how it's going

It's been a while since I've posted.  Today I received my second week of round one of the new chemo drugs.  I feel good, just a little tired.  Feeling good has been the norm lately.  I've been active and participating in normal routines.  The difference is no more radiation.  Radiation really took it out of me, and I am able to see that now that I'm a week out of having treatments.  I am thankful this part is behind me for now and, hopefully, for good.  Even though it is "behind" me, I am still experiencing side effects from the radiation.  The doctor reassured that the symptoms should subside within two to three weeks.  I am experiencing heigtened sensitivity to noise and light.  My right eye feels thick and congested and usually has some silvery purpleish floaters.  This can be quite annoying.  I have a pair of perscription eye glasses that I have not worn in 20 years, except for night driving long distances, that now I wear everytime I read-especially on the computer.  Along with the eye issues, the radition "fallout", so to speak, has left my hands a bit shaky which affects writing, cooking-pouring and cutting.  Lastly, another related symptom, is short term memory/recall.  Staying on task is challenging.  It takes me a lot longer to cook dinner!  So, meal time is a little later than desired.  A small price to pay, though, to actually feel motivated to cook in the first place.  I love to cook and provide for my family in that way.  Enough with radiation detour and back to chemo. I am tolerating the new drugs well.  My blood work remains to good which is important to keep infection at bay.  In order to assist my body in the ever important task of  fighting infection, I have been drinking fresh juice daily. It's loaded with veggies and fruit to stimulate the immune system and help keep my liver healthy.  Not only is liver health important, but my lung health is always at the front of my mind.  With all the tumors present in both sides of my lungs, I want to keep all ailments at bay to not further stress them.  I have noticed, since starting the new chemo, more activity with my lungs:  clearing my throat more, concentrating for deep breaths and noticing more fullness/tightness.  I am taking this increased sensitivity as a sign that the chemo is shrinking and killing tumors causing my lungs to labor.  I am willing this chemo to do it's job and stop this beast.  I am finding a way out!  Next week will be an off week, meaning I will not receive a chemo infusion thus ending round one.  I will resume the following week for round two.  After round two we will probably repeat scans to see all the progress we have made.  At that time, a decision to continue these drugs or to trial at MD Anderson would be made.  May you all be happy and healthy!  Much love and peace, Kara

update

Well, only two more whole brain radiation treatments.  Yeah!!!!  I do not like radiation and will not be sad to see it go for now.  This week we added radiation treatment to my bone met.  These sessions will extend to monday.  I am not as apprehensive of these as it is not my brain.  I am experiencing a lot of pain in my leg since we have added this treatment.  The doctor says there can be increased pain/aggravation due to activivty on the tumor.  I met with my oncologist this week.  This cancer is merciless and aggressive!    I learned of new mets:  sternum, adrenals and spine.  We are starting chemo again next week.  I have a bit more anxiety/hesitation this time.  I will be taking two drugs.  My schedule will be once a week for two weeks.  I will have the third week off.  The drugs I will take are carboplatin and gemcitabine (sp).  Both are expected to be harsh on the bone marrow, platelett production and the white blood cell count.  Worries will be infection and anemia.  Also, nausea is usually more pronounced so appetite may become an issue.  My doctor mentioned that people also experience more fatigue with these drugs and tend to need long naps.  Let's hope these drugs are the ones to stop the spread and shrink the tumors.  My oncologist put a referral into MD Anderson.  There is a trial she feels I should investigate.  Tentatively, we will make the trek to Houston in the next 3 or 4 weeks.  The trial would be testing a drug that has not been FDA approved but is showing promise with triple negative tumors.  My spirits have been low the last couple days.  I feel this heavy load and am longing for some good news.  Thank you all for giving support to help carry me through these days. 

thank you a million

I want to express a huge heart-felt thank you for all you making the benefit so successful and fun. It felt good to be out among friends listening to good music, eating good food and enjoying wonderful company. It gave me some strength to pull through the weekend and has readied me for my next week of radiation. Radiation has proven to be much more invasive than chemo and takes a lot out of me. My treatments are at 10:50 A.M. each day. If you think of me during this time send me some healing light. I know all our collective energies are helpful. Again, thank you so much for your generous donations. Thank you musicians for your time and talent! Thank you Thai Fresh! Thank you, Janice for your loyal, dedicated support and for organizing the wonderful event! Without you all, this road is too overwhelming. Thank you for all the shoulders to lean on!