Here's the plan, Stan...

Even though last week's violation of my body in various ways was pretty awful, it was well worth it to get the news I've received in the past two days ---> a clear, detailed treatment plan.  As originally suspected, treatment will be heavier on the radiation than on the chemo, so the first step was to "simulate" the radiation experience.  At this appointment, the goal is to find the best position to have you in on the table in order to both effectively treat the cancer, and protect my precious kidney cargo.  I have to say, I thought having digital photos taken of my butt bits was humiliating, but that was nothing compared to this appointment.  I was basically laying on a hard as a rock table with all my good parts hanging out for the world to see at which point wires were place, drawings were made, and tattoos given.  Luckily, though, the first position they put me in ended up being the big winner, and it is NOT ass up!!  Dr. Sood thought that lying on my back would give him a better chance of being able to both visualize, and not treat my kidney.  Bonus for me:  Dr. Sood showed me, in great detail, my CT scans!  It was both very cool (not only could I see the tumor and the insanely large lymph nodes, but he showed me Mini Mo', as well...and she's HUGE!!!), but also a bit scary as it gave me visual of just how close the kidney is to the left lymph node he is treating.  Like, just a few centimeters close!  But I left his office feeling confident that he is confident...or, at the very least, confident in his abilities to do the very best he can.  I'm pretty ok with that.  My first treatment is next Wednesday morning, and I will go every day Monday-Friday until October-ish.

This morning, Jen and I went to see Dr. B to discuss the chemo side of treatment.  I will be getting two cycles of chemo on days 1-4 and 29-32 of radiation.  For those in the know or the nerds in the group, I will be getting 5FU (I know, right?!?!  FU!!!  Love it.) continuous for the 4 days, with a bolus dose of Mitomycin on the first day of each cycle.  The side effects for each medication are similar and include the usual hair loss, mouth sores, GI distress, and bone marrow issues (drops in blood counts).  I'm hopeful that because of the reduced amount of chemo, the side effects will be manageable, at best, but I'm also realistic and prepared for whatever I get.  Dr. B also confirmed that I will have a Mediport placed to facilitate treatment.  Long story, short, with the port in, I'll be able to get the chemo infusion started on the first day, and then go home with a pump that will infuse the rest of the meds over the four day cycle.  I'm sure it will be super stylish!  I may need a fanny pack.

So.  For those who want to play along at home, here is what's on the agenda next week:

Monday:       Mediport placement
Tuesday:       Recovery from said Mediport placement
Wednesday:  First radiation treatment/meeting with Dr. Sood
                     Meet with Dr. B for chatting and bloodwork
                     Chemo:  cycle one, day one
Thursday:     Radiation
Friday:         Radiation

Add to this craziness one of my best friends having a baby girl on Monday, and we have a recipe for an action-packed week.  I guess I will just have to break out the extra large sassy pants!