My chemo got delayed this week due to low blood counts; however, the delay allowed us to further investigate some of these other pains and issues I was experiencing. Monday afternoon I got plain XRAYs of my lumbar spine and Tuesday evening I sat in the MRI machine for another couple hours to get complete MRI studies of my lumbar and sacral spine.
The following morning, Wednesday, I returned to my oncologist for blood work to see if I would be able to start my chemo today, though highly unlikely from what everyone was telling me... And they were right! No chemo Wednesday either but I was able to learn the results of my XRAYs / MRI scans: the XRAYs were pretty uneventful; however the MRI scans showed some new lesions in the T-Spine, prompting the need for further MRI studies.
Meanwhile my pain increased and Thursday morning I was admitted to the emergency room for pain control. Sitting, standing, walking and lying down have all become difficult, making my new MRI studies painful but my friend dilaudid came to the rescue and we completed the MRIs last night.
I'm not really sure where we stand now with regards to my treatment plan. Today we're meeting with radiation oncologists to see if radiation can decrease some of these pains and then we're going to meet with the neuro-interventional radiologists to see if there might be a minimally invasive / minimal recovery procedure that would allow me to get back on track with my chemo schedule.
We're also not sure about where we sit with Yondelis anymore and we should be learning about this today too. Because of "progression" / new lesions shown in my T-Spine radiography studies we may be done with Yondelis, which is obviously disconcerting because it's the best drug for my disease today but we'll find out later.
Jeff, I'm lifting you up in prayer as I write this. May God wrap His loving arms around you and free you of your pain and disease. May He Bless you and Autumn and all of your family. May God keep you mentally strong and full of Hope. May God grant your doctors with knowledge and wisdom in your treatment. Amen.
ReplyDeleteJeff and Autumn, thinking of you so much, and hoping, hoping, hoping for some good news. If thoughts can help, there are millions of them with you now and as long as you need them.
ReplyDeleteBrave and honest entry as always, brother. I just wish the last two conveyed better news. Hang in there; all your old pals are thinking about you constantly. I'd be lying if I said reading these didn't make me extremely angry for what you're having to go through, but I know you'll continue to "breathe in hope, breathe out love", as the saying goes. And I'm glad you made friends with Dilaudid...but I'm hoping against hope a day will come when you don't need friends like that. Love ya---BSD
ReplyDeleteKeep your head up buddy. Thinking and praying for you daily. -Niloy
ReplyDeleteI love you Jeffy. I am glad you have gotten some relief from the pain, even if you are doped up on meds! One day at time.
ReplyDeleteLove you buddy, my prayers are for you always. Anything you have to do to not be in pain is fine by me.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and hoping that you're feeling a little bit better.
ReplyDeleteps--as a musician i wholeheartedly advocate drug consumption of any kind;) i only meant that i wish you weren't in pain to begin with.
ReplyDeletethinking of you and hoping you feel a bit better today.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you! My thoughts are with you and hoping you are feeling a little better today!
ReplyDeleteJeff, I am a good friend of Kim's here in Dallas. We have followed your journey and continue to send our love and prayers to you. Be strong. Love,
ReplyDeleteLindsay and Dan Feldman