The Chemo is Working!

Good news! My PET CT scan on Wednesday revealed that the tumors in my lymph nodes and liver are shrinking! Many of the smaller spots in the original scan were not even visible in the recent scan. Two of the largest tumors reduced in size by half. I was very, VERY happy with the results, and so is my doctor. I am still not sure if my chemo cycle will be changed yet. I do have a big dose this Thursday. But knowing that the meds are doing their job - that all the sickness and exhaustion is worth something - I am relieved.

I have so many cancer fan shout outs to make to friends and family. I am feelin the love, people! I love all the meals, the Kelty's funny videos and cards, co-workers pasta dishes and desserts, my mom and dad taking me to my chemo treatments, Kristin's bag 'o meals, Chris tending to me while I moan... I could go on and on. Prayers and words of support are getting me throught this as well.

I know I am going to beat this- and am inspired and encouraged by everyone. Hugs and kisses to all!

Getting PET Scan Next Week!

After last Thursday's big chemo, I finally started to feel better on Wednesday. Then yesterday, I was back in for another herceptin dose, followed by an exam by my oncologist. Prior to the exam, her nurse assistant told me that I needed to have three more big chemo treatments before my cycle would end. Last week's treatment (the third of three) left me worn out, nauseous and feeling horrible for six days, so that news was devastating to me.

So, I put on the cloth gown, prepared myself to hear I have two more months of chemo, and soon my oncologist came in for the exam. She felt the lymph nodes under my arm, which two months ago were very swollen and sore. The swelling and pain was gone! She said it was time for another PET/CT scan to check the status of the tumors. If they have been reduced in size (which the lymph nodes certainly have) my chemo treatment schedule might be reduced – preferably to something less harsh.

I was thrilled with this news! I scheduled the scan for next week, and will hopefully find out if the meds (aka poisons) have been working. My doctor seemed to be optimistic about the results. For me, this was the positive boost I needed. Whether or not the treatments have shrunk the tumors, at least I will have an update soon. For an ‘impatient patient’ like myself, knowing SOMETHING is better than nothing, and I ‘think’ that what I will find out will be worth the pain. This all can’t be for nothing, right???

Everyone who continues to pray for me, make meals for my family, offer to help with my kids, shopping, rides, sending positive vibes, blog comments, cards, etc.--- I can’t thank you enough for being present in my life. I know my ‘adventure’ will continue – the road is ahead may have peaks and valleys. But as long as I have friends and family with me on the path, I will be OK.

I am sick of feeling sick

It's been five days since I had my last 'big' chemo and I am STILL feeling lousy. Granted, I have felt gradually a tiny bit better every day since Friday, but still, I am tired, nauseous, shaky, etc. I am a terrible patient because I can't stand slowing down. It is awful. I want this to be over.

Sorry friends. I can't be positive today.

Group Therapy is Cool

On Wednesday night, I attended my first group therapy session through the Life with Cancer Center - which is part of INOVA's treatment centers. My group included four other women with metastatic breast cancer and a counselor from the program. It was very interesting to hear their cancer stories. All of the women were in different stages of treatment, some for several years. Of the four, two of them had breast cancer that spread to the liver, and three of them had it spread to their bones. Comparatively, I was in the earliest stages of treatment, and the youngest in the group.

It was a rewarding experience for me. I learned about many treatment plans that include oral chemotherapy meds, found out about a wig store in Alexandria that has cancer products, and discussed how other people react when we tell them about our cancer. The counselor suggested that my kids attend group therapy that Life with Cancer offers, which seems like a good idea. I will definitely go to the group session next month, and best of all – its free!

Today I had my Herceptin treatment. One of the women in the group heard that Herceptin is extremely effective with my type of receptor cells. She said she wished her cancer cells were HER-2 positive so she could be treated with Herceptin!

I am doing pretty well on the weeks where I do not receive the ‘big chemo.’ The most annoying side effect is that I still get tired when I do physical activity for very long. I almost feel guilty with all of the wonderful meals I am receiving from families. My kids said to me tonight as they gobbled down some delicious salmon and potatoes, “We could get used to this!” I did not say out loud to them, but I thought, “They must like other people’s meals because even before cancer, their mom never cooked!” I just told them to thank the families and be grateful that we have so many people who care about us.

My next big chemo is a week from today, and needless to say, I am not looking forward to the aftermath. At least I know what to expect. And at least I continue to receive prayers and help from family and friends. And at least I am not alone. And at least I have a future to look towards. And at least my hair will grow back one day. And at least I have hope that this is all going to be ok. Well, on most days, I do. At least.