Scan Update, Platelets, And Coming Out

It has been a while since I've updated and the natives are getting restless. Things here have been very busy. I'm back to work at least some every single day. This makes me very happy and is a sign that my energy is way up. I'm allowing myself to take it easier in the mornings if needed, so that's probably helping overall.

We were in Houston last week for a scan. As many of you know, The scan showed no new growth and continued improvement in the inflammation. I started chemo on Tuesday of this week and on Wednesday they called to tell me that my platelets are low and that I should discontinue. I will have blood work done here next week and if my levels are where they should be, I can do the chemo. As a person who needs some control, being off schedule is stressing me out a little. I'm trying to let go of that. Jane and Kim have established a strategy with my lymphocytes that we may try for the platelets as well. First, Kim tears them down, "You better get your shit together. Vacation is OVER. Quit being slackers and do your damn job." Then Jane comes in and builds them back up, "You really are amazing. The work you do is outstanding. And even though you have been slacking, I know it's because you are feeling stressed that you aren't going to succeed. The thing is, we know you are going to succeed. You've done it for years! You are not alone. This is a team effort. We love you." We have no evidence that this approach is working, but we're staying the course!

My diet is continuing to go well and I believe that my weight has stabilized. The other day I went to the restroom, unbuckled my belt, and only later realized that I never had to unbutton or unzip. That's how large my clothes are. Again, don't hate. I do not recommend this weight loss strategy. I tried to wear professional clothing to a dinner last night and none of my size 6 suits fit. I guess that means some new suits sometime before I get back into the classroom, which shouldn't be for a while. My glucose is volatile but consistently under 100. I sent all of my data (i.e., food and nutrients since March and glucose measurements since June) to some researchers at University of South Florida. I'm considering visiting with them after the holidays to discuss compliance, as they are designing a clinical trial looking at ketogenic diets with traditional GBM treatments. The people involved are concerned that patients will not be compliant and they want to know the obstacles, tools, etc. I'm hoping to be able to help.

People are always commenting on my attitude, focus, etc., for handling the daily grind and full time job that is cancer. "Living la vida glioma" is not for sissies. I get up in the morning, assess how I'm feeling, take and log my glucose, eat a predetermined breakfast, log that, allow it to digest so my stomach won't cramp, take care of personal hygiene, and then go to work. On days that I have things in the evening, I go in a little later to conserve energy. Every meal is an ordeal,every bite is logged. I can't even have a mint after a meal on my way out of a restaurant because it's sugar. I have to carry snacks and water in case there is no food avialable, which means planning. I get up every day and tell myself that I don't have to love La Vida Glioma, but I do have to put one foot in front of the other and do whatever needs to be done next. How do I do this? Many of you already know, and some of you do not. I'm outing myself in the hopes that other cancer survivors might be able to use the same or similar tools. I've been in recovery from substances with the help of the 12 steps for over 24 years. Because I have been practicing the tools of recovery from that disease, it was so natural to use those same tools for this disease. I have never done any of the steps perfectly, however, these are the tools that I strive to live by every day, one day at a time.