Soon we will be returning to Charleston for the every-three-month check up to monitor the status of the cancer tumors.
The CT scans of my thyroid, and chest/abdomen/pelvis will be checked against those taken on the previous visit. Any changes in the size of the tumors will be noted in the radiologists’ reports and passed along to our oncologist for his meeting with us.
We are concerned about the amount of radiation I absorb and accumulate from these frequent scans over the long term of the study. This is one of the risks we accepted in order to participate in the study of the experimental chemotherapy Zactima.
The check up concludes with a blood analysis of seven different cartridges of blood, an electrocardiogram and consultation with the oncologist. He reviews and explains the results of the imaging and blood work, notes any changes I report for symptoms and side effects, and conducts a physical exam. He also patiently answers the many questions we have accumulated during the previous three months.
One of my responsibilities as a participant is to maintain a log for the twelve weeks between visits. These track the frequency of bowel movements, prescription pain medication taken, measurements of pain – where and how much – and “Quality of Life.” For the latter, I rank, on a five-point scale from “Not at All” to “Very Much”, such things as the severity of symptoms and side effects, how close I feel to friends and family, the emotions I experience, such as worry and anxiety, and how the illness affects work, sleep and fun.
In addition to the medical necessities, we make sure we include the fun part by exploring the many fine museums and traditional Low Country cuisine offered in this gracious and elegant city.
Stay well!
Copyright 2009
Lynn Chapman-Adler
www.lindalater.blogspot.com
Posted: September 19, 2009
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