So, I have my regularly scheduled pre-chemo appt with my Oncologist and I get myself on the calendar with my Surgeon to take a peek at the map of my surgical site. My Oncologist is optimistic - she redraws the borders for Monday's map and says that as long as I take my oral antibiotics and the infection begins to recede and the fever goes away, we'll be able to complete the 4th round of AC on Wed. However, she adds, if the surgeon lances any pockets of infection then all bets are off and our plan changes.
I really want to get the 4th ( and last) round of AC over with and I want it to occur in the planned cycle time. There is a specific life cycle of the cancer cell that the AC is targeting and I'm afraid that if we miss it there could be some long term risks. Also there is a lifetime limit on the Adria. It is so effective that I want to get it now while I have the chance and I've already got three rounds under my belt. I am not sure I can even get it again. So, that is where my head is at.
I meet with the surgeon who is very cautious. The site is certainly infected but there isn't an obvious pocket to lance. I get an ultrasound and come back. Still, no obvious pocket to lance. We defer the decision 'til Tuesday. On Tuesday, the site is better but very slowly better, I don't have a fever, but still no obvious pocket to lance. Dr's confer. We defer the decision 'til Wed when I am due for chemo.
I understand the concerns and I very much appreciate my Drs' attention to the risks and making the decision that is best for me with no clear odds. It's essentially a case of balancing short term risk ( The risk of the infection getting worse and spiraling into a dangerous spot when my counts go down after chemo) vs the long term risk of me not getting my chemo per the schedule.
Next stop the infusion chair....
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