Today, I was supposed to have my 6th cycle, which corresponds to the last cycle of chemotherapy (not the last of immunotherapy)... but I had 2 conflicting doctor appointments today. So, best-case scenario, I might have the cycle tomorrow, Friday.
First appointment: hemato-oncologist
It started as usual: small talk, checking blood results, and suddenly she noticed something: high lipase levels. That can mean pancreatic inflammation. Therefore, she suspended my K-GEMOX treatment, ordered related tests and referred me to the gastroenterologist to find out what I might have.
In brief, there's no next treatment cycle for now, until they figure out what's happening with my pancreas or the whole digestive system. The hemato-oncologist told me that Gemcitabine or Pembrolizumab can irritate the pancreas.
I'm happy to get a few days to relax, but now I need to deal with this new surprise box.
Second appointment: cardiologist
This one was shorter and more positive. After checking different test results, he confirmed that my heart is in good shape and my hypertension is under control. No more appointments are needed; I just have to keep taking the daily pill like any 40-year-old man.
What's next?
Cancer patient life never ends, even for those in remission. There's that constant fear, the element of surprise, the stress and anxiety that never end... in this system.
We are now focusing on the next step and living one day at a time. The next steps are: follow up with the gastroenterologist, then return to the hemato-oncologist.
Thanks to our Heavenly Father for sustaining us every day in this system, giving us wisdom, calmness and peace.
When you lie down, you will have no fear;
You will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
You will not fear any sudden terror