If it's not one thing it's another in my medical life. I had an appointment with my oncologist last week, routine, look at scan results, lab work etc. It was not a good day at the hospital as they had just upgraded to a new computer system and they told me I would be seeing the PA, which set me off as for 3+ years I had only seen her once and was more comfortable with someone who knew me and my issues. But my oncologist did come in and he was rushed but said my liver numbers were off, bilirubin was up and actually I was slightly jaundiced. It was a bit of a whirlwind appointment as I think he was frustrated with the new system.
I'm also dealing with recovering from an infection and being followed by a different oncologist (from my now stopped clinical trial) so I had lab tests 2 weeks earlier that had no issues. My blood bilirubin had been very low. I have been on IV antibiotics (carbapenam based) for 4 weeks so it's possible that they have affected my liver but of course with cancer who knows if that is having an impact. I guess it's also possible the clinical trial drugs had an impact, but I doubt that as it had been several weeks since I stopped. I also have had a CT scan two weeks prior to this appointment and nothing was mentioned (at least significantly) with liver issues though there are some concerns in that area with small changes. So between the frustrating atmosphere and lab results I left that appointment feeling really discouraged and down. Nothing much to do but ride it out and see where things go. More lab work next week with a follow up.
It just seems that I get one issue addressed and one or more pop-up! My oncologist also wants to discuss where we are going from here. As I have written before i really don't want to continue with chemo. It's not a cure (for me) and I really get affected by it. Though if liver is still wonky trying Irinotecan would not be an option anyway.
I am feeling better since that appointment, went out last Friday evening to a costume party at a local club; hit the local renaissance fair (Maryland) on Sunday with wife, daughter and another couple..so had some fun. I said to my wife that evening after the fair, it was nice to not think about my medical issues for much of the day