I'm Number Two - or deja vu all over again

Received wonderful news from my oncologist. The drug trial is back on again. Yippee!! I'm very excited as this is not only my best treatment option, but also the one that will produce the best tolerated side effects. Fortunately, the clotting issue that was discovered earlier translates into closer monitoring of my progress during the trial as well as speedier remedies should any issues develop. So double good news on that front.

The pre-trial testing has already begun. I had a chest x-ray and first round of blood tests on Wed when I was at the Cancer Agency meeting with the oncologist. I have a MUGA scan scheduled for Monday, and a bone scan on Wednesday. I will then take a brief break to enjoy the aforementioned trip to Vegas before getting a CT scan on January 28. Given the amount of radiation I'll be exposed to over the next while, I can likely forego any Christmas light display this year - I'll soon be able to illuminate the neighbourhood enough on my own!

Tentative start date for the drug trial is the week of February 7. My first visit will be an eight-hour ordeal during which I'll have several blood tests at regular intervals. After that, I'll be able to take the meds at home - they are oral medications. For the first month, I will have to report back to the Cancer Agency at least once per week for regular monitoring. In subsequent months, it will be every two weeks. There will, however, be another eight-hour session like the initial one some time around week nine (I think) of the trial program.

I'm prepared for the possibility of the usual side effects - fatigue, nausea, diarrhea - but will have to get accustomed to the likelihood of adding night blindness to the mix. Then again, I've never enjoyed driving after dark.

I will have to stay close to the Cancer Agency for the six month trial period, so my earlier plans to travel will be put on hold for the time being - aside from the Vegas trip which fits in nicely between the pre-trial tests. On the up side, I'll be able to get the garden in decent shape after a rather neglectful 2010. Heck, I might even approach a UFO (unfinished object) or two. (Yes, Penny, I know a blanket has been sitting on my loom for 3+ years now.) Hope to also use the opportunity to tick some more things off ye ol' bucket list - like an intro fencing class.