It has been a week and I am exhausted.
On Mother's Day, we traveled to Georgia to meet with the doctor for a follow-up. When we got there, we decided to get gas. That might have been the best decision for the entire trip. My uncle came to meet us so we could spend time together. It was great to spend time with family, although it would have been nicer if we were on a true vacation.
The appointment on Monday was not until 1 PM for blood work and then 2:30 PM to meet with the doctor. It was a long day of waiting around. Blood work had a snag when he slipped and ended up having to stick me twice. It ended up bleeding a bit more than normal. Then we waited for the doctor and waited and waited. He was an hour late. He walked in. Told me the genomic testing showed no mutations, which means I am not a candidate of target therapy. My main oncologist suspected this and he was right! Then he told me that they did not have clinical trials for me. He gave me his recommendations for maintenance chemo and then sent me on my way. Fifteen minutes and we were out of there. While I am confident they are medically competent, I was furious this appointment was not telemed. There was no reason for my mom and I to drive eight hours round trip for that information.
I talked to my oncologist in Jax. He is going to get new scans and examine me. Then we will meet with him, his fellow, and the clinical trial researchers. From that meeting, we will make a decision to either move forward with exploring the clinical trial or maintenance chemo. More waiting but we are getting close.
In good news, I am sleeping in my bed again and so far I am not in pain. The cats are happy to have me back in bed. Also, my youngest apparently has decided to begin reading.
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You're an excellent role model for your cats...no wonder at least one is smart enough to enjoy the joys of reading. Can I reccomend Puss N Boots, as a gift book.. It is a classic.
ReplyDeleteSorry about all the Uffdah's with Georgia (the must know you're a Gator). None of this news changes my outlook and support for you....have had your "6" for a while, and nothing is going to change that. It's a Sprint, but a Marathon. From what I've seen, "Strong and Steady Always Wins the Race."
Getting gas in the eastern region was a wise, early move. It’s truly unfortunate the doctor made you travel to GA for something that EASILY could have been telemedicine. I guess the silver lining was the time spent with your Uncle. Glad you made it safely home & the cats gave you an appropriate welcome. I’ll stay tuned to the news as it develops with love & prayers as always. ~Debbie
ReplyDeleteEchoing Unknown's comment re uffda moments (as I am from Michigan) and of course you know I am in the same congregation as Debbie. Always remember you are our team's own Wonder Woman.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this picture of you and your Mom. Hate every moment of the delays and uncertainty...hang in there Tara. Lots of good thoughts and hugs being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteNancy