Happy New Year!

Woohoo!  My white blood cell count (WBC) is back up!  It's still "in the red" coming in at 4.5 (normal range is 4.8 - 10.8), but at least it didn't dip down as low as it did 2 weeks ago. Oooh, that's right, I havent blogged in awhile so you didn't know that tid bit of info. Well, let me catch you up to speed... 2 weeks ago my WBC dropped to 2.9.  This is typical and was somewhat expected to happen... Not just with my new drug, but with taking Chemo in general.  

To refresh...

Chemo works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemo can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and fast-growing healthy cells, including white blood cells which help to fight infection.  As a result, one of the most serious potential side effects of some types of chemotherapy is a low WBC.

I've been fortunate enough this last year that I haven't had any major problems with this.  2 weeks ago when it was as low as it was, I ran the risk of NOT being able to receive my infusion, causing an unwanted interruption in my treatment schedule. To stay on track and continue with treatment, I was given a WBC booster, an injection called Neulasta.  Neulasta works by helping the body make more neutrophils (a type of blood cell needed to fight infection).

Boom!!  The Neulasta worked!  I received my treatment last week and again this week.  The WBC is "in the red," but at least it's high enough to continue on w/ treatment!  So now I'm supposed to be cautious of being around anyone who is sick and I probably need to avoid shaking hands and giving hugs... do you know how hard this is going to be?!  I'm a hugger!  I love a good 'ol hug!  Although this is probably the perfect excuse and chance to break what has become the awkward, uncomfortable and frequent hug I've been giving the guy who takes out my trash at work.  What?!?  Is that weird?!  But it's Joe!  He's sweet as can be and is old enough to be my grandpa.  Okay, okay, no more hugs... even w/ Janitor Joe.  

Other than my WBC, the last couple of weeks haven't been what I call fun.  I've had a difficult time dealing with some side effects, but I guess that comes with the territory.  If this cocktail is working... Bring it on!  I just hope things aren't quite as uncomfortable.  Don't worry, I'm not going to bore or disgust you w/ the side effects I've been encountering, but don't think you get off that easy!  By now you've learned I like to bitch about something or other!  Today's bitch session... it's something we all know and love... acne!!  Awe, let's take a second to recall those prepubescent years.  Ugh!  I know!  I've developed a rash that "resembles acne."  It sucks! I don't remember puberty being this bad, but I tell ya, I feel gross, dirty, ugly, embarrassed... and not too mention it flat out hurts!  You know, I actually had a pimple on my eye lid... MY EYELID!!!  I mean who gets a pimple on their eyelid?!  I'll tell you who... Woogie!!  That's who! You heard me!  Dom “Woogie” Woganowski!  You know who I'm talking about... you know how I love a good 'ol 90's movie!  ;)

I've said this before and I'll say it again... Bring It!  I said... brrrrr, it's cold in here.  There must be some Clovers in the atmosphere!  Okay, okay, Bring it On was made in 2000, but it might as well have been made in the 90's!  For those of you who HAVE seen this movie... try getting that cheer out of your head the rest of the day!!  Goooooood Luuuuuuuuuck!!! 

Anyway, I have a lucky CT scan scheduled for Friday the 13th and I'm excited to see what this new cocktail is doing!

Until then, here's to a happy AND HEALTHY new year!!  

CHEERS (Insert Spirit Fingers)!!!!!!  

Another Day... Another Drug

Well, it's looking like we have some catching up to do... 

I'll start by saying that I have officially been pulled from the clinical trial.  (Insert gasp)  I know, I know, but it's not what you're thinking... I swear I didn't harm the gentleman blaring Christmas music.  What?!  Not what you were thinking??  Lets move on... the week before last (4th week of the clinical trial which was also the last week of the 1st cycle), my right side started hurting.  And if I were to describe the pain, and I know this is going to sound weird, but I could actually feel my liver quiver.  For whatever reason, my liver was twitching/spasming.  And it wasn't a "holy crap I had so much fun partying last night" kind of quiver.  Not that I know what that feels like.  Again, lets move on... So we know from past experience that that's not a great sign.  Thankfully Dr. H was able to squeeze me into her already busy, booked day.  She thought it would be best to order a CT scan to see what was going on.  During our visit I was given the slightest bit of hope that this could actually be a good thing.  My liver could be reacting to cell or tumor DESTRUCTION (man, that has a nice ring to it).  Unfortunately that wasn't the case this time.  The CT showed even more cancer on my liver compared to when I started the trial.  (Insert Debbie Downer music)  Thankfully my lab work showed great numbers and everything else is functioning the way it should... except of course the cancer. 

So where do we go from here?!  Well, like I said before starting this clinical trial, at least we have a backup plan.  We know that the meds I was on prior to the trial were working, so lets go back to what we know with a minor tweak here and there to get things back under control.  So for those of you keeping track of my drugs, this is what my chemo cocktail is looking like...

Herceptin (infusion every 3 weeks)

Zometa (infusion every 4 - 6 weeks)

Tykerb (oral daily)

Femara (oral daily)

And introducing the new drug to the cocktail... drum roll please... 

Navelbine (infusion weekly)

I started this new concoction last week.  With it of course came all the the anticipation and worrisome of how I'm going to react to this new drug and it's side effects.  To list a few of the side effects...

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• Low blood counts (you may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding)
• Signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• Signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, nosebleeds
• Signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Constipation
• Cough
• Mouth sores (Nooooooooooooo, not "Can-sores"!!!!!)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site
• Pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• Stomach pain
• Trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• Diarrhea (cha cha cha)
• Hair loss
• Jaw pain
• Loss of appetite

Hmmm, good times!!

Yes, I experienced a few of these side effects, but the one we were most concerned about was a fever I received the day after my infusion.  Dr. H was out of the office this day, but thankfully the Nurse Prac was able to squeeze me into her busy, booked day.  The main concern was an infection.  Thankfully the fever passed and the lab work showed no signs of an infection.  (Insert sigh of relief).  So ya, last week wasn't much fun, but I'm feeling better and excited about getting this ball rolling.  It's hard not to think that we wasted 2 months on this clinical trial, but I'm glad we gave it a shot.  It might not have been the "miracle drug" for me, but hopefully it will be for someone else.  

Wednes"BAY" Week 3... On a "Toxic Tuesday"

I just wrapped up my 3rd week on Bay 80-6946.  Because of the holidays my infusion was moved up to Tuesday (I know, just like old times), in order to have routine lab work the day after the infusion.  I'm not required to have lab work the day after every infusion, but it is required on the 3rd week of this clinical trial.  The 3rd week also requires another 12 hour long day on infusion day.  The infusion itself is only about an hour to an hour and a half, however I'm suppose to hang around  the rest of the day while being monitored... vital signs are periodically checked and Pharmacokinetic Samples, or PKs are taken.  Talk about a long da... Oh, did I lose ya with the big word???  If so, no worries!  Let me explain...

Pharmacokinetic Samples or PKs are blood and/or urine samples that are collected before, during and after my treatments. These samples can tell us how high the level of the drug gets in my body, how long the drug stays in my body and how my body gets rid of the drug.

Now you're up to speed with whats going on AND you learned a little something.  But before I sign off and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, I have a few shout outs to make in the spirit of Thanksgiving...

Thanks to the American Cancer Society for hooking us up with free lodging for the night.  Ooooh, how that helps us out!

Thanks to the gentleman blaring Christmas music for 12 hours straight in the infusion room.  I think I can make it till Christmas 2012 without hearing another Christmas song (insert sarcasm)!

And thanks to the great Chemo nurses in the infusion room. One in particular nurse stands out... But maybe that's because she helped me get through the last couple of hours of Christmas music. She was the night nurse who wore cowboy boots, called me mija and kept a stack of prayer cards in her pocket.  Thanks Maria!

Happy Turkey Day Y'all!

Wednes"BAY"

It would have been exciting if the results from my PET scan came back showing improvement, but instead they came back showing something equally exciting… “STABLE.”  It’s a word I never thought I’d appreciate as much as I do now.  I’ve had a lot of curve balls thrown at me this year after being diagnosed so I actually welcome the thought of being "stable."  Stable is not a bad thing.  I've learned it could be worse.  Ultimately in the long run, we're going to kick some cancer ass, but for now, I'll take "stable!"  But since I mentioned curve balls being thrown at me, let’s take a few moments to review some of them…

Not only do I have breast cancer, BUT it’s spread to my liver (Doh!)

It’s rare to have an infected port, BUT mine got infected (Doh!)

Bone metastasis?!?  (Doh!)

Liver biopsy drama... (Doh!)

So yes, “STABLE” is not a bad thing!  Besides, did we really expect improvement after 2 days from the 1^st infusion?!?  After talking to Dr. Patnaik she said the “possibility” was there, but she’s really expecting improvement over time.  So this week I finished up my 2^nd dose.  Again, I’ll have an infusion every week for 3 weeks, then I’m off a week.  That’s considered 1 cycle.  After the 2^nd cycle, which will be the last week in December, I’ll retake a lot of the scans and images to see where we are at.  Hopefully by then we’ll start to see some improvement!

As for my blood sugar levels, I mentioned that one of the main side effects of this drug is high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia.  Sure enough, after my 2^nd infusion, my blood sugar levels increased.  Thankfully this time they didn’t increase quite as much as last week… we’re thinking my no sugar, low carb diet on infusion day this week might have helped.  So anyway, with the Drs suggestion, we bought a glucometer to help monitor my blood sugar levels on infusion days and the day after.  Other than that, I'm doing great!  

Casey's Cancer Kickin' Krewe 2011

I can’t even begin to describe what an amazing weekend I just had.  Have you ever participated in a Komen race???  If not, YOU SHOULD!!  Over 17,000 people poured through the streets of Austin.  It’s a memory that I’ll cherish forever!  I’m truly blessed to have family and friends who are… well, who are not just supportive, but A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!  Since being diagnosed, family and friends have struggled with not knowing how to show their support.  This race was a great opportunity for everyone to come together, show their support and have some fun.  And boy did we have some fun!!  And if you’ve never worn a pink wig in your life… YOU SHOULD!!  I’m already looking forward to the next time I get to wear it!  Hey, I live in Austin!  It’s a guarantee that I wouldn’t be the “weirdest” person in the crowd!  Ha ha!  Anyway, thanks to everyone who came out on race day… even if I didn’t get a chance to see you.  With over 17,000 people, you could say it was a bit crowded downtown!  ;)

So yes, it would be an understatement to say that “Casey’s Cancer Kickin’ Krewe” was a success!  We reached our goal and then some.  Thank you to everyone who participated and/or donated.  We raised $14,340.  If that’s not incredible enough, on 11/10/11, our anonymous donor matched the total amount raised in Memory of Natalie Hogan.  I know… breathtaking and inspiring!  My heart is smiling right now!  After a few more donations that trickled in, our grand total is up to $28,830.  UNBELIEVABLE!!  I have to thank our team captain for such an amazing job... Thanks Elizabeth!  I love ya girl!

Alright, my next infusion is this Wednes”BAY!”  Come on… I couldn’t stop at “Toxic Tuesdays” and “Manic Mondays!”  So along w/ my infusion I’ll meet w/ Dr. Patnaik to discuss the results of my PET scan last week.  I’m SO excited, yet SO anxious!  I don’t want to get my hopes up, but the “possibility” that we could see results after the first infusion is an incredible thought! 

Woohoo!

The Krewe's Team Captain

SURVIVORS

Winner of "Farthest Traveled" & "Surprise Visit"

Great seeing you Brian!!

Thanks Contigo!  Fun after party!!

Casey's Cancer Kickin' Krewe - Race Day Information

The Race is this Sunday...


*Krewe Photo: 
Meet at 15th and Congress on the Capitol side at 7 a.m... don't be late!  I know, I know it's early, but it should be easier to fight traffic and park and I really, really want a team picture!  The timed race starts at 7:30.  For the rest of us, we'll mosey to the starting line for opening ceremonies at 7:45.  Feel free to walk or run in the race of your choice.  I will be participating in the 1 mile family walk...and yes, I'll be walking!  You didn't think I was running did you?!?  If you're a true follower of this blog, you would know that one of my many nicknames is Grover... and I won't be walking FAR!!


*Race Attire: 
Wear your Krewe shirt to let everyone know you're part of our awesome team!  Then add some flair to show off how fun we are!!!  We'll have beads for you to wear and throw (no inappropriateness tho!).  So add a fun hat, wear a tutu, pick up some fun sunglasses, use your imagination and go WILD!


*After Race Party: 
Join everyone to celebrate a successful race at Contigo (10:30 - 2:30),
2027 Anchor Lane, Austin, 78723
http://contigotexas.com/location
It's a great place with tasty food and cold drinks. 


Be sure to check out Komen Austin for more details... race map, parking, road closures, etc.


FUN!!  Looking forward to Sunday!!  ;)

TDM1... I mean BAY 80-6946 Day 1

We started out the day by leaving Austin at 5:45 am.  We arrived at the START clinic this morning at 7:45 am... it's 9:00 pm and we're still here.  The infusion lasted about an hour, but I'm being kept here till 10:30/11 pm to be closely monitored.  One of the side effects I was warned about when joining this clinical trial was high blood sugar levels.  Sure enough, my blood sugar levels increased so I've been given a couple of insulin shots.   Since then the levels have begun decreasing so we're hoping to get out of here in the next hour or two.  It's been a loooooong day!  Tomorrow I'll have more lab work and a bone scan.  On Friday I'll have even more lab work and a PET scan.

I'm feeling great and looking forward to the possibility that we'll see results in Friday's PET scan.   We probably won't get the results till next week, but I'll be sure to keep you posted.  As for the master plan, I'll be getting weekly infusions in San Antonio for 3 weeks and then I'll take the 4th week off (no infusion, but I'll of course have lab work done).   That's considered 1 cycle and I guess we'll just repeat the cycle as necessary.

Again, it's been a loooooong day so I'm signing off.  Hope everyone is having a great week so far!  And yes, I hope that means you're resting up before for the big race this Sunday!!