Back in May, when I wrote my last treatment related post, I thought I'd be writing the follow up in no time. I thought that was sort of a part one, and a few weeks later I'd have all the info about the Zometa infusions, the cost, and have tried going back on the AIs again and have some idea what decisions I was facing....
But why? Why did I think that that?! If there is one thing I've had to learn about cancer in the last 2 years, it is that nothing is ever so simple. All answers are vague, and all conditions are transitory, everything takes forever. But I feel I should offer some follow up. I went in for my first Zometa treatment, which one way or another I will get every six months for the next four or five years. I felt really weird and out of it immediately, was sick and in pain for about two days, then I was fine. Not too bad. Then I waited in vain to receive a bill telling me the cost of it (it depends on--well, a number of factors. It's complicated.) Two months later, I still don't know. However! I did locate a foundation which will, probably, pay for my future Zometa treatments! This is fantastic news. The best. Hooray!
As for the pills-- I started taking them at an extremely low dose. All was/is well. However, new information I've found/emerging studies suggest that the entire premise of my treatment may be flawed. Currently, I am aiming only to keep my estrogen levels down, on the assumption that the reason these pills work so well in trials is because they do that effectively. New studies, however, are indicating that it may be more complicated. This is terrible news for me, because I may not be able to tolerate the full dose. But I'm going to try to raise my dosage a little bit at a time and see how much I can manage, at least, and then go from there. It's a long, unending process, in any case. No answers are forthcoming very soon.
And as for me? I am extremely well. I feel healthy, I'm active and cheerful; what more could I want? I am, finally, feeling glad to be in SF again; and I'm planning my next escape, in the form of a month in NYC (Sept) and I'm happy about that as well. It will be good for me, I love New York, and it will be short and I'll be back here quickly and that will be good also. It was lovely to hear from you all after my last post; don't be afraid to comment! Or not is fine too. But I always like to say hi to you.
