Hello All,
So I had my first chemo today at Noon and it was fine.
I'm back on Taxol without Avastin. At some point they may add Avastin back in (nice to know it is an option although the FDA pulled its approval for bc), but for now I can't have it because of my brain needing ample time to heal. I think the brain healing is pretty important so I'm good with no Avastin for now. Also, if I'm not on Avastin there won't me any nosebleeds so that's always nice.
Unfortunately, the good doctor is completely stumped when it comes to this cough. They are hoping that the Taxol will reduce the size of the tumors that they believe are causing blockage, which is causing the cough and once the tumors are shrunk a bit the cough will reduce and ultimately go away. I don't really buy into this whole thing, but I really have no choice so I will just take the Taxol and see what happens with this cough.
They have given me a new pain medication, which is in the form of a patch, which administers the medication 24/7 so we will see how that goes. They wanted to give me Oxycotin, but I refused it. I really don't need to become a head case right now (maybe down the road). The pain will either subside or I will just continue to deal with it.
If the Taxol doesn't kick the cough then I will have to see the Pulmonologist (seeing him this Thursday) again and see what other tests he can administer.
We asked the doctor about a million questions and as usual there are no definite answers. Please know that Wayne and I ask the questions.
6/20/2011
10:00am - chemo
6/27/2011
10:20am - Dr. G and Kelly / chemo
7/11/2011
11:30am - chemo
So folks that is my story. Back for a little more Taxol. Keep in mind that this whole chemo thing is a marathon not a race. I will go from treatment to breaks, back to treatments and back on breaks. The hope is ALWAYS that I will have longer breaks with minimal issues during breaks (like no back surgery, brain tumors, etc.), but chemo on then breaks is my life!!!
I hope everyone has a lovely evening. I must go now to my nephews baseball game.
Love Always,
Maria xo
Monday, June 13, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Results Are In........
Hi All,
The results are in and they aren't real shocking, but better than I thought they would be.
Bone Scan -
no evidence of disease in the bone. This is wonderful news because honestly my upper back and my right arm hurt so badly that I really expected Kelly to call me and say well Maria you have a enormous tumor on your back. So these results were awesome.
CT Scan -
There is new evidence of disease in the right lower lung. The largest newness is 1.5cm, which is the only measureable tumor so the others are mere spots and can be wiped out.
There is new evidence of disease in my right chest cavity, which would be in my lymph nodes.
Now folks keep in mind that new evidence of disease when you have had a brain tumor shouldn't be a real shock. Also, I have been on a chemo break since January so really it was time to start chemo again anyway. (Oh in case anyone is wondering my head still feels good. I haven't had a headache since the morning before surgery. Also, Gamma Knife Radiation is a trip - I mean it's nuts, but it is totally something I could do a few times a year if required)
I will start chemo on Monday morning. Not sure exactly what time yet, but we will be there. Wayne and I will meet with Dr. Gradishar and Kelly and go over the "plan." Once I know more so will you.
I want to thank you all again for your outpouring of love. I appreciate all that you do. If I am a bit out pocket for awhile it's because I am back to work and really just trying to get my life back in order. I haven't been sleeping because of the back pain so some days I am holding on for dear life just trying to get to tomorrow.
Normally this is the moment I would hop on an airplane and head to Marco, but I can't fly anywhere right now and I am certainly not driving. I will just stay put and try to decompress. Lizzy and I went shopping yesterday and I blew some money - that always makes me feel better - thanks Lizzy.
So folks we are headed back to chemo, which isn't a big deal. Heck I may even be on a break and have hair coming in for Cara's wedding in October - now that would be awesome!!!
Have a great night.
Lots of love,
Maria
The results are in and they aren't real shocking, but better than I thought they would be.
Bone Scan -
no evidence of disease in the bone. This is wonderful news because honestly my upper back and my right arm hurt so badly that I really expected Kelly to call me and say well Maria you have a enormous tumor on your back. So these results were awesome.
CT Scan -
There is new evidence of disease in the right lower lung. The largest newness is 1.5cm, which is the only measureable tumor so the others are mere spots and can be wiped out.
There is new evidence of disease in my right chest cavity, which would be in my lymph nodes.
Now folks keep in mind that new evidence of disease when you have had a brain tumor shouldn't be a real shock. Also, I have been on a chemo break since January so really it was time to start chemo again anyway. (Oh in case anyone is wondering my head still feels good. I haven't had a headache since the morning before surgery. Also, Gamma Knife Radiation is a trip - I mean it's nuts, but it is totally something I could do a few times a year if required)
I will start chemo on Monday morning. Not sure exactly what time yet, but we will be there. Wayne and I will meet with Dr. Gradishar and Kelly and go over the "plan." Once I know more so will you.
I want to thank you all again for your outpouring of love. I appreciate all that you do. If I am a bit out pocket for awhile it's because I am back to work and really just trying to get my life back in order. I haven't been sleeping because of the back pain so some days I am holding on for dear life just trying to get to tomorrow.
Normally this is the moment I would hop on an airplane and head to Marco, but I can't fly anywhere right now and I am certainly not driving. I will just stay put and try to decompress. Lizzy and I went shopping yesterday and I blew some money - that always makes me feel better - thanks Lizzy.
So folks we are headed back to chemo, which isn't a big deal. Heck I may even be on a break and have hair coming in for Cara's wedding in October - now that would be awesome!!!
Have a great night.
Lots of love,
Maria
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