Three visits in the last 7 days, so difficult to put it out of mind. All went well. Started with labs ands tests pre-infusion. The results were all good, within expected ranges and no concerning shifts. Next I had my eye exam. No lasting impact from the addt’l strain of WFH (day to day the eye is what is normal for me now). Had a couple extra checks due to the original treatment and time since then, but overall in good shape. Third infusion was yesterday. Was hoping for a comparative experience to the first 2 infusions, but actually more fatigue and minor “cloudiness” in the hours immediately after this time, than what I’m feeling today. Don’t know if my body is getting used to the process, or if it just tries something different each time to cope.
Using the better weather and slight re-opening of the world to make sure I am out and doing what I can re: exercise and general fitness. Would love to have a lap pool, but our Y hasn’t figured that one out yet. Hope everyone is doing well and getting an opportunity to safely and responsibly reconnect with friends and society. Speaking for a certain community of folks, I thank you for your caring on our behalf.
Next month includes a scan on the liver to see ongoing impact of medicine there.
So blood tests are all looking good. One of the exams is a standard skin exam. A side effect of this medicine is dermatitis, so we found a little area that may be either the start of those side effects manifesting, or maybe just a weird sunburn spot. Watching, but not worrying.
The eye exam was interesting this time as he did a test to see if there was leakage around the retina. This has a wonderful acronym that I forget and basically is to see if the existing edema (old cancer) is impacting the eye function differently. No issue there. And also confirmed the original tumor is still shrinking using the eyeball ultrasound (yep, just what you think it is).
Infusion went well, as stated above, about an hour of heavy fatigue a couple hours after I finished. Interestingly, the heavy fatigue after exertion is a standard effect with this medicine but doesn’t get listed that way as side effect. So even reading the PI doesn’t get you all the info. Next time around I get a CT after the infusion and we look at the new cancer and determine the direction of treatment moving forward. Expectation is same drug and protocol until month 8, but findings can modify decisions.
Thanks for the update, Chuck. Your daily “presence” is felt and missed, even while working remote. I am happy to hear you are able to get some fitness time in. I find it good for the “head” too. Cheering for you daily!
Thanks for the update! Hoping you find that pool soon 😁
Didn’t know one could do a eyeball ultrasound… interesting! Glad it could be used to help in confirming shrinkage…. Medical technology is fascinating but I’m sure this isn’t the way you wanted to learn about things…
Sending healing hugs!
Hope you enjoy some time with your family during the 4th holiday! We miss you!
Good to hear you are hanging in there very well considering. I think of you often. I wanted to check in to see out it is going. We are purchasing a new bike for Mark. We hope to get out more as time becomes more free. It’s feeling strange for me to only have 7 days in the office left. Wishing you continued success in our battle with this condition. Stay strong 😀