PET scan says "not quite there yet"

Not sure what the Dr's think, still waiting to discuss, however my un-trained eye could still see the "fluro spot" is still there, but reduced by 25% or maybe a bit more, not gone yet.  This is no surprise, as it's only been 4 weeks since last chemo treatment.  Will see what a specialist has to say - Dr Harris is on hols as of today, so will need to see Dr Will ,,,,,,,

Getting radiotherapy organised, there is a need for some planning sessions etc, don't quite know when the actual treatment will start, however I will be having 28 shots - meaning between 5-6 weeks in total - every working day. (Fun!)

fingers crossed!

Turned another corner

Feeling like I have turned another corner.  Not needing as many naps as I did a week ago, and feeling more human than "weary" in the last few days.  Spent the morning with GT and girls at Brooklyn, them swimming - me sipping coffee, home by lunchtime to relax.  What a lovely day to be out and about!

Another appointment with Dr Harris

Neutrophils 1.1, up a little! (Normal is between 2-4)

PET scan will happen early next week to get a feel for how things are tracking - residual or remission?

Still seeing radiographer on 24th at the SAN to get the last of the treatment underway.

Have been resting alot, energy is slowly returning - but not as quickly as I would like.  Main side effect of radiography is fatigue - so more of that to look forward to in the next few weeks.

Day 20 - Appointment with Dr Harris

Glenn and I were both surprised find out that my neutrophils had not moved from 0.8! Mind you I don't feel any different - still quite listless, I should have known.  But in the past once they start heading up, they get to normal range (between 2-4) quite quickly.  Well not so after stem cell transplant apparently!

I was reminded to be careful, watch "germs", keep a check on my temperature and so forth.

No PET scan before radiotherapy, just a CAT scan to get the radiotherapy "all lined up".  Appointment with radiographer on 24th January.

Just more resting now, have another appointment with Dr Harris to check neutrophils next week.

Day 17

All went well with Dr Will yesterday, neutrophils at .8 - GT won the bet!  I can now resume normal social activities, just have to stay away from really "germy" people for a while longer.  Energy levels still quite low,  I can expect to feel like this for a couple of months.

Appointment with Dr H on Monday to book in radiotherapy (hopefully the last of my treatment) and discuss when next PET scan will occur.  Usually the PET scan is left to the last minute to be sure the chemotherapy has had maximum opportunity to work.

Day 15 - Feeling alittle better every day.

Tomorrow I'm off to see Dr Will at RNSH, and will see where neutrophils are at. 

Fingers crossed they are much higher - I'm betting .9, GT is betting .8. 

We shall see.

Day 13 - At home having a cup of tea!

Neutrophils at .4, but allowed home anyway! You cannot imagine how nice it is to be home, having a cup of tea.  Unfortunately for me the girls have gone on a holiday with Nana and John, however they are very excited about it and sounds like Nana has a great week planned.  With neutrophils still very low, this week will be for resting, and I will be complete when my girls come home!

Day 11 - New Year's Day 2011 - the Year of Michele!

Happy new year to all!  I had front row seats at the window of ward 12D to see the fireworks!

Today, I'm feeling semi-human again!

This past week has been a tough road, but I'm sure I have travelled it better than most in the same circumstances.  When they prepare you for use of morphene to manage pain, and I cope with only panadol, I feel lucky - all things considered.  And my hair has all fallen out again!

Yesterday my neutrophils were .2, and I'm waiting for my bloods to come back this morning - hopefully higher again.  If I hit .5 by tomorrow - I get to go home! I can taste freedom.  Fingers crossed!