First of all, the other chemo drug is carboplatinUM.
A few days ago I met with my Neuro-Oncologist. We devised a plan going forward. I have a weekly blood test to monitor certain levels. After my next blood test coming up in a few days I’m going to take a seventh round of the CCNU chemo. Although I could technically take it immediately, waiting a few days longer gives my body more time to recover. I seem to respond well to treatment so being “on treatment” is preferred. “Well” meaning I tolerate it, I don’t get “too” sick, and the tumors don’t seem to get bigger. “Too” meaning I only vomit sometimes, I only shiver and sleep uncontrollably sometimes, and I have only lost some weight and some strength. So one short term goal is to extend “treatment.” I’ll have some more appointments and blood tests and another MRI (at least) after this round of chemo. Then we’ll reassess things and that information will help determine whether to do an eighth round of CCNU or if seven was enough.
If there are any issues or something goes awry the carboplatinum is there, ready to be utilized. To recap: I’m going to take my seventh round of CCNU soon. That will be followed by monitoring and testing which will help determine the next step. Kicking the can a little ways down the road. The next step could be an eighth cycle of CCNU, it could be starting carboplatinum infusions, it could be nothing. Time will tell.