We have started the Sunitinib, my latest chemotherapy treatment.However, my doctors are concerned that it is not working because I seem to still have significant tumor growth causing a new bowel obstruction and a lot of pain.Regardless of whether or not this chemotherapy is working my doctors have decided that there are no other good chemotherapy options because of how they might affect my GI tract.Surgery is also no longer an option.Dr. Weldon feels as though the risks outweigh the benefits as surgery is dangerous with all of the scar tissue I have from previous surgeries.I am not eligible for clinical trials until I am off these pain medications and a number of weeks past this bowel obstruction.With that in mind, my doctors have switched their focuses to my comfort and pain control.
This past Saturday, I had my 14th surgey to implant a second, inintrathecal portacath. Dr. Birdie was the surgeon who performed this particular procredue because he specializes in solving pain-related issues through his knowldge of the human spine. This intrathecal access port sits on my stomach, but the medication is delivered to my spinal chord instead of my heart. It is safer than a typical port as it can be accessed for a much longer period of time -- as long as is needed to deliver pain medication into my spinal canal. This device is similar to an epidural, but even more effective
I already feel better from the pain meds, but I am stressed to be back in the hospital and dependent on other people.Even when I get home I will be dependent on other people because I won’t be able to drive while on narcotics.It’s also stressful to be out of treatment options.
Whether or not I am in the hospital or at home I need quiet days to reduce my stress.Please don’t be upset if I don’t want visitors some days.It’s more difficult to heal mentally then physically right now.Thank you for respecting that.
