I got my covid booster today. My arm is SO sore, my head is pounding, fever up to 103.5, and sleeping 16 of the last 24 hours: not exactly what I expected. But I'm so grateful that this vaccine is available to us and that it's effective and safe!
I'm slow getting this update done. I'm grateful for the game plan, but still feel a little sad about it all. The tumor between my ribs and chest wall? It's bigger than a golf ball, smaller than a tennis ball--and it seems to me it grew there pretty quickly! Three months ago when I had scans, they couldn't see it.
Back when I did this cancer stuff the first time, I did DIEP reconstruction, which basically means a fat transfer. So all I have on either side is fat from my belly (left) and fat from my backside (right). If I had known then about what I'm going through now, I would never have done reconstruction. They could have just lopped them off and sewed it up. I'm not sure I can reverse it now. Cancer hospitals don't take surgery on a cancer patient lightly.
Dr. Buys is always very encouraging, telling me there are still a lot of options. That's the blessing of being HER2 positive, more treatment options! Mat took the day off to go with me, I was glad he was there. We asked her all the questions and she showed us what comes next. There is a study drug available for what's going on with me right now. I signed the papers to get enrolled in the study, there's only a 50% chance I'll get the drug. If there is one thing you guys can do for me right now, it's PRAY WITH ME that I'll be on the randomized side for the drug! We discussed the possibility of radiation in the future, it depends on how well the chemo does, if it will shrink the tumor enough to be able to blast it safely.
The new drug, Kadcyla, and the study start on Sept 17. The side effects are very similar to what I'm experiencing now, so there shouldn't be any surprises. I did ask - my hair won't fall out on these new drugs. 😁 There are tests/scans to be done in preparation for the study. But I'll be most grateful in 3 weeks to get all of this started! It's hard for me to think of anything else right now. This news is the "gut punch" I knew would come, but I wasn't emotionally prepared for it.
5 comments:
Sincere thank you for the specific expression of prayer! You’re doing great in processing all the layers of info and emotions. All my good energy from here and adding tumor shrinking intention!!!
H U G S
I have been thinking so much about you. You have been constantly in my prayers. I will add this more specific prayer for sure! - Katie Allen
Will definitely pray for you.
I have other friends who ate receiving Kadcyla not in randomized testing, so ask around. There are options to make sure you get it. Praying for you.
I pray you can find comfort and peace through all these struggles and decisions. We love you. ♥️
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