Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Dr Visit Summary

I haven't seen the dr or been to the clinic for 3 weeks, what a nice break.
We're still trying to get my treatment procedure figured out.
 I've been taking an oral, after chemo, pill - Tykerb for months, without any bad side effects. I was also on IV - Paclitaxel. That one was 3 weeks on and 1 off. I could never make 3 weeks of treatment, my blood counts were always too low. I developed drop foot and nueropathy, so dr decided to try a different chemo, without those side effects. My drop foot is slowly improving. After about a month without any chemo I started an oral chemo - Xeloda. The schedule is 2 weeks on and one off. I've completed one round of treatment and I feel great (after a week without any chemo). Round 2 starts Thursday.
I lost more hair, am REALLY sensitive the sun, my stomach is wonky, it makes me drowsy....and I get to take it twice a day.
Yesterday I saw the dr again and had some lab work done. I used to have labs done once a week, but it's not needed that often. When I was off the chemo my numbers went in the wrong direction. My ALK phosphate  went up when off chemo, but now it's going down again. Since I have METS (metastasized cancer) dr now tracks tumor markers. I am still learning about that. One test showed my number went from 104 down to 30, which is in the normal range. The 2nd marker test was high but it had gone down quite a bit. All this tells me that chemo is helping. I feel so much better now than before the cancer was found (again). I'm comfortable with and like my new weight. 
BUT I prefer to know where the bathroom is at all times, I'm weak, I tire easily, I only drive a couple of miles around town.......
I don't know how fast the cancer will progress but I'm happy with what is happening now. The dr is pleased with how I am/look/feel today. I am just going with how I feel and the numbers agree with how I'm feeling!



shiny new birdhouse next to  my front door

8 comments:

  1. I'm so happy you're feeling better and I hope to continue hearing such positive medical reports! You are often in my thoughts and always in my prayers.

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  2. May you continue to feel as well as you did on Monday. You looked fabulous! I should have taken your picture!

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  3. I love the birdhouse!
    Bless you, and I'm so glad that you are feeling so much better.
    Take care,
    Monica

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  4. Glad to hear that things are looking a little better and that you are feeling better. God bless!

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  5. Bless your heart...it's nice you feel good. You are always in my prayers. Knowing the bathrooms are is always good. Keep your faith, love you, xoxo, Susie

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  6. All any of us have is today. Enjoy each day as much as possible!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  7. Praying that each day brings you closer to feeling better! Love your new birdhouse:) Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

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