Good news. I was wrong.
I thought for sure my cancer was getting worse and the Cometriq stopped working. Turns out, I was wrong. Mostly.
This week I finally went in to get my labs and scans. I have to be honest, I was VERY nervous and felt all kinds of anxiety about going “out”. I usually don’t have a problem going to the doctors, but my fear of getting the Budweiser virus really made me feel vulnerable. Donning a mask and slathered in sanitizer I got it done. I’m glad I did.
The preliminary results of my labs and scans are that I am either stable or making small progress. Which is WAY BETTER than what I thought was happening. It’s still not great though. It means I’m not making the progress I should be making. And it means that I really underestimated the side-effects of the Cometriq. I’ve been feeling awful and it just seems to get worse every day. So the Cometriq is just really kicking my asparagus. In order for Cometriq to continue to be effective, I will need a higher dose, and I’m not sure I can handle that.
The tumor board captains are meeting on Monday to discuss my results and then on Tuesday, we’ll do a Zoom virtual meeting with my doctor. We will most likely discuss switching to a different drug. Maybe.. just maybe, it will work better and have fewer side-effects. Fingers crossed.
This is not a video
You may have noticed that this post I did not do my “CancerDad123” youtube video. I still may post more videos, but I’m finding the format to be less expressive than writing. I also thought it would be simpler to just record a video and not have to type all my thoughts out. But a video has it’s own drawbacks too. I have to spend 2 hours getting my hair and makeup done before I can make each video! So expect more written posts and fewer videos. Maybe. And expect shorter written posts. Maybe. Unless I feel like writing a lot. Isn’t this fun?
Questions from the peanut gallery
Since we are all bottled up in our little home-bubbles I thought it might be a nice change to try allowing comments on this post. Please refrain from negativity. I’d like this to be an opportunity for friends, family, and casual onlookers to ask me questions, and then I can address them in my next post. Do you have any questions? It could be a question about my cancer treatment, my daily life, mortality, my personal life, or my neighbor’s personal life (because I’m spying on them like crazy!). Keep in mind, if you ask a question on Facebook I can’t see it. So you can comment below, send me a message on Instagram (@cancerdad123) or contact via other means if you know them. Don’t worry about offending me. As long as you ask a genuine question, I will give you a genuine answer. π
I hope you are all safe and well. Hang in there. I think we still have a long road ahead.
Much love.
Budweiser made me lol
I love reading your posts bc i admire the frankness and courage and humor with which you are facing this. Blessings!
You are brave, beautiful, and loved. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Hereβs a question: how is your family doing with shelter in place? Are kids π antsy? Is distance learning working for all?
Hi, Matt! Always a teacher! Thank you for that. How are the kids doing with everything that has changed for them? How old are they, now?
So glad to hear the progress is positive, if smaller than hoped. Budweiser got me too (guess it’s a shared sense of humor). Keep up the posts (in whatever form!) and best of luck on your next review. As for my question: On a scale of 0 to 10 (10 being Mad Max post-apocalyptic nightmare), how are things going in TX?
Michelle Wheeler expressed my thoughts, too. Sending love from John and me, Elaine Stanley
First I just want to say I love you Matt. The depth of your strength and courage and the way you tackle this head on is inspiring. The Budweiser comment made me LOL too. I feel like you have shared everything so I have no questions about your cancer. However, I’m really curious what your neighbors are up to. Much love, Debbie
Stay strong. Hopefully the household isn’t too crazy. Give some love from me to Jaime and the kids along with to you and yours! Love you guys. Stay safe and know you are in my prayers.
You are an amazing person.just know how much you are adored by so many!!! β€ Love reading you blogs and watching your videos!!! Would really love a fun video with the kiddos!!! If they feel up to it?
#TardyStrong