Nashville or Bust

Just The Facts This Time

Behind this post of news and progress is another post that is tormenting me. Not sure why but at some point it will come out. Funny how words can be sometime. There’s been a lot rambling in my head these past three weeks. Blah.

HOWEVER, we did promise that this would be a place to get the updates and information on Dave’s progress. I don’t want my block to keep the good news back. Yes, we got some encouraging information yesterday.

As mentioned in the last post, Dave was scheduled for a CT a few days prior to Chemo #4 so that we could see if, in fact, the tumor had continuous response to the CHOP cocktail. Recall, we did see some shrinking and shirking post Chemo #1 but with the delay to Chemo #2 we were hoping the initial response wasn’t a fluke.

Dave went into yesterday apprehensive. Okay, that was a nice way of putting it. In reality, he had had enough and was d-o-n-e. He didn’t want to go to Chemo. After a great string of days, he didn’t want to feel lousy again. He also didn’t want to think he was going to get good news and have the reverse actually happen. I can’t blame him one bit. And, as much as I would have liked to have been the softie and let him consume faux-ality TV for one more day, it was time to get up, get out and face facts.

Sometimes being the heavy has its rewards.

What Dave learned during his oncology consult was what he needed to pump him back up and get him through Chemo #4. The CT scan from December 30 showed a much smaller tumor. In fact, it is now around 6.6cm x 6.7cm —  1/3 of its original size from the first CT at the end of August. It is safe to say that ‘Roger’ (note: tumor finally has a nickname) doesn’t like CHOP. But Roger started off as a pretty big guy; he is still going to need some assistance getting out of here.

Speaking of… Dave’s veins are starting to revolt. Previously used veins from earlier sessions are still beat-up and unable to be used. It took two taps to get through yesterday’s chemo. We are hoping and praying that after Chemo #6, the next reading will show we can say good-bye to the Chemo Lounge (although we love all of the wicked angel nurses there!) and move on to radiation. The veins need a break.

And Roger, if you’re reading this, it doesn’t mean we’re getting all soft on you. Beware, you booger, we have guns in the closet. *wink* It is safe to say what you thought was going to be your reality is clearly, faux.

January 4, 2011 - Posted by daveandjacqui | Dave