Friday, November 27, 2009

Just When You Thought You Were Out...

Angela and I met with the Radiation Oncologist and the Surgeon on Monday. They told us that things do look promising (the PET scan came back clean, etc) but there is always the worry that the occasional cancer cell has survived that would trigger a recurrence in the future. The thing to do was to monitor me closely. This didn't leave me with a very confident feeling about the whole situation. I wanted to hear 'Go home, you're cancer free'.but I soon understood that this would not be said for several years. Even though the cancer was in remission the chances of a recurrence could not be ignored.
My Chemo Oncologist still asked to see us yesterday (Thursday) and presented us with a curve ball: He suggested to go back into two rounds of chemo (one a month) to hopefully kill any remaining cancer cells. In his opinion this would lower the chances of it coming back. He pointed out that I had been through a lot and that my body is weakened and that it probably would not be a walk in the park but that two months of loosing some 'quality of life' might be worth the extra insurance in the long term. I asked to think about it over the weekend but I thing I will go ahead with it. The first round will probably start already the end of next week.
I was planning to visit my family in Germany over Christmas starting the middle of December. If everything goes well and the side effects are not too bad I am still planning to go but I will make that decision shorty before that date. I really hope this trip will happen.
As for today I am getting ready for next week.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wise choice!
Never give up!

Laura said...

I know it seems like an easy choice to those of us who want you to fight with everything possible, but I do understand that the idea of starting again must be daunting.

I sure hope you are able to get to Germany for Christmas. I imagine your family would feel like it was the greatest gift ever.

Wendy Broadfoot said...

It was so great to hear from you again. I can only imagine that you are still relieved, but worried and frustrated at the same time---the decision to have more chemo. This will all be over soon, Olaf, and getting home to your family at xmas will indeed be the best gift ever for all of you.
Take care and keep in touch.

Steve Bell said...

Seems wise Olaf. Sorry it's not OVER over.
xo

Madeleine-MMI said...

Was in Africa the last two weeks with Rebecca and we were talking about you and your courageous fight with Cancer. Love you! Madeleine

Anonymous said...

thinking of you today. <3