My weigh-in at 189 lbs, the same as last time, is up 18 lbs from my low during the week of the Jack Layton funeral and still about ten pounds more than my normal weight.
Dr.Goldman arrives just as my treatment is about to begin and introduces me to two more hurdles along my journey. The first is a CT scan to check on the status of my tumours.
“Hopefully, more have disappeared by now and the others have shriveled up to benign masses of scar-like tissue,” Dr. Goldman states. “However, some of the encapsulated tumours may still have active cancerous cells so we really should investigate their state with a PET scan.”
He then explains that a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan can reveal cancerous tissue that a CT scan can’t pick up. A tracer (a sugar like substance) is injected into the bloodstream and then is followed to determine whether it builds abnormal tissue.
It all sounded pretty high tech and exciting until I naively asked the price of this procedure.
“It costs about $3,000 for the 45 minute process and it’s not covered by OHIP,” he answers. We’ll start some paperwork today to see if we can find a way to help you with the cost.” Looks like Santa may be carrying a lighter bag for Christmas this year.
Dr. Goldman seems incredulous when I mention that my lungs have felt somewhat compromised lately. After a cursory examination, he sends me off to get an X-ray which proves negative….my lungs are OK…maybe it’s just old age setting in.
My myopic perspective changes dramatically when I return to the chemo room to meet Diana, my Chair 4 compatriot. A 35 year old mother of one, I am amazed with Diana’s familiarity with the nursing staff until she tells me she had been coming to North York for treatment for the past four years. Her breast cancer has now spread to her liver and she shifts her cancer battle to Sunnybrook next week for a different type of therapy. Diana is a high school math and chemistry teacher and our common interest in teens fuels lots of story sharing. She continues to teach despite the demands of chemo and a five year old son. Although almost tearful at times as she described her uncertain future, this warrior princess boldy states that she is filled with resolve to beat her cancer even if it takes four more years.
And here I am, impatient with cancer after exactly five months. What a wimp!
As I prepare to leave the chemo room, I notice a plaque on the wall with the following message. It reminds me of Diana who continues her busy life despite the challenges ahead.
It reads as follows;
The Chinese symbol for crisis has two messages,
one of danger and the other of hidden opportunity.
You may be pleasantly surprised to find something meaningful
and unexpected has resulted from your personal experience with cancer.
Above all, remember that you do have control of your life and
you are the same friend, partner, parent, grandparent, sister or brother,
daughter or son, or colleague you always were.
Cancer is not your life, just a part of it.
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