Tomorrow, March 13, 2017, I will begin salvage chemotherapy (AKA “2nd line chemo”). I had my “Smart Port” placed on Wednesday. Initially, I was scheduled for a PICC line, as with prior treatment, but the port requires much less maintenance.

I spent the better part of this past month researching alternative routes. Naturally, more chemo was the last thing I wanted. … but this is it. Yes, there are phase II or II studies, but as such, these wouldn’t be covered by my insurance. Also, since some are still in the relatively early stages of development, the outcome is even less specific than salvage chemo / high-dose chemo/stem cell transplant.

I am trying to refrain from looking that far ahead.

I have to begin with this option, at least. Trust me; I was tempted to buy a one-way ticket to some random, far-off country. I still entertain this idea in daydreams – I won’t lie. However, I must at least begin this, try it, and hope for the best.