Thank you, tjperry, for your response. The national shortage of cisplatin made the decision for me. I will have my sixth and, hopefully final, Carboplatin infusion on Tuesday followed by an additional 7 radiation treatments for a total of 33. I had to get IV magnesium this week and am on a supplement now to try to avoid having to delay the chemo. Since I understand that the Carbo is to act as a radiosensitizer for the radiation, the dose is fairly low and, thankfully, I have tolerated it so far.
Despite my best efforts to eat, I have lost a lot of weight. Then, just to keep things interesting, my whole family and I came down with Covid after managing to get through the entire official pandemic unscathed. Fortunately, my treatments continued uninterrupted.
Because I am getting pelvic radiation 5 days a week, pain management in my vagina, urethra, and rectum is a challenge as is controlling the diarrhea. Regardless, I am grateful for the doctors and nurses who are so crucial to the treatments. They are kind and eager to help. I was told today that I will need to use vaginal dilators when the treatments are over. Another new adventure!
I imagine there is not one of us who does not live with the fear of cancer returning and of unforeseen long term/late effects of the poisons used to treat this disease. I understand that neuropathy is always a concern and hope that the acupuncture continues to help yours. Thank you again for your prayers and concern. I will continue to hold you in my thoughts.