[cancer] Yesterday’s oncology consultation
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Yesterday Lisa Costello, Dad and I met with one of the oncologists from my clinic. The topic of discussion was my response to the Regorafenib. I have been experiencing a number of side effects, including incipient mouth sores, a sore and swollen tongue, loss of appetite, emerging food aversions, lower GI disruption, disrupted sleep patterns, and hand-foot syndrome. We did some bloodwork beforehand which indicated largely normal blood chemistry, though my liver functions are trending poorly. Among other things, my bilirubin levels have doubled in the past month. The oncologist was unsure whether this was a function of my progressing tumors or a function of the Regorafenib, or both.
We discussed the extent of my side effects, and that I can expect them to get worse in the coming week. We have permission to go off the Regorafenib if any of this becomes unbearable. They thought I would see a plateau of side effects by the end of the second month.
Additionally, due to the mobility impairment from the hand-foot syndrome, I received the paperwork for a disabled parking permit. I need to pursue that with the DMV now, which should be simple enough.
I will be undergoing another round of bloodwork in two weeks, and seeing the oncologist at that time. Followup scan won’t be until the second half of July.
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Never give up…
There are some swish-and-spit painkillers out there for mouth and tongue pain which you might ask your MD about; I know they’re not a total panacea but they might help somewhat. Really sorry about the PPE; that SUCKS and there is very little that reliably helps other than icepacks and corticosteroids 🙁 I very much sympathize. Hugs.
I am glad to see you are positive enough to follow up on things that can help, like a handicapped parking permit.
The parking permit should be easy. I got a temporary after last year’s medical issues. Take in the MD form, walk out with the tag. At least here in LC. Can be done by mail (IIRC) but unless there’s a long line the in-person is quick and the permit is issued immediately. And a third party can go get it so you don’t have to personally stand in line.
appreciate the update on the side effects. with you in spirit through reading.
I got your post through Chris who is mother to my niece and nephew. An acupuncturist could probably help you with your side effects if you are able to stay still for the needles.
Fuck. Cancer.
I hope the plateau comes sooner rather than later.
Sometimes you deliver news in such a matter of fact way I have to re-read to understand just how much you are going through right now. I am always thrown by your use of “normal”. Always hoping this means “better” but it doesn’t, it means “normal” for where you are and just that.
And it all stinks.
And I wish it didn’t.