Deb's Latest Update Sept 7, 2008

It has been awhile since my last update and a lot has changed. I had my scans about 2 weeks ago. The CT showed that the tumors in my lungs have actually grown a bit over the past month. Basically this means that the current array of medications is not working.

Casey and I had a frank discussion with my doctor about our goal for my treatment. Even though most people are happy with keeping the tumors stable so they can go on to live many more years, I am not. My goal is still, and has always been, to be one of the few whose tumors completely disappear and do not return, EVER!!

With that in mind, we also discussed my willingness to take whatever drugs she wants to throw at me no matter what the side effects. Being aggressive is key and that is what we are willing to do.

So, last week I started a new course of treatment. I am taking Xeloda (a chemotheraphy pill). This chemo drug is the first one I took that initially shrank the tumor cells. It was also tested on my tumor that was removed in December and was shown to have the best results. So, I am back on it. I stopped it for the summer since you are not supposed to have much sun exposure with it. I didn't realize at the time it was so important or we would have stayed on it!!

In addition I am continuing my injections of Herceptin. I will get them weekly, on Wednesdays. The not so fun part... I am back on Tykerb. Tykerb is a replacement for Herceptin when it is not working. However, it fights the cancer cells on a molecular basis and stops them from the inside, rather than out. I will be taking both of these drugs. Unfortunately, Tykerb is the one I took for only a week when I had the very bad rash to my face and scalp. So far, knock on wood, that hasn't happened. I keep praying it won't. I proactively cut my hair very short, just in case!!

We have also decided to seek some additional help. We are leaning toward MD Anderson in Houston and perhaps UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center. They are both working on some interesting trials with my exact type of cancer. If anyone has any "connections" at either of these places, your help would be greatly appreciated.

We aren't sure when we'll be going. We'd like to give my new treatment plan a couple of weeks to see if it looks like it might be working. I believe we have additional scans in about 3 weeks.

Even with all that has happened the past year, I really just feel in my heart and soul that this is all going to be alright. I can't explain it. But, I do.

Thanks to everyone for their continued prayers and well wishes. I appreciate them all. Thanks to my friend, Jill Smith for all your special notes! They always come at the right time, thank you!!

This past week I went to a luncheon through my employer and heard Lance Armstrong speak. His words really hit home. I remember what it was like to be that "survivor" and be looking back on my ordeal. You just never think it could happen again. The first time puts things into perspective, but the second just makes everything, everyday, and everyone seem like a gift from God. Time is precious and we all need to be more thankful for what we have. Take time to cherish everyday and everyone special in your life.

I also watched the Stand Up for Cancer special that aired Friday night. If you saw the University of Kansas clip you saw several of the chemo nurses I see each week. I was especially listening when they said they think a cure for cancer could be only 3 to 5 years away, if all the researchers collaborate. I know I will continue to do all I can to see that this happens!!!

Keep the prayers coming my way!! Love, Deb