On Monday 21st May I went to hospital for the 20th infusion of Opdivo. The day before I had the pleasure to trim some of the trees in my father in law’s garden. Some muscle ache was the result but nothing serious. I had a great sense of satisfaction to have contributed with my brother in law, and felt a sense of normal life had returned.
Nothing prepared me for the bad result of the blood test on Monday, which saw 2 values come in much higher than usual. This indicated that liver and other organs had problems. The slightest hesitation of the doctor made me realize that my treatment could be stopped any moment the blood tests were too alarming.
Lucky he decided to continue as planned and I had my infusion. Instead of my usual rest day after infusion, I had planned to join a global meeting. However, I felt drained and when I reached home I knew I would not be able to work the next day. The realization of the severity of my health situation hit me very hard. Ending the Opdivo would leave me with no other treatment option.....
Today I met with old friends at work, and could reduce my worries by just being distracted by discussions and meetings. I also joined the group diner and could enjoy the time together which was the first time in more than 6 months. I do realize (again) that even though I am on a steady path of recovery, this is the last possible type of treatment for me.
Let me pray that everything goes as planned and that this was just a false alarm. In three weeks I will have another blood test followed by the planned infusion, and then I hope the blood test is back to normal.
