As of yesterday everything had changed from my last post. The new plan was that I would get a picc line installed on Friday and start chemo on Monday. Apparently the risk of clotting another picc line is greatly reduced because I'm on blood thinners. That's what my doctor had thought and the Hematologist agreed. Of course I still have my throat issue so my doctor ordered a CT scan of my neck to determine whether I have an abscess of fluid stuck in there or not. If I do, then I get admitted to hospital for IV anti-biotics. If I don't, then I guess we try a different oral anti-biotic. Either way, the infection would have to be cleared up before I was to start chemo on Monday.
I went for the CT scan today and just got the results from my oncologist (who's still at work at 6:45 PM dealing with all my issues) and I do in fact have an abscess. So I'm writing this blog entry and then it's off to pack a bag for another stay in the hospital, the Health Sciences Centre this time. Beyond anti-biotics I may also have to get the abscess surgically drained. An ear nose and throat specialist will make that decision. I'm not sure but assume that I will not get my picc line tomorrow and that chemo will be further pushed back. My doctor has once again hinted that we may stop chemo for a few weeks, do another CT scan and see if the chemo has killed the cancer in my lymph nodes and go from there.
I just wanted to post a quick update knowing that I won't be blogging for a while. Thanks again for the nice comments, emails, thoughts, prayers, etc.
Talk to you in a while.
Hi Pat,
ReplyDeletelet's hope that the removal of the abscess works out without surgery and in case the next chemo is pushed back that the next CT scan may show that the cancer has already gone from the recent treatments so that there be no need for further chemo.
I'd like to read that it's done and there are no more side effects and all this fuss that they cause.
If wishing helps it will be that way and life will return to normality! If not: we will be with you mentally!
Greetings also to Adrienne and Anthony, keep to Your strength
Your german relatives