ANOTHER new one!

The plan was to continue Abraxane until a scan in the middle of November - THAT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN. Since I could never have any kind of surgery to remove the cancer, (too extensive and in too many places), it is easily detected in my left breast so we can see if the tumors are responding to treatment or not. What's happening there is always happening in the liver but the bones have been stable throughout.

After the first 7 weeks of Abraxane, it was apparent that the tumors were not shrinking but seemed to be holding steady - that was good because we thought it would take some time to really kick in. I just saw Dr. S. last Friday and measurements confirmed - steady. So I had the 8th infusion. BUT...suddenly on Tuesday I noticed very rapid growth, I'm telling you it happens so fast it's scary!!! Of course I called early and they got the message, nurse called back to get info and called again after talking to my onc. Since Fridays are my normal chemo days, we set the appt for this a.m. before the infusions. He confirmed what I already knew, so it's time for a brand new plan of action.

I could have taken a week or so to consider the next options, but like my greatgrandmother used to say, "time's a wastin'", so I made the immediate decision to go with his first choice of HALAVEN. Ever heard of it? I haven't! It just received approval about a year ago - hoping it's a great new drug! We're stopping the Herceptin for now, but continuing with Zometa once every 4 weeks (today was the day for that). HALAVEN has a different schedule than any I've had. A Decadron infusion is the only pre-med, then it is given via slow push over 5 minutes. Including the flush, it will only take about an hour, sounds good, but only if it works! It's considered a 21 day schedule that consists of infusions on day one and day eight, day fifteen is off - then day 22 we repeat, repeat, repeat (I hope for many, many cycles!). It has many of the "usual" side effects of other chemos and one distinct possibility is having to follow with a Neulasta shot to help with the white blood count. We'll check that next week and if needed the shot will be given on Monday.

My scan will be next Tuesday - too early of course to judge the HALAVEN, but needed to see the liver. It's now been about 5 or 6 months since anything has been affective in this fight. Must find the right chemo soon. I won't see Dr. S. again until Nov. 4 and likely won't call before that for results, I always want to see the pictures on the computer.

As you know, I've done fairly well throughout this 20 months and now I'm worried about my family. In a strange way, I think my strength has made the new reality harder for them to take. My mother, who just turned 82 on Sat., and my sister become teary eyed very easily. My son (turned 25 on Sat.) continues to be strong and accept it for now, and my daughter (21) is in quiet denial. She listens to me if I talk about it, but doesn't make comments. They're all unique and irreplaceable!

On a happier note, I went to "the boat" (casino) this evening with my sister. We ate and played the slot machines. Neither of us won but we had a good time. [=[- Corky just stepped on my keyboard! Sould I have spent the money? NO! Do I need to be doing such things? PROBABLY NOT! But, I've posted before that I won't stop living until I have no choice in the matter. Besides, "all work and no play" makes Marsha a dull girl!

Change faces again, now to the serious side. I'm trying to stay positive and strong as I always tell others to do-you know, practice what you preach! I know for sure that I'm full of hopes and prayers - please join me!
Marsha

P.S. I started writing this on Friday but it's now Saturday (thanks to the steroids).