Progress

After a week away, a few things have changed regarding the progress of my treatment ...

While we were on vacation, I finished taking the steroids ... which eliminated the rash completely, thank goodness!  On Wednesday evening, I restarted Sorafenib.  At first, I was ordered to take only half of the original dose, but have since been asked to increase to 400 mg PO BID ... orally, twice daily ... which is full dose.  According to Dr. O'Regan, there have been patients in the past that have had a significant rash, have temporarily stopped treatment, and once they restart ... they don't have the same side effect response.  At this point, almost 4 days later, I have absolutely no itching, no rash, no tender scalp, no numb tongue, no sore feet ... KNOCK ON WOOD! 

Tomorrow, I will have my second PET scan.  This will determine the effectiveness of the oral medication before the start of chemotherapy.  Of course, I will continue taking Sorafenib for the duration of my treatment ... and, from what I understand, it is not uncommon to see very little, if any, change in tumor size within the first month.  I have to admit, though, I would be THRILLED if we actually see SHRINKAGE!

On Thursday, I will be chair bound for seven long hours while I receive my first infusion.  Obviously, I am NOT looking forward to it ... or how I will likely feel afterward.  However, I am looking to the future and hoping that this medication will lead me to a life without cancer ... and to many, many, many years of happiness ...

Here's to a GOOD chance of beating this ... and to finding the strength to make it happen ...