Seven more weeks update

I totally forgot to blog an update last week.  There's really not to much new to report.  I had my first appointment with my new Oncologist, Dr. Cohen on April 2nd.   His style is totally different than Dr. Tang.  I can't say I liked him very much.  He seems like he is in a big hurry to get rid of me.  I also didn't like that he made a joke about my hearing loss, I don't find that funny.  I struggle with missing what is said to me.   I also got the feeling he doesn't like questions being asked, because he changes the subject and goes onto something else.  All that being said, I will see what my next appointment is like and give him the benefit of the doubt.  

On a happier note, my hair has started to grow back.  Happy about my head but not so much about my facial hair and legs, LOL.  My weight has been staying steady, but I will be vigilant about watching it doesn't start going back up.  It's been great being able to eat things that taste normal.  My love of pasta, french fries and ice cream to name a few.  I don't know if I mentioned a few things that got me through the worst days.  I ate lots of chicken with rice soup, Boost protein shakes and Liquid IV water supplements.  

I'm still struggling with the peripheral neuropathy in my hands and feet.  I would say that's my biggest complaint right now.  It's hard to walk normally when you can't feel your feet.  I 'm constantly dropping things too, because my fingers are numb.  Hopefully this will go away eventually.

I'm looking forward to some warmer weather.  My happy place is outside on my deck, enjoying the warm sun on my face.  Soon the community pool will be opening as well.  I guess I'd better think about buying a few smaller swimsuits.  That will make me happy! 🩱💕😁

Six week Update

1t's hard to believe it's been six weeks since I finished chemo treatments. Yesterday I went back to the infusion center for my first maintenance IV of Keytruda. This isn't something new, I've been getting Keytruda for the past three months along with the chemo drugs. Since it's only one 30 minute IV, I'm not hanging out there all day like before. I only have to go again in six weeks.

 

I received a letter notifying me that my Oncologist, Dr. Tang is leaving RWJ/Barnabas Health. He's moving to Atlanta, Ga. Although I will miss him, I wish him well. I could not have been in better hands.

 

To update the progress I'm making, several things have improved. I had a CT scan to compare with the one I had before I received treatment. The new scan didn't show any abnormalities. In other words, the chemo did its job and kicked a$$. I'm still experiencing numbness in my fingers and feet. My sense of taste is slowly starting to get better. Dr. Tang said my hair should start to grow back as well. I have to work on getting my muscle tone in my legs back. I'm looking forward to warmer weather so I can get outside again.

           I will do another update in six more weeks, until then                            stay healthy and safe 💘🙏🙏💘

Yesterday was the big day!

 In case you are wondering what this picture is, it's me ringing the bell at the Infusion Center.  The ringing of the bell ceremony signifies the last day of chemo treatment.

Yes, that's right yesterday was my last day of Chemotherapy. 

So what's next?  Maintenance every 6 weeks with "Keytruda" an immune system building drug.

I can't say enough about the staff at RWJ/Barnabus.  Every staff member I interacted with was top notch.  Yesterday was so special for me.  The staff in the infusion center conspired with my daughter, Tracy to pull off a surprise for me.  You'll see what I mean if you watch the video.  I hope you can open the link>>>>>>>

https://www.messenger.com/t/100034306898349

I didn't know my family was standing behind me until I turned around.  I never suspected they were there.

I probably won't be writing another blog for at least 6 weeks, unless I have something new to tell you.  💓💖Thank you for following my journey.

Happiness is being told, you don't need anymore Chemotherapy

                                   

Yesterday I met with my Oncologist, Dr. Tang.  After he reviewed my lab results, he said. "You are doing so well; you don't need any more chemo treatments."  That lasted about five minutes when he changed his mind.  Originally, I was scheduled for 6 rounds of chemo but technically I only completed 5 over the course of 3 months.  The very first day of treatment, if you remember was cut short because I had an allergic reaction to one of the drugs.  So, that being said I now have one more treatment in January.  I will still be getting maintenance treatments every six weeks for an indefinite time.  I can do one more chemo treatment standing on my head if I have to.  I'm so grateful to know there will be an end to the effects of chemo. 

I know it's a small thing but on the last day I will get to ring the brass bell that hangs on the wall in the infusion center.  And, best of all I will get to thank all the staff and nurses for being so kind and professional.  I absolutely know how fortunate I am to have done so well.  Not everyone has the same results as me.  My late husband, John had cancer and suffered through chemo and radiation simultaneously.  At the end of his treatment there was no improvement in his tumor and the end result was he passed away.  Also, I lost my son, Bob to cancer just 2 years ago.  I've been given a gift and I know it.  You may not believe in the power of prayer and that's O.K., but I do.  God has answered so many of my prayers over the years that I absolutely have faith in him. 

I will most likely post again after my last treatment and hopefully I can share a picture of me ringing that wonderful brass bell. Till then, stay well 💖💖

Walking a rough road

                                    

It's been a rough three weeks.  The extremely strong chemo drugs have wreaked havoc with my body.  The drugs can't pinpoint just the cancer cells.   Which  means some good things get wreaked.  This past week I had to make a trip to my primary Doc to get checked out because I was feeling so bad.  He was very thorough and ordered blood work, which showed a significant increase in my hypothyroidism.  Changing my thyroid medication should correct this new situation.  It seems like everyday something new pops up but I just have to roll with it.  I know there is light at the end of the tunnel.  The journey getting there can be rough.

Getting to the finish line

                                                                                   

        My last treatment was on Nov. 27th, according to my Oncologist I have either one more or two more treatments and then I will go into maintenance.  I won't tell you it has been easy because it hasn't been.  After this last round of chemo, I have been unable to function like I would like to.  The reason being my team decided to increase the dosage of chemo drugs and switch to every three weeks instead of every week.  I met with my Oncologist yesterday and he suggested we lower the dosage a little and see if that helps with my extreme fatigue.  My next round of chemo is scheduled for Dec. 18th.  It could be the last one or depending on some test results it could extend to January.  Whatever it is I am very thankful that I've gotten this far with minimal discomfort. 

      I want to thank my team for all the support you've given me.  My family has been here for me every step of the way.  Tracy, Denis and Don have gone above and beyond taking such good care of me.  Tom and Nancy have been encouraging as well.  And then there are my friends who have also been there for me.  I have even had complete strangers reach out to pray for me and wish me well.  I am one very lucky lady to have so many blessings, I know God is a huge part of it. This year Christmas may not be like years past, not as many cookies baked, not as much shopping done, and maybe not our usual Christmas dinner but it doesn't really matter.  There's always next year God willing. 💖

Turning a corner - week Nine

 

This was a hard week for me, bouncing back after treatment took longer.  This week was only the second time I went for chemo without Tracy.  My son-in-law, Denis came down with a nasty cold and passed it on to Tracy.  I'm happy to say they are both back in top form.  It was also the first time they missed an appointment with my Oncologist, Dr. Tang.  That was on Thursday.  We discussed my course of treatment going forward.  We decided that I would switch from chemo every week to every three weeks.  It will be a stronger dose.  But, it will give me a little break in between treatments.  While there, I was able to give Dr. Tang's nurse a blood draw from my arm.  This has been a problem so having it succeed was a plus.  It meant I didn't have to go to the Infusion Center and have it drawn from my port.  Why am I telling you all this detail?  I'm happy to say it will all make sense in a minute. 

Jump ahead to Friday night.  I was watching a Hallmark Christmas movie when my phone alerted me to a text message.  All of my appointments, test results and after office visit notes are organized on an app called MY CHART.  The alert was for my lab report from Thursday.  Back when I started treatment in September I had a CA-125 of 109.  This is the marker used to determine the presence of the Cancer antibodies in your blood.  One month after treatment my number had dropped to 69.  Dr. Tang was very happy with that result.  Now back to last night, when I opened the results of my blood work, I was surprised to see that my CA-125 has dropped to 31.  Since 38 is normal for women, 31 is awesome.  I'm afraid to get too excited but Denis said I can, because it's fantastic news.   I am beyond grateful for getting to this point in my journey.  I won't deny it has been the hardest thing I've ever done.  I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and friends.  I will truly have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Where do we go from here?  I'm not really sure because Dr. Tang hasn't seen the test results yet.  He usually reviews them on Monday morning before my chemo treatment.  I'm guessing my nurse on Monday will call him and a decision will be made then, how to proceed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that maybe I won't have to get a stronger dose of chemo.  Keep me in your prayers, it's working!!  💖