There is a lot of waiting involved in cancer treatment. A lot. Even when there is some urgency to begin treatment or perform a procedure, there is waiting. Sometimes it feels like you will wait forever. Maybe they forgot you.…
Author: Sydney Liles
Plot Twist: It isn’t over until it’s over
I had the 4th PET scan on May 20th to determine how well the chemo worked (or if there was any cancer remaining). The results were inconclusive. I have a Deauville score of 4. There is still something there. It…
Plot Twist: Chemo Cycle 6 (of 6)
This is it. The last Chemotherapy cycle. 6 cycles, 21 days each 126 days 18 weeks 4.5 months 30 days inpatient in the hospital 24 chemo bags 6 Neulasta/Fulphil shots 8 Rituxan treatments 43 Complete Blood Counts W/Auto Diff 43…
Plot Twist: Chemo Cycle 5 (of 6)
Cycle 5 has been very much like the previous cycles. In the hospital the nurses all know me and stop by my room to say hi even if they are not assigned to me. The routine is the same. I…
Plot Twist: PET Scan, Anemia, and a Transfusion
This week I had a third PET scan, the second since I started treatment. The results show continued progress in shrinking the tumor even if the results are not as dramatic as the last PET scan. Looking at the results:…
Plot Twist: Chemo Cycle 4 (of 6)
There is a routine to these cycles and cycle 4 had very little deviation from previous cycles. Monday I went in, had lab work done, saw my doctor, got the Rituxan injection, and then got admitted to the hospital where…
Plot Twist: I am not a pathology
A long time ago (well, 20 years) I was pregnant with twins at age 35 and I had placenta previa. This was a high risk pregnancy. My OB sent me to a perinatologist for the ultrasounds, amniocentesis, and to make…
Plot Twist: Chemo Cycle 3 (of 6)
Here we are at cycle 3. I have to admit that I went into this round of chemo with a little more enthusiasm since the results of the PET scan were so positive. Knowing that I am getting the right…
Plot Twist: Progress!
I have been through two of six cycles of chemotherapy. So far I am tolerating it well and have minimal side effects. Honestly, aside from the hair loss I have fatigue and a tiny bit of peripheral neuropathy. So how…
Plot Twist: Chemo – Cycle 2 (of 6)
The first chemo cycle was a completely new experience filled with many unknowns. The unknowns definitely added to my anxiety. This second cycle had far fewer unknowns and the anxiety levels have been significantly lower. In fact, it felt a…
Plot Twist: Hair
Our hair is a huge part of our identity. It is often called a woman’s crowning glory. I have had long and very long hair most of my adult life. By very long, I mean past my butt. My hair…
Plot Twist: Chemo – Cycle 1 (of 6)
My treatment is what they call EPOCH – a combination of very nasty drugs that kill cancer (die you f*cker). Due to the nature of my chemo treatment, I am in the hospital for each round. I will have 6…
Plot Twist: Showers in the hospital
Or not…as the case may be. One of the hardest things for me prior to being admitted to the hospital for 4 (now 5) days of inpatient chemotherapy was knowing what to expect. What would I be allowed to do?…
Plot Twist: The PICC line
WARNING: There are graphic pictures included. If you are squeamish now is your chance to look away. What is a PICC line? A PICC Line is Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. Basically it is a long thin tube inserted directly into…
Plot Twist: Holidays, appointments, and adventure
This is not the ideal way to spend the holidays. I was supposed to be on vacation with my family, sailing to the Bahamas, relaxing in the sun and playing in the warm blue water. Instead I spent the week…