14 February 2011 - Cancer Centre, Old QE Hospital

Deb, Kate and I on a visit to Southport, October last year

Visited cancer centre today following Deb's completion of her third cycle of PCV chemotherapy. Deb had only minor side effects during this cycle. She has not had any significant headaches and her bouts of dizziness have been minimal. She has been a bit nauseous and tends not to finish meals but generally Deb has felt really well.

Deb had an MRI scan on 16 January. Today we met Dr Sanghera to discuss the results and consider the next cycle of chemotherapy.

Scan Results

The results of the scan were positive. The overall size of the tumour was slightly reduced and the 'active' (Grade IV) area was about the same size as on the previous scan (9 September 2010). This shows the chemotherapy has been effective. Dr Sanghera was pleased with the results and Deb's general health.

Blood Tests

The blood test today showed Deb's red blood cell count and her platelet levels were low. The platelet level was of particular concern (Deb = 61; bottom of normal range = 140). About 2 weeks ago Deb had a bleed into her left eye and has developed a number of bruises on her legs. Dr Sanghera said this was due to a low platelet level which would have reached its lowest level 2 weeks ago (he said 'nadir') about 4 weeks after the chemo was administered. (He said spontanous bleeding was only likely to occur with platelet levels below 10). He thought that Deb's platelet level would be increasing now but wanted chemotherapy to be delayed for a week to allow levels to rise further. Deb will return for a further blood test next Tuesday (22 February) and providing the platelets have recovered (>100) will start her next cycle of chemotherapy. If platelet levels are still low then he would consider whether a blood transfusion was necessary.

Steroids

Deb has been on a dexamthasone dose of 4 mg per day since she stabilised after her operation in July last year. We discussed reducing the dose. Dr Sanghera reviewed the scans and thought that the fluid (oedema) levels in her brain looked similar (September 2010 compared with January 2011). He thought that Deb could start reducing her steroid dose but suggested that this was done very gradually. As a start Deb will have doses of 4 mg and 2 mg on alternate days.

Overall this was a positive visit. Deb had been very concerned about the results of the scan and has not slept well over the past week. To get good positive news was a great relief.