Update

I wish it could always be December 30th when I go to Penn.  I actually got out of there in 90 minutes today, including the blood draw, the consultation, and the port flush.  That's a record!  There were many available seats in the waiting room, and no wait at all for a chemo suite (I have to go to one to have the flush done). 

Dr. Fox said I could have a CT scan, but that my scans don't read well because my liver is weird.  He said he'd show me, but he didn't get the chance (he's always darting about while Lorelei leads most of the appointment).  I asked how he'd ever determine if I make it to remission if my scans can't be read accurately, and he said that would be based on blood tests.  So I asked about my blood tests, and he told me my numbers had gone down quite a bit and he was pleased with that.  I asked if there was a goal number, and he said no, that he just didn't want the numbers going up.  So I still don't really understand anything.  I can either research or trust him.  I'll decide later.  I am going to have the CT scan, because surely it's got to make some difference in what we know.  I'll get results for that when I return to Fox on January 30th.  Hopefully they'll offer some information.

As for the chemo, Dr. Fox said the only way to cure my hands and feet is to reduce the dosage.  So instead of taking 4000 mg a day I'll be taking 3000 mg a day.  I'm off chemo until next Friday, so I'll have to wait awhile to see how that works.  In the meantime, he had nothing to give me to provide relief.  Except for financial relief:  my copay for the chemo is $300 a month, and Fox gave me a form for the manufacturer to offer assistance.  I hope we get the assistance!

I've only gained one pound since last month.  It feels like more.  I think my weight is good right now, and I'm glad the prednisone face and belly swelling is reducing.