Thursday, March 10, 2011

Looking ahead 展望

The 3-week ended rather fast. Started yet another chemo session 2 days ago.

During this period, the side effects were much better than the previous round. The lethargy that set in typically 3rd day were more bearable.  Overall I was feeling quite good after the 4th day. The oral prescription took 2 weeks, then 1 week of  "rest".

Mar 8 was International Women's Day. Time again to see the oncologist, Dr K. As usual, did blood test at 8,  and consultation after that. This round was a shorter 45-minute wait for the doctor. There was another patient who did follow-up at the waiting area whom my wife chatted with. She was having colon cancer 6.5 years ago. She has since recovered  and doing a routine follow-up with Dr K. Before she left, she encouraged us to have faith. Faith -  Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.(Hebrew 11:1). 

The blood test results continued to be good, with tumor marker CEA at good level. The doc did the routine check and  reviewed all the previous chemo session, there was once some drug was taken care before the 2nd operation. This was to facilitate the healing process. So this round he increased the dosage slightly. Dr K suggested the chemo would cover a 6-month period. He said if the body could tolerate it, it would be best to complete the recommended course. This means about 3 more sessions to go.

The chemo infusion session started at 2.40 and lasted for 2.5 hours, instead of the usual 2. The hand was numb and feeling of tingling for another 30 hours or so. By the time we reached home, it was 6.15pm. What a day to celebrate Women's Day for my wife!


                                                           
Gifts from my dear far-away friends 远方朋友的赠书