Today started at the oncology office. We again discussed ovarian surgical options. My w still wants to try a couple other things before we head that direction, but she feels that is probably going to end up. We have dropped the Lupron (the estrogen suppressor) and we are going with starting chemo again today along with the tamoxifen. CT results are inconclusive. Verified no new cancer growth in any other places, at least that we can tell for now. The MRI next week will specifically look at my bones from my pelvic area and up my spine. Should have much more detailed picts then. When I left the office we went away with a plan to start chemo and to forgo both injections so we can isolate the chemo and see if there are any excessive side effects. Before I left I also did another whole big set of labs. We called it good, and left with an appt to follow up next week after MRI.
Ceana and I ran some wedding errands and were still down in town an hour later. I got a phone call from the MA who said my labs were not ok and that I would need to get to the infusion office tomorrow - we were still there, so I asked her to check with the infusion office to see if we could come right then. They had an opening within 30 min, so Ceana and I headed back to the cancer center. The MA said that I would need fluids and to go ahead with the bone protector injection. My calcium levels were outside the window they want, on the high side. My understanding from the MA was that my calcium was too high because there was growth of the cancer in my pelvic bone. Talking with the infusion nurses, they explained that my calcium levels in my blood were too high - thus the IV fluids. Maybe a little of both considering I have been off of chemo for more than 4 weeks, and missed the bone protector injection 2x in a row. That seems to make sense, and I guess really determines that the treatment plan we have in place really is making a difference.
The infusion nurses are darling, and I had one of my nurses from when I was sick before. She was great to talk me through everything that was going on and why, plus we talked about everyday things to kind of keep me distracted. We found a new IV site on my arm, so hopefully we can hit that same spot next week for my MRI. They were so attentive too. I went into the infusion floor totally roasting and not cooling down. They brought me a baby fan and ice chips. Both helped tons. We chatted the time away - ended up being 90 min by the time I was done. Also in the midst of this, a dear friend had taken the kids for me, thinking it would just be a few hours, and instead it ended up being the entire day. Don't know what I would have done without her support and her willingness to keep the kids for me for so long. She is such a blessing in my life for tons of reasons.
So, our go forward plan - starting tamoxifen and chemo again today. Bone protector injection today and scheduled again at my appt in a month. I am to increase my fluid intake, but not anything high in calcium, to try to continue to dilute blood calcium levels. MRI is next Tues, along with another whole big set of labs to follow up from today. I will be keeping a very detailed journal to track any side effects that come from chemo over the next month. Preston reminded me to for sure include any good days, or positive things in the journal too. I tracked all the yucky stuff in the last month, but not many positive things. Will work harder at that.
Thanx to everyone who continue to give your help and encouragement and support. We feel your prayers and your love and we know that these things are helping to sustain us through these rough patches. Know that we appreciate you all so much! Next update will be on Tues next week. Will keep you posted....thanx for sticking things out with us still!
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