Course 1:3 Complete
Posted by stephanie on July 30th, 2007
I have just finished course one of chemo. It a combination of two drugs called Abraxane and Gemzar. It’s a very aggressive protocol and we have very high hopes for it. Next week I start course 2:1 with three weeks of chemo every Friday then one week off. I also get Avastin every two week. The plan is for a minimum of 6 courses of chemo based on effectiveness. Aug 20th we go back to Houston to see the progress we are making. The hair is thinning so I just had it shaved for a summer doo until it all falls out. I’ve done this before and it is certainly one of the easier side effects. Hair is way over rated. The new doo it much cooler and takes getting ready to 5 minutes. The chemo is a bit tough on the body and I just had my first hospitalization of 4 days. They left me on my steroids for the week to keep the GI group calm and happy. I hate taking steroids but all is well when it comes in beating this beast. My white count (wbc), red count (rbc) and platelets are very low. They gave me a shot to boost my rbc, and started me back on my wbc booster (once daily x 5 days). The only count I can’t “medicate” for is my platelets. I need those to raise another 20 points so I can get my full regiment of chemo next week. They could give me a transfusion but we really don’t want to do this. We are not afraid!!!! With my team of prayer warriors, we have this covered.
Just in case anyone is worried chemo might be effecting my brain, well you can decide for yourself. I have signed up for a Women’s Mini Triathlon in October with a Survivor team. It is important I have a small reasonable exercise program and I figured surrounding myself with other survivors would be great support physically and mentally. It’s an 11 week program through the YMCA. No one panic yet because I promise I will not compete in the Triathlon if I am not ready. I will show up and support the team. The Benbrook YMCA is holding their 3rd Annual Women’s Mini Triathlon (3k run/walk, 13 miles bike ride and 300 yard swim). I’ve never done a Triathlon and thought I could add it to my “list of accomplishments”. Please note the KEY word is accomplishment. I am not looking for records, ribbons or awards.
I never mind sharing and the more warriors I have on my team the better. God’s grace is so amazing. Each and every day he is with us: thanks be! Without faith and the support of my friends and family I would never have a reason to get out of bed. I am blessed! Well I am resting up for Monday evening, the boys play a DH at Pascal vs. Arlington Heights. We know a lot of the Heights families so besides the rivalry I get to see friends.
Grace & Peace
Steph