I haven't posted lately because Keith and I have been busy being tourists in our own backyard. Our niece Hannah came out to visit for a week or so and we had to show her all around. It was nice to have an excuse to do some things we wouldn't normally do (and I managed to avoid going to Fisherman's warf - yeah me!). One of the things that was new to me was the Marine Mammal Center over by Rodeo Beach. It is definitely worth a stop and afterwards you can go for a hike.
Other than having sore feet I'm doing great!! I'm just starting my next round (oof it was tough to choke down those 12 big pills this morning knowing that they're gonna make me sick tomorrow).
So far so good today. I need to really try to imagine going to work this round and see if it is feasible... I think it may doable. I usually end up feeling better if I am out and about doing something.I stumbled upon this article about the trial I'm on. It was interesting and encouraging enough to give me a push to stick with it for now...
Dr. Moasser is the doctor I saw when I started this. He is a brain! And he picked up the phone right away when I called him with problems. My favorite bit is all the way at the end...
Although complexities of HER2-driven breast cancers have not yet been completely elucidated, these tumors may be less complex and resilient than many other cancers, Moasser says.
“In most solid tumors there are many signaling pathways that go wrong, and many genes that are mutated,” he says. “I think that this cancer is more simplistic, and that HER2 is the critical driver. I think we should be able to cure this cancer if we can shut down HER2, even in advanced cases.”
Keith's mom had a bit of a setback with a clot in her arm, which delayed her release. Other than that she's making slow progress and will get discharged from rehab as soon as they get her clotting numbers dialed in. After discharge she'll still need to be in Duluth for several days each week for speech therapy. The speech therapist works with her on swallowing. She still isn't able to eat, but yesterday she had 10 good swallows (this is way up from 1 or 2 just a week or so ago)!
That is just wonderful that you and Keith had Hannah out for a visit, with all of your ongoing troubles....!! Hope you all had a good time.
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you during this round of chemo. Hope it's going relatively well.
We missed you and Keith in New Hampshire.
love, ann
Sounds like Hannah's visit was fun for all - it's great to have an excuse to do some touristy things at home. We're thinking of you as you undergo another Tykerb treatment. How's it going? Golly, it must be hard to swollow those pills knowing how rotten you're going to feel. Thanks for the link to the article about the trial you're involved in. Very interesting and encouraging. No wonder you feel so awful, given that you're chugging down a huge & toxic dose. I'm impressed that you've got Dr M himself on speed dial for when you need assistance. Fingers crossed for Keith's mom's continuing success in rehab. love, Sheila
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that you have been having fun with Hannah! Yes, it’s nice to have an excuse to see things that you ordinarily would not go to.
ReplyDeleteAnd, thanks for including the link to the article on Tykerb. It’s a hellish treatment for sure, but the news is very promising. That’s a good idea to use this round to really assess whether you can work or not. That would be great if you could. It is nice to be out and about.
Have fun in CT! We missed you and Keith in NH! Next year…!!
Love, Jane
Great photos from the Marine Mammal Center; it must have been a thrill for Hannah to see CA, the Pacific Ocean, San Fran, and you guys. Hope you two enjoyed the outings as well. I figure you must be finishing up your 5th day of Tykerb tomorrow. Hope you've learned how to manage the worst of the horrible side effects. You are one strong lady!! Enjoy your next 9 days out East. I'm sure you'll have fun with Bridget and JP. We all thoroughly enjoyed playing with them at the lake last week. They are good kids - JP is a smiley, laid-back guy and Bridge is so much more grown-up and conversational compared to last year. Hugs from all of us, Ellen
ReplyDeletePS - Send our best wishes to Keith for his mom's steady recovery.