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!!  💖

Week Eight

                                                                            

Good morning everyone, yesterday I completed my eighth Chemo treatment.  I am pleased with how good I have been feeling.  The only thing I can complain about would be the length of time it takes at the Infusion Center.  There are many factors that contribute to a longer day.  The first hurdle to get through is your Oncologist has to review your lab report from your last blood work.  If anything is concerning, he or she will advise the nurse assigned to you on chemo day weather to proceed or not.  Once she is given the go ahead to proceed, then the order is sent to the pharmacy to prepare your medications.  This can be another hold up if they are extremely busy.  Also, I have to add that if there is a weight change the pharmacy has to adjust your dosage.  Once all that is done, your nurse can then proceed with treatment.  Please always ask what medications you are being given.  Most of the Nurses are good about explaining each step to you.  Never assume, always ask; especially if you are concerned about anything.  As I mentioned back on week three, I wasn't given any pre-meds before I was given the chemo meds.  I was very sick that week because of someone's mistake.

At this point in my treatment, My Oncologist has given me the option to switch from treatment every week to once every three weeks.  After consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided to switch and see how it goes.  It could mean an increase in side effects.  I won't know until I try, and I can always go back to every week.   This new schedule won't start until Nov. 20th, I will post how it goes.

The only other thing I did this week was, visit the Liz Inspiration Boutique.  This is a wonderful program offered to Cancer Patients who lose their hair.  I was shown an assortment of wigs at no cost to me.  The women who run this service are very knowledgeable and helped me pick a perfect wig.  They receive these wigs through donations, so if you are looking for some way to help Cancer patients, please consider donating. Their number is 732-232-3110.

Till next time, take care of yourself! 💓🟦