Wednesday night I was finally released with a new plan. The scans showed noticeable spread in my spine in the last three weeks, and some new tumors, too. That said, the pain and weakness is the result of the original tumor in my L3 vertebrae. Because it has already been subjected to radiation it won’t respond to a second dose. Surgery is out, as is gamma knife. So the only thing we can do is step up the pain relief to the next level. I now have two morphine prescriptions – one fast acting and one timed release, plus a high powered steroid for inflammation. So far (except for a slight confusion as to timing yesterday) they seem to be working. I take each twice a day at the same time, so by tomorrow it will be a convenient schedule and should work out. Today I’ve been just fine so I have my fingers crossed. Tues I meet with Dr Margolin and I guess I’ll be seeing here more often rather than less.
The hospital stay was interesting on a variety of levels. First, I continue to be very satisfied with the UW hospital staff. And because it’s a teaching hospital I saw a LOT of docs, residents, fellows, senior muckity-mucks and medical students with their advisors and mentors. A particularly good meeting was with a 2nd year student for about an hour and a half. I don’t know how many terminal patients he’s had face to face with, but it was good for both of us and I felt quite pleased that the advisor brought all four students in later on to meet with me to get my perspective.
What happens from here? The girls and I agree that we want to make it possible for me to stay in the houseboat as long as possible. Amy has offered her place if the time comes, but the problem is the stairs, plus my place is so cool I really don’t want to move unless I have no choice. Rick and Joyce (my neighbors/friends/landlords) are wonderful. The weakness is not going to go away and Joyce recalls some of the issues she had when she was fighting leukemia here, so they are adding grab bars in the bath and some really cool, nautical but useful rails outside and on the ramp to minimize my risk coming and going. I don’t need them now, but will eventually. And what’s still sort of ironic is the place the melanoma is actually most dangerous is the stuff in my liver, but so far no manifestation of those. Keep your fingers crossed!
One more change is I really have to refrain from driving. Not only am I constantly on high doses of morphine now, but I worry about the brain tumor acting up unexpectedly, so I won’t drive unless I absolutely have to. I did get a handicapped permit I can use and Joyce, the kids and my friends will all ferry me around so I should be OK. Plus I have a deli and several good restaurants within walking distance. Should be no problem, but no more Porsche cruising, I guess.
Enough for now. Good to be home, going out to the movies tonight and dinner with a buddie tomorrow, so back to normal.
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