Well, I think I have actually become an addict, a chemotherapy addict. After looking at my schedule for the next month and a half, I realized that I could get in another round of chemo before they started my testing and harvesting of my stem cells. I even talked Dr. Obenchain into going a fifth round of this stuff. Who in their right mind asks for more chemo treatments? I can just see it now, when I get done with that round I’ll be sneaking in the back door of the hospital to see if I can get a hit of chemo every now and then at what ever the cost. They get you hooked just like crack.
To me it makes sense. If the goal is to reduce the amount of cancer cells in my blood before they do the harvest, why would they want me to be away from chemo for over four weeks. It would seem to me that more cancer cells would grow during that time verses the chemo wiping more out. Thank God, I watched all of those medical shows over the years.
Now I just have to convince Dr. Mickael at the Mayo Clinic that I am not a nut job (I realize that this will not be an easy task.) At this point, he is against it, but I haven’t had a chance to give him my point of view. I could use the old Chad Everett line on his aspirin commercials back in the 80’s. He had been a doctor on a long running show called “Medical Center.” He actually said during the commercial, “I’m not a doctor, but I played one on TV and I recommend….” Well, I drove by the UC Medical College a few times before I graduated, so I probably know more that one of the experts from the Mayo, so we’ll see.
After chemo treatment 13 and radiation treatment 19. I made matters even worse by finishing up my taxes. This was one of those years where I just kept putting it off. I had the majority of it done, but this was one of those years that was a little more interesting with the move and two states to file. I had two jobs and we sold some stock, not to mention the four mortgages that we have right now. I’m not sure which was worse, radiation, chemo or taxes. I did get help from my new boss. Scott Luther was recently promoted to the CFO position here and I thought, why not? My guess was that he might know a little about taxes. He was at a Diamondbacks game, but I felt my taxes were far more important. Strangely, he confirmed what I thought so I was able to finish the torture.
Scott’s an interesting guy. Came from the same company as my old boss, Kevin, who was also promoted. Scott had become the closest thing I had to a lunch buddy before the big promo. We’ll have to see now if that turns into an opportunity for me to do some sucking up. Shortly after he started I found out that his dad was just a couple years older than me. I feel old enough without that.
Those of you reading this might thing he's kidding about this. I'm convinced it's very real. When I told him the Mayo called and said "No Round 5" -- they want him to have a break and be physically recovered and strong before going into the transplant., there was the sheer reaction of panic and fury. "They just don't understand" and he's determined to negotiate another round.
ReplyDeleteHe even has a call out to Dr. Obenchain (his hot general oncologist who he convinced to go another round) to get her to call the Mayo's Myeloma specialist.
I was talking to another friend who has fought cancer for many years and she confirmed this addiction. Apparently it's something every survivor who sees results from the treatment fears. You stop chemo and the cells will start growing with a vengeance.
So watch out Dr. Mikhail -- Dr. Churan studied under the best: Dr. Gannon at Medical Center, Dr. Ross and Greene at County General, Dr. Westphall at St. Eligius, and Dr. Shutt at Chicago Hope!