaction was not good and that more Carboplatin may cause another reaction (very probable) with risk of lowered blood pressure which is not good at all.  Could end up in ICU.  We discussed the idea of taking a break for 6 weeks and revisiting chemo with another drug.  I was all for this.  I feel good.  The CA 125 is in a better place and I feel I can monitor my body to let my doctor know if anything is amiss during this 6 week period.

So for now I am in hiatus of sorts!  Glad not to have to get chemo but a bit nervous about what is happening inside.

Update on my Dad:  We have seen a surgeon, an oncologist and a radiologist.  All are quite negative regarding his prognosis and there is little hope.  We have been in contact with a pancreatic cancer specialist in Toronto and he ordered new scans and diagnostics.  They were all sent to him late last week for second opinion regarding his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.  We are hoping for a slim chance of surgery or something.  Dad's quality of life is good and he is in good spirits.  Many people have come to see him and he enjoys the company.  We just wish he would eat a little more.  He is losing weight and can be quite weak at times.




Pictures of Europe

Promised I would post some pictures of our trip to Europe!
The iconic Eiffel Tower

View of Arc de Triomphe down the Champs Ellysees

Pyramid at the Louvre

Arc de Triomphe

Medieval Castle at Carcassonne, France

View of Nice from Castle Hill

Promenade des Anglais, Nice

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Replica of Statue of David in Michelangelo Square in Florence

Another replica in the Palazzo della Signora.  Original is in the Ufizi Gallery.

View of Duomo and Sante Croce

The Vatican

Castel Sant'angelo

Colosseum

Trevi Fountain