SCAN #3

So, It has been almost a year since this whole bloody trip began.  When my cancer was first discovered I had, in addition to a sojourn in the hospital for about 5 days because of really, really bad pain, a complete set of scans done.  Those scans showed cancer in my liver and throughout my bones - metastatic Stage 4 breast cancer. Since then I have had two more scans. On the first of those there was no change in the progress of the disease. On this last one, however, it showed an increase which is not good news. 

I met with my Dr. Peroutka, my oncologist here, on Friday and this, then, is her recommendation.  First of all she said that it is not unusual for a cancer patient to build up a resistance to a chemo drug (in my case, Avastin).  In fact she spends most of her time altering chemo drugs for patients because they become ineffective over time, but she had hoped that I would not experience this for awhile. She has suggested that I switch to a drug called Xeloda which is given twice a day in pill form right after meals. My regimen would be one week of Xeloda then one week off then another week on plus the addition of two meds that I had been taking for help with blood counts and bone health (Abraxane and Zometa); those two drugs are give intravenously so I would have to go in to the office periodically to have blood counts tested and to get the Abraxane & Zometa. HOWEVER, she and I have opted to speak to Dr. Emmens at Johns Hopkins before beginning just in case she has another option for us to consider. Dr. Peroutka has great respect for Dr. Emmens and the work she is doing to fight cancer so it makes sense to keep her informed. She can be considered part of my team which I believe is wise.

The most problematic part of changing chemo drugs is the possibility/probability (at least in the beginning) of new side effects.  Although for some the side effects can be minimal, it is a highly personal reaction and it's just a matter of “wait and see.” So there you are.  Nothing is going to happen until after Thanksgiving.  I have a call in to Dr. Emens so I’m hoping I will hear from her soon.

There are a couple of pictures here taken during a trip to New York City with our friends, Ky & Tom Colestock. We took a walk on a really lovely day on the converted Elevated Train Tracks between Gansevoort St. and 20th St. on the west side of Manhattan (between 10th & 11th Aves.) I believe the plans are to eventually extend it to 34th St.  If this interests you you can read about it at: http://www.thehighline.org/  It's an amazing experience with scenes of NY from this elevated track planted with native grasses, plants, shrubs and trees, plus places to sit and just chill out or read a book, etc.  WELL WORTH THE VISIT!

Have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

With best wishes to you all,
Nancy

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City-scape from the High Line

 

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City scape #2

 

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On the High Line

 

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Building seen from the High Line

 

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The colors of fall

 

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Elevator up to the High Line

 

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More city-scapes

 

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Entrance to the Standard Hotel at the lower end of the Highline

 

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Another streetscape

 

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Sculpture garden at MOMA