Wound Update

I haven't really talked about what's going on in my wound lately. Things haven't gotten better, but it may take time for the Herceptin to work.

The satellite lesions are still there and while they don't seem to be growing bigger, width-wise, one at least, and maybe two or three of them, seem to be growing up and out. Like little Mt. Herminators.

One of the lesions was a red one that was kinda long and skinny (about 1.5 to 2cm long and 0.5 cm wide). This is the one that has definitely grown out and is now about 2.0-2.5 cm long and maybe a little bit wider, but it is taller and now has white growing at the end.

In October, the white represented "slough" or dead tissue that was debrided over a few weeks. I'm kinda hoping that this white stuff is slough, although it seems more like an intact bump (meaning the white doesn't come off when I touch it with the gauze).

There is also more slough within the wound. A couple of places were bleeding a little bit yesterday, representing a breakdown in the outer layer of skin. I don't know how to interpret that.

So, it's a wait and see game. Dr. K finally talked to Dr. D from UW and in February, if Herceptin doesn't seem to have done the trick, then I may start using the Imiquomod, an ointment that is effective against some kinds of skin cancers. And, maybe surgery. I see Dr. F the surgeon next week.

So, it's a bit disconcerting. But there are options. I will achieve stable disease sometime soon. I can just feel it.

My mood is good, though, for the most part. I feel like I am being productive at work. I head to Hawaii for a workshop next month (and also taking a few days to play) and have also just made plans to hang out with friends for a couple of days in Vegas in late February.