marked improvement

yesterday's scan revealed a "marked improvement" in the amount of cancer in my remaining right lung and mediastinum. basically, that means it is shrinking/going away.

so i got to have more chemo today, along with a shot of vitamin B-12 to stave off side effects from the alimta. i don't have to go back until april 15, then i will have a CT scan prior to may 6 or so for more observation.

i loved seeing the "RESPONDING" written large by my medical oncologist at the botton of today's chemo orders. it isn't a cure, but it certainly gives me hope that with these drugs and a pertinent maintenance plan i have a lot left to give.

for now, though, i need a nap. my heart rate was 154 bpm just moments prior to receiving the scan results. by chemo time it had fallen to 100. my medical oncologist had just returned from vacation and i was the first patient she saw today - i'm really glad she gave me good news so i could ask about her vacation! she was happy, too. we all were.

today, chalk one up to the chemo monsters and me. fuck cancer.