I met with several oncology staff specialists yesterday, but missed an x-ray I was not told was scheduled. Nothing on the books until Monday…a meeting with a researcher to determine whether I qualify for one or more clinical trials and a brain MRI to determine whether some noticeable stumbles the doctor saw in my gait might be caused by migration of cancer to my brain. The MRI is scheduled late (6:45 p.m.), suggesting they will want me here on Tuesday. Ach! I guess I will have the x-ray on Monday.
If I were to have M.D. Anderson take full charge of my treatment, I would have to relocate to Houston during the course of treatment. That’s not an option I would consider, so it’s either a trial or nothing, at this point. The doctor concurred with my Hot Springs oncologist that the latest PET-scan showed the cancer worsening. No one can tell me what that means, in terms of time. Most of what I’ve read suggests “improvements” in survival rates/times with new treatments tend to be modest. But I don’t know what that means…survival improvements from what base?
I have mixed feelings about whether spending time seeking unknown extensions or spending that time enjoying whatever time is left. Both are unknowns…weeks, months, years. I thought this process would give me a spurt of optimism. It seems to be doing just the opposite.
Time will tell.
