Injection #1 done!

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Yesterday I had an appointment with Dr Dhesy-Thind. She is a medical oncologist. She reviewed all of my recent scans and agreed with Dr. Marcaccio that it was time to start me on the lanreotide injections. She was very patient and answered all of our questions about the tumours and prognosis.

After she left, the nurse came back in and talked about Lanreotide. She gave us an information package along with a home injection program as well as a financial assistance application. (The injections cost $2,500 each). Along with all of this, she had a prescription for the lanreotide. I was thinking, great, how long is this all going to take? Will they have it in stock? How long will it take to get the financial assistance? I have been waiting so long for all of this.

As it turned out, it only took about 15 minutes. Both our insurance and the assistance program approved the drug and before I knew it, we were back in the office getting my injection!

I am so thankful that it went quickly! I think I am so used to waiting and delays in treatment, that I was a bit overwhelmed yesterday. By the time we arrived home, I was not feeling well and a few minutes later was in a full panic attack. I haven't had one in over 20 years but I still knew what it was. It took about an hour to get through it but with Andrew and the girls assurance, I did.

I know that the injections, if effective, may be something I will have to do for the rest of my life. I'm okay with that (as long as there are no more panic attacks!).

The next step is monitoring. I will have another scan 3-6 months from now to see if the tumours are indeed stable. They will continue to monitor me and if they stay stable, they may still do an ablation or surgery to remove them.

I am so thankful for all of your prayers and support!

1 Peter 1:3-9 English Standard Version (ESV)

Born Again to a Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.


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