Here’s the latest doctor visit (January 22, 2018) update.
This was with Dr Murphy, radiology at UCSD where David was/is part of a study
involving 30 patients. Per doctor, a couple of the patients are showing good
responses – oh, and David is one of them! Doctor is cautiously optimistic. There
is a slightly negative side however. David has been experiencing a bit of
discomfort with bloating, indigestion, gas, etc. Unfortunately it may be due to
the tumor or radiation upsetting the normal digestion process. The “purple”
pill helps a bit and so does gasx pills. I had noticed that David suddenly
seemed to have a cute little pot belly but had not gained weight. Sure enough,
when thumping his tummy, it sounds just like a ripe watermelon. That’s due to
being filled with air. Ok, I guess we say this is a small price to pay. If it
should get worse, there is something they would do to see if it might be from
the radiation. But honestly I sort of stopped listening, it didn’t sound fun
and I don’t think there was any resolution. I plan to not think about it.
The next CT will be later in February. We have planned an
eastern carribean cruise a few days after the scan. Change or no change, we
will go on the cruise. Great if there is no change but if there is a change and
some kind of treatment is needed, 3 week delay won’t matter. The doctors all
say go, they want to make sure we are doing all we can while we can. Works for
me!
I have been so touched by comments left by all of you. I
started this to release bottled up thoughts and it has expanded into so much
more. And if anything I have shared has helped others in any way, wonderful.
Writing and reading comments have filled me in ways I hadn’t expected.
