JZ, diagnosis is a shock, confirmation is a shock.

Having a plan helps. Do the next thing. Then the next. Repeat.

If you will be getting IV chemo rather than oral chemo, is the doctor recommending getting a port? More and more I wish I still had mine. It would make blood draws and contrast injections (and any other IV procedures) a lot simpler and less stressful.

Share as much or as little as you like. We'll all be here, ready to give you whatever support helps best.

If you need any back-channel sounding boards, you know how to reach EpicTangent or myself.

JZ, I’m so sorry that the news wasn’t what I know we were all hoping for. I say lean into that denial. From what I’ve been told my dad lived much longer than he was supposed to purely from denial because there wasn’t much treatment available at that time.

If you will be getting IV chemo rather than oral chemo, is the doctor recommending getting a port?

She's getting the port-a-cath inserted next week (Probably Monday).

If you will be getting IV chemo rather than oral chemo, is the doctor recommending getting a port? More and more I wish I still had mine. It would make blood draws and contrast injections (and any other IV procedures) a lot simpler and less stressful.

Way back when I was discharged from the ER, I told the nurse removing my port that I almost wished I could keep it--the person who'd placed it was so skilled, it had gone in so smoothly and painlessly and never caused even a moment's discomfort. Next week's Portacath has quite a standard to live up to.

I am so sorry that the news is not good. I second sj’s recommendation of leaning into denial. I hope for the best possible port-a-cath insertion on Monday (or whenever it is). And it is good they are taking pain management seriously.

Also, Fuck You Cancer!

JZ, I am so sorry the news wasn't better, and you will have all the prayers and ~ma I can offer for effective chemo and some future clinical trial or other new treatment that will be everything you need.

Fuck, JZ, that sucks AND blows but I’m selfishly glad you are in a place where you can get the best medicine can offer and that you’ve got a great team working with you.

port-a-cath

Where the line runs over the collarbone feels a little weird. Extra padding for any shoulder strap going over that area is a good thing to have.

Extra padding for any shoulder strap going over that area is a good thing to have.

Insider tips appreciated.

Well that sucks, JZ. As askye said, I hope you are one of the patients who give others hope, a long time down the road.

I have a local friend who was in a similar boat (metastasized and inoperable cancer, middle aged white woman working in health care) who has been doing the chemo and clinical trials thing for over 10 years now. They were able to push things back enough for her to take trips to Iceland and Thailand. There’ve been ups and downs, but she’s pulled a good quality of life out of it all. I hope you have a similar experience.