We met with the oncologist today. Blood results came back and everything was in the ideal range. Tumor markers have returned to their normal levels; kidneys, iron, white blood cell count, etc. are all fine. So, thankfully there is nothing to report. Next week, I return for my final round of chemo. Around the end of February, I will have another CT scan done to see what residual masses, if any, remain; of course, the less, the better.
Then, best case scenario, I will go on a long-term regime of surveillance. The doctor didn't discuss this, but from what I have read online, this consists of regular blood tests and CT scans. Worst case (ok, maybe not WORST case,) I would need the "chicken dinner" surgery to remove any remaining masses. I call it the chicken dinner because it reminds me of cleaning a chicken. The masses would be removed from the lymph nodes and possibly lungs. This would most likely be performed laparoscopically, thank goodness. Apparently there are a few doctors in San Diego who perform this surgery, but hopefully that is a bridge I won't even see.
So that's the latest and greatest, and I couldn't have asked for better news.
What great news! Chicken dinner, I may never think of it in the same light again.
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