Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Must there always be a spoiler???

Ready to go tomorrow morning at 3:45 am for our 6 a.m. flight to Cincinnati, then on to LAX and finally to Kauai.  I'm almost all packed - just a few toiletries and electronics to organize, the meds are all set and head coverings are clean and ready.

So what's the hitch, you ask?  Tumor markers...that nasty CA27.29...has risen dramatically in the past few weeks, now topping 1000.  Carboplatin appears to be a bust, the generic Actos has not made it work better, and so we will be creating a new plan for when we get back from Kauai.

The current thought is weekly Abraxane and Gemzar, same as the carbo - 3 weeks on, 1 week off.  I will have a CAT scan either the 21st or 22nd to set another baseline.  Dr. Walsh will discuss this with Dr. Chen.  I think this protocol will mean what little hair I do have is soon gone, along with eyelashes and eyebrows...boohoo. 

I am going to lobby for some chemo sensitivity testing on my tissue samples.  Surely there is a chemo that my tumor cells will detest, I'd like to discover which one sooner rather than later.   I feel like we are throwing darts, hoping something sticks.  There are still lots of chemos that could be the right one. 

In the meantime, we are going to have a fabulous trip and forget about this nastiness as much as possible.   Soon to be entering the "no cancer" zone!

Aloha, friends!!!

9 comments:

  1. Have a wonderful trip. Relax, enjoy the sun and the beautiful scenery. Plenty of time to think about the next round of treatment when you get back. I hope you have a fabulous time!

    Elaine

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  2. Michelle, I agree with you both! Have a great time viewing all the amazing sunsets and scenery! That "has" to be added to all the medicines and treatments you take as helping!! Enjoy your trip! The "no cancer" zone...super! Take care!
    Oh yeah...you know to take photos, right?
    Phototaker

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  3. Michelle, I hope you can have a great time. And I'm sorry there is a spoiler.

    Have fun.

    linda

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  4. Soak up some sun for me please!! Enjoy yourself!!

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  5. You have a most wonderful time! That's great entering the no chemo zone. ENJOY!

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  6. Have a GREAT time in the no cancer zone. Soak up some sunshine for plenty of vitamin D.

    If I ever went to Hawaii I would probably OD on fresh pineapple and other tropical fruits. Enjoy them responsibly.

    ;)

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  7. i love your positivity!! you look absolutely great. i was diagnosed in december, it took 3 surgeries to clear margins. i'm the mother of four daughters, who i worry about, but hopefully cures will be around when they come of age. i've received such support from bloggers like you, i decided to start my own -- breastcancerrookie.blogspot.com. all the best! katy

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  8. Sorry to hear about the increase in the markers. I do pray that you had a no cancer zone vacation to the best of your abilities. Can't wait to hear from you and see your pictures - Deb.

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