As you know, I recently started taking a new drug called Tarceva. After being on a clinical trial that didn’t go well, the doctor said I needed to wait a couple weeks before I was able to start a new chemo. My husband and I were talking and although I was told I am not a genetic match, he felt that it only made sense to give Tarceva a try while we were waiting on the chemo. My doctor thought that was reasonable.
A lot has happened since my last post. I decided to try a drug called Tarceva before I moved on to the next chemo. I haven’t had any scans yet and its only been about 3 weeks, but I have to tell you I am starting to feel better. The other day I sneezed for the first time in months, without any pain. Can you say Woo Hoo!
UPDATE: Decided to try the Tarceva before the new chemo. Will update you on how it works.
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Went to Roswell yesterday to get a CT scan. It came back showing the clinical trial drug TL, along with the Gemzar (another chemo) is not working. With that, and the fact that my side effects now include breathing issues, they have decided to stop the trial.
I had a feeling things weren’t going too well. My breathing was pretty bad at times, but would get better the week I was off chemo. I am kind of glad I am off that trial. It just wasn’t the one for me. || Read more
Just had chemo on Friday, which was chemo number 4 in the clinical trial. I have been having low levels of while blood cells and this time, they determined that I have neutropenia. Neutropenia is an abnormally low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). As it was explained to me, it’s the first line of defense against infection. Many cancer patients can get a shot to help bring their blood counts back up, but not me. I’m on a clinical trial and its not allowed with this type of chemo apparently. || Read more
One year ago today my world was rocked, when I was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer. We could hardly believe it when the doctor told us the news. Are you kidding me? How did I get lung cancer? I’m only 42, I don’t smoke and I don’t even drink. Maybe I should start! Okay, then I ask, “Doc, tell me really, how bad is it?” I was told I had less than a year to live. Now that was direct and to the point! The problem with that diagnosis is that I don’t listen very well. || Read more
Yesterday was a blast! My kids and I went sledding at Elma Meadows with my son’s girlfriend and her family. I’m not a skier, tried snow boarding a couple years ago (just too old for that), but sledding….watch out!! || Read more
Recently I had a PET scan that came back showing an increase in the cancer in my lungs. Not what I was hoping for. So, now what? It looks like it’s clinical trial time. What clinical trial you ask? I’m not sure yet, but the doctor has recommended a new trial.
This is my first Christmas with cancer and I am so happy to be here. Woo Hoo! There has been one slight hick up however, and that would be Chemo Brain.
You see, one of the common side effects of chemo is having memory problems, commonly known as Chemo Brain. It can be a pain in the dupa. Sometimes you feel like you’re losing your mind. But, at Christmas time…the kids are loving it. || Read more
