Next.....

As most of you know my tumor markers went up again. I have been through all the CT Scans and PET tests and while it has resolved in my lung and my liver and I believe my scapula my sternum stayed the same and there were new locations in my spine and gleniod. Which brings me back to the oncologist for my next step. Two drugs were an option one of them Xeloda was a part of a two arm clinical trial which is what we chose. I did not get the new drug which is in its 3rd and final stage of the trial, Xeloda was the winner. The selection process is similar to flipping a coin. I began taking it that evening, my total dose is 4300 mg. 5 pills in the a.m. and 5 again at night. This is still chemotherapy although in a pill form so administering it yourself by taking the pills is a bit of a psychological challenge. It is one thing to go in and have a nurse plug you in, another entirely when you are giving it too yourself, swallowing those pills can be tough if you let yourself think about it too much. So far I am doing quite well, there have been a few rough days but I am adjusting. I am still part of the trial so I will be closely monitored every 6 weeks. The schedule for Xeloda is 15 days on 7 days off, I see the Dr. on the 8th and 15th day. As long as I respond to this and my body can tolerate it I believe I will continue to take it. All of these drug options are available due to the continued fight for a cure which makes the 5 sisters for the cure walk all that more important. Without the money for research these options would not be available for women and men fighting this disease. So thank you all for your donations, I am a perfect example of how that money is spent and the importance of continued research for a cure and if we have yet to find a cure the drugs are still being developed to stabilize disease and prolong life.

It could be worse..

While I was in the Doctors office last week I ran into a friend, nurse and fellow survivor who I was really happy to see since I wasn't feeling very well. Talking to someone who has been through chemotherapy is nice because nothing is private or uncomfortable. We talked about all our side effects, how much hair we had if any and where, if we were constipated, nauseous or had diarrhea. Now I will tell you my family is getting really tired of hearing about my bowel movements so when you get the opportunity to talk to someone who knows you cover everything. Just before I was getting ready to go she reminded me, "it could be worse." I agreed. I didn't really think about it until later but my family and I say that all the time. For us, other survivors and caregivers it has profound meaning. Today, it was especially important to remember as we found out my tumor markers went up again. I am scheduled for CT, Bone and PET scans early next week following the results of those we will begin looking for another cocktail. I will be fighting this disease all my life with one treatment option after another. When those options run out than it can't get any worse but for right now there are plenty of drugs, trials and tests with continued research. Don't miss understand I definately screamed, cried and whined over the hand that I have been dealt and having to jump through yet another hurdle it wasn't until after I had my fit that I took a deep breath and reminded myself that, It could be worse but it isn't because tonight I get to put Luke to bed and I get to wake up tomorrow.