Treatments 9 - 13

The second full week was much like the first with respect to side effects. Over the weekend I felt as well as I did last weekend, if not a little better. I’m starting to get self-conscious because of the lack of problems.

I saw my medical oncologist, who I see once every two weeks, on Monday. She is happy with my current condition. One especially encouraging note is that she said patients who experience serious side effects during their treatment show initial signs by the point at which I was then. I realize that doesn’t mean I won’t have any problems, just that the probability of serious problems is small. I assume that as I progress further without problems, that probability decreases more. At least I have convinced myself of that.

On Wednesday I had my weekly appointment with my radiation oncologist. He also is happy with my condition. He has the results of my blood tests each week and informed me that my hemoglobin count rose again. It’s still short of the normal range, but is well above its level in July when my anemia was diagnosed. The radiation will cause it to decrease at some point. I hope it is no time soon.

It’s great to have nearly reached the halfway point of my treatment and feel this good. I don’t expect the second half to go this well, but I have hope that it will not be too difficult.