Chemo VI

On Friday Shanean had her sixth and hopefully last chemo session. Prof Joshua was there this time so we found out a bit more info.

The scan she had has shown no active cancer cells. This means that the chemo has been a success, so the next step is to have another scan in three weeks just to double check. If this one is also clear (which he expects it to be) then chemo treatment will cease

There will be intensive scanning over the next 2 years. This is the high risk period for relapse. Her first scan will only be 1 month away, the next one 2 months, and so on, gradually lessening the frequency as the two years go on.

The relapse rate is around 33%, so the odds are in her favour. Treatment for relapse is not just chemo again, but will require hospitalisation, stem cell transplants and intensive chemo - full on

Shanean is not feeling too well after this session, feels like food poisoning again. She says she can always smell and taste the chemo drugs which makes it even worse. No vomiting or intense nausea though so not all bad. The thought of this being the last one also would take the edge off. It was lucky that she felt reasonably good with the middle chemo sessions so the anticipation and dread of the upcoming sessions wasnt as intense

We also found out this week that my Aunt Julie has been diagnosed with Lymphoma - the same one as Shanean and Aly McBeal. So that makes three. Trust theres not something in the water