Chapel Hill completed my set up for clinical trials if needed in the future. Had my first Chemo and Herceptin treatments today in Boone. It took around 5 hours to administer. Also received some Nausea and Allergy injections which are side effects of the treatments. Fell asleep for awhile. Everyone was very nice. I have prescriptions for nausea and some pain medication. The Doctor said the nausea goes away in about 3 days. (If I get it)
The Doctor advised that in about 7-10 days my hair will begin to fall out. There is only a very small chance that this won't happen. She told me to go ahead and count on it. I hope the wig I ordered online gets here soon!
The liver biopsy came back and the cancer is Her2+ which means it traveled from the breast. I will have Chemo and Herceptin(which targets the Her2+) every 3 weeks for now. The treatements brings down the white blood cell count and affect the heart. The count should come back up before I have the next treatment in 3 weeks. She said I will be fatigued for a few weeks until the white blood cell count increases and then will feel better right before my next treatment. And then it starts over again. Fun hu?
In between treatments I will have lab work to check the white blood cell count, Echocardiograms to check the heart and CT scans to check the tumors in the liver. The plan is to shrink the tumors and keep them shrunk as they can not be removed. I won't go back to Chapel Hill unless the treatment stops working on the tumors. Then I will go to Chapel Hill to participate in clinical trial studies using new medicines that are being tested.
A person reaches in three directions: Up to God, Inward, to oneself, and out to others. The miracle of life is that in truly reaching in any one direction, one embraces all three.
Thank you all for being there for me. Love the cards and phone calls. So glad Mom and Dad are here.
Jackie, so glad you have got everything started.Just hate to see you have to go thru this.Wish we could be at this time,just remember we love you. God knows what a good person you are. just know that God loves you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like pretty heavy stuff but with your positive attitude and all of the prayers being offered on your behalf I know you will do fine. So happy your mom and dad are there for you. We love you very much and sending hugs to all!
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie (and Pat and Weldon), I just read your update from Thursday. I didn't reaize you already had the Chapel Hill appt. It's good to know that is an option if needed. I do hope you don't have too many adverse reactions to the chemo, but I know you will have the prettiest wig and you will look good wearing it!! A friend of mine got at wig at a consignment shop for a good price- you might look around up there for a couple of "spares". Lots of love and prayers, Lynn
ReplyDeleteDear Jackie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this information. It makes me feel like I am there with you. I think of you all the time. Love, M. (TPA)
Really appreciate your blog as I can keep up with what's happening very easily. Am reaching out to you with prayers that your spirits will remain up and your hair in for as long as it can and will. But am eager also to see your new wig!
ReplyDeleteTake care and God bless you. Sarah Austin
Jackie, My sister, Lynn, told me about your blog so I am now "following" you so I can keep up with your progress. You are in my prayers and I am truly inspired by your positive attitude. I'm glad that your Mom and Dad are visiting. I love them!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Betty