As is often the case with a big day of medical testing, not everything was able to get done exactly as planned. In this particular case, medication I was prescribed to take to offset an allergy to a an injected dye required for one test (it's a shellfish-based dye, and I've been slowly developing an allergy to it over the 12+ times I have had to have it, which I think is related to the fact that for a couple thousand years, my ancestors didn't eat shellfish?). That medication had an unforeseen side effect that made me ineligible to take another test I needed in order to complete the re-staging process. So I have had to wait to take that test until tomorrow.
But after receiving some of the test results, some conclusions could be drawn. The doctor indicated (tentatively) that this round of chemotherapy has been working, though I will need one or two additional cycles of it before proceeding to the transplant. Depending on test results tomorrow, and on the availability of space in the clinic and hospital, I may begin this third round of chemo as soon as tomorrow afternoon, December 11. Thanks for your good luck texts, calls and emails during this round of testing. I'll do my best to update the blog more often and do a better job of keeping everyone in the loop, but I wanted to let you all know about this possible next round of chemo beginning tomorrow in case you don't hear from me for the next week.
9 comments:
Thanks for updating us! Glad you got what seems to be some good news today. And I think your shellfish theory makes perfect sense.
Yeah yeah, keep writing. Let me know when you're up for visitors.
Go, Elissa. Takes a lot of mental and physical strength to gear oneself up for another round of chemo, but the stuff appears to be working, and that's the payoff we all want.
Keep those darling hats on your head during the brisk Chicago winter. We need you back blogging soon--what's your take on those Chicago politicians? I cannot believe the governor's arrogance, especially when you are back living in Illinois.
My best to you as you endure...
Nancy
froman! i am so impressed with this posting--to the point, hilarious, and so honest. you are such a good writer. i am looking forward to a SPECIAL (FLAT) package to arrive by mail this weeeeeeek.
I've always wondered why they put that shellfish crap in dyes. It seems anti-semetic if you ask me. What's next, IV bags made of pig skin and catheters made from other split-hooved animals?
Thanks for keeping us updated with perfectly written and punctuated blog entries. Impressive.
And what do they use for people who know that they're allergic to shellfish before the treatments begin? The mysteries of life, huh? Sending you continued wishes for happy updates and continued strength! Enjoy the snow :)
Been thinking of you a lot today so I thought I'd write you a little limerick...
There is a young woman in Chi-town
She is the best blogger, hands down
I miss her a lot
and I'm sure she looks hot
In that stylish hospital gown
"poetically" yours...
You are now qualified to join the Jessie Weiser Club -- it's president & namesake bursts into hives at even the mere scent of shellfish. I suppose the Divine does not always choose to bless the Chosen People with the best allergy resistance, eh? You can be Vice President of the Club now, I believe. It meets monthly at Legal Seafood in Chinatown.
XOXO
Hang in there, Lissy. Dyes made from shellfish are bad enough, but I've also heard of some that are made from beetles -- that would really freak me out!
Ted
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