Deb's Latest Update 4/8/2009

On 4/1, I visited Dr. Fabian for my bi-monthly checkup. The week prior I had a PET scan and a CT of my abdomen. Both tests came out clear! My last CT of my lungs showed the same very small spots. They continue to be stable and microscopic, which is great news!

Previously, Dr. Fabian, and I had discussed stopping one of my medications for the summer. I wasn't sure when I was going to stop it exactly. That was pretty much decided for me as the week before my appointment I got the flu. When I saw her on the 1st I still wasn't feeling back to normal. So, we decided that now was a good time to stop my Xeloda (chemo pill). I also got about a week off my other meds so that I could recover from being sick.

So, for the summer we've changed up my regimen. I will no longer get weekly injections of Herceptin. I am going to go once every three weeks. I will not take my Xeloda (chemo pill) at all. This will allow me to be in the sun this summer!! It will also help heal the skin issues I am having on my fingers and feet. I will continue taking my Tykerb every day. This is like the Heceptin... not chemo, but a targeted therapy specifically for my type of tumor. So, for the summer I'll be doing only the Herceptin and Tykerb.

Our plan is to see how it goes and how the tumors react. Our hopes are that they are in fact small and stable because they are truly "dead". Being off the Xeloda for the summer will probably be a great indication of that.

Please keep me in your prayers. We are praying that the tumors are in fact dead and that my change in medication can be permanent!! I'm looking forward to a few vacations this summer!