Recess!

Now that Part1 of the journey is over, I’m getting ready for Part2 (hopefully, this is only a 2-part series!).

I moved home about a week ago.  My “nurse” (Kathleen) stayed with me the first night to make sure everything was all right.  The “intern” (Demetra) stayed the second night.  All’s well thus far, and I’ll be home until I start chemo.  When I start chemo, I’ll move back to the “recovery ward” (my sister’s house).

The PET scan results showed no signs of tumor in the liver nor lungs (YAY!  Huge sigh of relief!).  Abnormal cells were found in the abdomen and pelvis area; while this is consistent with the surgery, it is difficult to tell if the cells are recovery cells or cancer cells.  It really doesn’t matter, as the scan is our starting point for the chemo (which must be done anyways), and will be used to compare against in the future.

For the chemo, there are two drugs - xeloda and oxalaplatin.  Xeloda is a pill and must be taken 2x/day for 2 weeks.  Oxalaplatin is administered intravenously, once a cycle, through a medi-port inserted between my collarbone and first rib.  Together, this treatment is referred to as Xelox.  The treatment will be in 3-week cycles, where the oxalaplatin is given on day1 (2 hours), and the xeloda is taken 2x daily for the first 2 weeks.  Week 3 is a rest/recovery week (somewhat similar to triathlon training, for those who do this properly; my triathlon training was always “do whatever you can when you can”).  I’ll be doing 6 of these 3-week cycles.  Additional scans will be taken after 3 and 6 cycles.

I’ve got a few doctor appointments set up in the next week and a half, one of which is “chemo education”.  In addition to this, I’m hoping to get out of the house as much as possible, do a short bike ride (I probably have to “drug up” for this, so I don’t feel every bump and crevice on my stomach), and jump in the pool for a late summer swim.  It’s recess and I should be playing.  Let me know if you’re available to do things!

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Archive Comments

Fai: I want in! I miss swimming and biking with you!!

Cyn: I can come play in the afternoons and bring a meal weekly! :D

AKC: so sorry to hear you are going through this, but i admire your positive attitude and strength and i'm encouraged by the most recent positive news. i wish i lived nearby to participate in your "recess"!

Kami: Are you still on restricted diet? I promised you some furikake party mix!

Judy: Liner - You are so awesome and strong. I am continuously sending good thoughts your way. Let me know if you ever want to play beach vb, run, or eat. I've still been wanting to try the gymnastics thing one of these days too. Anyways, I'll be following your progress. XOXOXO

Barbara: We have been in touch, but you know how to reach me ANY TIME you want to talk/ask/share. Day and night. I also have free time during the day any time you or your family needs anything. And let's get that lunch scheduled! Miss your face already. HI-YAH!!

Suzanne: If I ride with you, do I get pain killers too? Kidding.......

Tiff: Let me know if you're in the mood (and able) for some mtn biking! I need to get back to my athletic self as well...my 10 lbs. gained were really just fat :P You're innspiring me!!

Amadraeus: Liner, you are truly resilient and admirable. Thank you for the updates. What date specifically do you go in for chemo?

Dina Glendening-Keller: Hey Liner, my schedule is really free, the next couple of weeks especially, so anytime you want company for a swim, hike/walk, bike ride, shopping trip, lunch out, dinner in, mani-pedi, yoga, anything...I'm around! I can also get you a guest pass to courtside anytime. I'm so happy to hear the cancer has not spread to your liver/lungs. You are so strong inside and out - you're gonna get through this! Hugs, Dina

dshen: really great to see you blogging again! please keep us updated on your progress!

Liz: if you want to walk, climb, or eat, call me! =) i'll be on leave 9/18 so i'll be free during the days too!

Steve: Hey Liner...great post...and great idea with the Blog...got the card in the mail...that was nice and glad I could help...how about switching your bike to something like this?...I rented it an hour ago in Isla Vista to ride around UCSB like the kids...it was that or sit and listen to a talk from the Dean of letters and sciences...zzzzzzzz :) Beach cruiser rides in LG when I get back :)

jordan: Liner!!! want to come climbing or surfing? let me know :)ill be at manresa tomorrow.

Judy D: Late summer swims, bike rides with drugs, walks...I'm in!

SkinnyR: BoS, if you need a buddy for activities or just fill in time - I'm there!