Update on Amy

I went to see my oncologist today with a copy of the latest scans (taken on Tuesday) and blood tests.  The scans showed that there was some progress of cancer in the liver and the blood tests show that my tumour markers continue to rise (the last 3 have been steadily increasing).  So, we are now on to the next treatment. 

I will be going back to a chemotherapy treatment starting tomorrow (Saturday).  The chemotherapy is called Xeloda.  The good thing is that it is in a tablet form so I don't have to go in to hospital for IV infusions.  The bad thing is the list of possible side effects (again).  The worst sounds like possible sore hands/feet (peeling of the skin on palms of hands and soles of feet).  I guess the good news is that I shouldn't lose my hair (although this seems to bother other people more than me - I would happily be bald for the rest of my days if the treatment was working!).  I will do 14 days on the tablets and then a 7 day break.  During the break period I will have blood tests done and visit the oncologist to monitor how we are going.  My white cell count is a bit low at the moment so the doctors are keen to keep an eye on that. 

My first cycle I will only take the tablets for 7 days as I am booked in to have my gall bladder removed on 17 December.  An early Christmas present!  One thing is certain, life is not dull here in the Hickman family!