So I received a call from my Drs office on Friday... don't get too excited... we're still waiting on the Target Now results. But until then, Dr. H is wanting to add 2 more drugs to my cocktail. As if my cocktail wasn't already full!! As a reminder, we're still holding off on a few of my IV drugs until we receive the Target Now results and in the meantime we've increased the oral meds I'm taking. So the 2 new drugs we're adding is Lupron which is an injection/shot that I would get every 3 months and Femara, another pill to take daily.
A little background on my diagnosis to refresh our memories...
I am HER2+ which is a form of breast cancer caused by the overexpression of a gene called HER2 in tumor cells. I am also ER+ (estrogen receptor) which means that the cancer grows in response to estrogen.
So if my cancer is growing in response to estrogen... why not shut down the estrogen. So the 2 new drugs are anti-estrogen drugs which basically means that my ovaries have put the "temporarily going out of business" sign in their windows. Which also means... hello menopause! I just can't tell you how excited I am to experience the side effects of menopause at the age of 33 AND in triple digit heat!! What fun this is going to be! YAY!!
Speaking of side effects... I'll go ahead and complain about one of the odd side effects I'm experiencing. I know I have an upbeat, positive attitude about kicking this cancer's ass, but I've gotta do a little complaining now and then! Plus, some of these side effects are odd... who knew?!? I sure as hell didn't so why not share it w/ anyone who will listen. And if you have lasted this long reading my blog, I thought you'd be interested! Anyway, there's a little side effect known as Hand Foot Syndrome in which you can experience redness and peeling of.... you guessed it... your hands and feet!! My feet feel sooooooo raw! I'm afraid if they peel anymore I'm going to need to start wearing a smaller shoe. Or next time you see me I may be a couple of inches shorter! Anyway, nothing I can't handle... if anything, it's just annoying! I used to be quite the speed walker and it's killing me that I'm walking so slow! It's hard to "walk w/ a purpose" at a snail's pace!
So there you have it. I apologize in advance if I decide to make a blog entry under the influence of any menopausal side effects... it could get ugly!! Just sayin'!! ;)
Could get ugly is an understatement... I love you dearly, Casey. You know that.. Who else would work out with you hung over and pms'ing at the gym? This could get really interesting.. Oh wait I was the one with the hang over and the mood swings, you were always smiling and in a good mood. NEVERMIND, you got this!! IT will be a cake walk for you.. Like walking on angle food cake, soft steps with a purpose!!!
ReplyDeleteHang in there!!! You've got Cancer on the ropes! few more swings and you're going to have it on the mat counting circling birdies!!
XOXOXO
Oh that's why you're walking slow? I just thought you were trying out your new swagger...
ReplyDeleteAnd let me be the first to welcome you to the slow lane! It's a nice pace and you get to enjoy the view a little longer. :)