oncology part 3 and chemo part 1

First things first - I met a new oncologist yesterday at KU and I adore him.  He was kind.  He gave me more information than I knew I wanted to know. He had printed (and annotated in blue ink prior to our meeting!) relevant articles on the treatment on Hodgkin's to help ground our conversation (conversation!!) about the best treatment strategy for me.  And, on a personal note, he wrote lots of stuff on the exam table paper - which is something I like to do (shout out to Dr. JC Cowden who taught me this valuable method of communication).   And he wore a sweater-vest.

As I have walked down my long path to become a physician, I have always worked hard on my communication with families and patients.  Just providing medical facts and medication prescriptions is not as satisfying as cultivating a relationship with a patient for me.   And, more than a family just  "liking" me, I need to know that we are exchanging information in a productive way.  Sometimes this is hard work because we all come to the table with different styles and different goals.   Needless to say, I am thrilled that I have found an oncologist who will help to guide this crazy journey I am on.  And to all my doctor friends - all those times you sat a few minutes longer than you wanted to or explained things a 3rd time just for good measure - it really did matter, even if the patient didn't jump off the exam table and hug you (I'm saving that for my last clinic visit...)

So what did this wise sweater vest wearing man have to say?  Nothing that different.  2 months of ABVD chemo - then repeat the PET scan.  If PET scan is negative (no tumors, absolutely none) then I will have 3 weeks of radiation and be done. (really?!?)  If the PET scan is positive (even a tiny spot - which he pointed out could just be from residual inflammation) then I do 2 more months of chemo - then repeat the PET scan again.   If necessary, repeat once more, but he thinks 2-4 months of chemo and a little radiation should take care of this thing.    He is very proactive about his patients not throwing up (I am a huge fan of this idea) - resulting in prescriptions for 4 anti-nausea medications to take the first few days after chemo.   I have a pill sorter - my mother is proud.

This brings us to today - Day 1.  Chemotherapy. Holy shit....this is really happening?

John took me ( he was post call, bless his self sacrificing little heart).  We got all checked in, re-measured (I have been measured 5 times in the last week - 5'3" every single time...) and offered a drink nine thousand times - they love to offer drinks there.    The nurses accessed my port for the first time which hurt just for a second or two.  I kept asking the nurse if the port was working OK (yes, yes, yes!) because I have a huge amount of unfounded doubt about this little device implanted in my chest.  If I spend to much time thinking about a tube or medicine going to my heart, I admit I feel a little really grossed out.  I may have asked John if he has ever heard of someone's "vein exploding" from one of these - insert incredulous look from john.  This is one of the many reasons that I am not a surgeon or a cardiologist.    Next comes blood counts (all good).  Then more anti-nausea medications through the IV.  Then begins a 4 hour parade of the 4 different chemo medications that all run individually and each on a different time interval.  Before each medication I have to re-verify my name and date of birth - which seems super safe, but a little over the top.   Things went slowly but smoothly, best case scenario for first chemo, I think.

Since coming home I have been tired and a little achy- kind of like right before you figure out you have the flu.  Very little nausea and NO vomiting!  It sounds like the next few days could be rough, but I plan to stay on my medicine schedule and hope for the best.

Thank you for all of your emails, text, messages, facebook love, calls, books,  flowers, cards, banana bread (cara hoffart is my idol), and positive thoughts/energy/prayers.  Everyone has been so very nice.