On Tuesday of this week was day when I
found out the result of the latest CT scan from my oncologist. There were three
possibilities. The first was that all the tumors have shrunk and we would
continue with our current chemo regiment. The second was that everything except
the main tumor have shrunk and we would still continue the current chemo
regiment, except also radiate the main tumor. The third, was that everything
had grown and we would have to switch chemo.
On the way to the hospital, I started
crying in the car and wished really hard that my sisters could have been with
me. I think I knew which result I was going to get. My doctor came in and told
me that the main tumor had grown by 2cm, the mass on my spine had gotten
considerably bigger and they found two new nodules in my left lung. I entered
into a very calm type of sadness.
Before starting the new treatment, my
oncologist wanted to consult his colleagues to see if there was a better method
that he was unaware of. Both him and another doctor told me that I was a
special case because of my young age, so they were all doing everything they
could to save me. So, he sent me home with the promise to see me in two days
with a plan.
On Thursday morning, I was scheduled
for an MRI to the back. I’ve had many MRIs in the past, but this was an
interesting experience. It started off very normal, but during the middle, I
started getting an intense pain in my pelvis. I couldn’t help but fidget in the
machine, which resulted in me having to lie there longer because my movement
messed up many of the images. After that was over, the nurse came in to pull
out the needle in my arm, and send me to change. As I stepped into the change
room, I noticed a puddle of blood on the floor that was the size of a large
plate. I then looked at my arm and my hospital gown was soaked with blood. I was
just a little puzzled, but a lady stepped in to get ready for her MRI and she
almost fainted at the sight of so much blood. She ran out hysterically yelling
for a nurse. Poor girl. In case you’re wondering, I’m fine, except for a little
bit of tenderness in my arm afterwards.
After my MRI appointment, I went to
see my oncologist again. He did find another chemo regiment that he thinks is
better suited for my situation. Before starting, he wanted the opinion of my
radiation oncologist, so I was sent to go see him that day. Afterwards, it was
decided that I would get two weeks of radiation before starting the new
chemotherapy. Because they wanted me to start right away, I was sent to get
markings to prep for radiation. These are little tattoos that they put on your
body to line you up for the machine. They hurt and now I have five little
tattoos on my body.
So now there’s an entirely new game
plan. I am really terrified, but at the same time, I’ve also realized how many
people are trying their hardest to help me. The doctors, nurses and technicians
are not just doing their jobs, but making a huge effort to make me comfortable.
Here we go! I’ll keep you guys posted!
