I am officially naming today the start of the honeymoon phase of chemotherapy. A wonderful relationship between me and the drugs has begun. We’ve decided to live together, we’re getting along great, and I’d love for every day to be like today.
From a more physiological and much less romantic point of view, however, there will be some bumps along the road.
Chemicals are now coursing through my veins that are interrupting mitosis in my body. Yes, my cancer cells are self-destructing, and I’m gleefully peeing out their lysated corpses now. Some of my normal cells are getting caught in the crossfire, too, but not enough that I’m noticing any symptoms yet from sloughed-off digestive tract cells, hair follicles giving up the ghost, or immune system depression. This will happen; it happens to everyone. This relationship is going to require an investment of effort.
But my mind is clear. All the doubt — will my blood work somehow disqualify me from starting treatment? — and false hopes — were my charts switched with those of some other poor bastard? — before today are gone. I’ve started treatment and will finish when I get my last infusion in 57 days. And at the end, I’ll owe the remainder of my long, healthy life to a geek in the 1960s who mused that cell division looked like iron filings grouping around a magnet, which with the help of another geek or two led him to accidentally discover the clinical application of cisplatin.
Glad to hear there is a honeymoon in all this, Mike. We’re encouraged by your progress.
hope it lasts a long, long time!
Okay, I think I’m on the right page now. Thanks for the directions, via jeni. Love and prayers, Mom
Iron fillings around a magnet – get the frick out of here!