The tortoise and the hare

There hasn't been much to update on since the previous update.  Something about a watched pot...

Leannda and I got back to Mexico on Sunday afternoon and have been assimilating into Mexican medical life again.  Bloodwork and an ultrasound on Monday, an MRI/detox from MRI contrast on Tuesday, and an interstitial treatment today.  

MRI had ambiance--they play seagull and beach noises through the headphones to join the cacophony of 
bangs, clicks, and horns.  Very soothing.  *cawsplash* (Also, cost update: $230 plus $40 for dvd and printed films)

The good: Labs look great.  Really no major changes, but a couple of levels that would indicate some inflammation--no big surprise there.  The "I'm making cancer" parts are all trending towards "I'm not making cancer."  Not just in a "normal for a cancer patient"way, but in a "normal for a normal human" way, which is very encouraging.  The ultrasound that showed little to no blood flow to the tumors last time shows NO blood flow this time. 

The not really bad, but not really good, but you were also told it would be this way and not to worry about it: the size of the tumors aren't really different, and possibly even a little larger.  The official MRI report isn't back yet with the measurements.

Back to the good: size doesn't matter.  The tumors without blood flow won't be able to survive, and could possibly have dead tissue within them already.  

We can stay the course, as my body is handling it very well, but at this stage, we could also add radio ablation or cryotherapy.  (Consult for that hopefully tomorrow) I wasn't a candidate at the beginning because the tumors were vascularized, but now that's an option to consider to help essentially clean up what PDT has done so far. 

The emotional toll continues to be the most difficult part, but that's been true all along.  Today was a rough day just because all of the things that feel counter to progress (and are normal to good progress) happened.  Getting into the process this far (physically, emotionally, financially, time-wise...) and then having any sense of backsliding really sucks.  Even if it's expected.  I'm very much on-course and my body is still very much in control.  Even if my brain sometimes gets a little bored of tortoise mode and occupies itself with 60 Ways To The Dreads.  Sigh, brain...



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