Chemo Treatment #6

This past Tuesday, February 23rd, was chemo treatment #6. Ed is still doing well and not having any serious side effects. He has had some pain in his right leg so Dr. Bowers did want to have this checked out. There were three possibilities--(1) a strain, (2) a baker's cyst, or (3) a blood clot. Since clotting can be a side effect of the Avastin, Dr. Bowers wanted to rule that out. He was very doubtful, but needed to be diligent and at least check. So after the chemo treatment, we headed downstairs to the lab to have a Doppler ultrasound done on Ed's leg. We waited while the radiologist reviewed the results with Dr. Bowers so they could do additional tests while we were there if needed. It was, thankfully, not needed. The doppler was clear! Glad to have that ruled out! So rest and heat was ordered to relieve the pain.

The infusion itself, though, we pretty routine. Saw Augie and some of the other regulars that we are getting to know and learn their stories. They are all fighters and I give them all a lot of credit. Many are going through more frequent treatments and radiation and we realize how lucky we are that Ed is responding so well with few, if any, side effects. We are blessed.

Although it does seem strange because, with the exception of biweekly chemo treatments and pills on the kitchen counter, things are not much different around here. Sometimes it doesn't seem real..."are you sure he has cancer?"...because we say the word, we go to treatments, Ed takes his prescriptions, but it doesn't seem real most of the time. And I'm reminded to be thankful about that.

Other good news is that both Ed and I have finally gotten our passports. So now we can seriously look into booking flights to Italy. Our plan is to schedule a trip between treatments while Ed is feeling good. I mean, who knows where we'll be in a few months...look where we were 2 months ago.

March 8th, Ed gets a CT scan and on March 10th we meet with Dr. Bowers to review the results (and also for Ed's next treatment). It will be good to see what this shows and what Dr. Bowers has to say about it. So keep us in your thoughts that day and I'll be sure to update you on the results soon thereafter!

May you all stay healthy and warm. Be sure to hug your loved ones today!!

{{HUGS}}