Dose 1 & Dose 2

It has been decided that I will get Navelbine. It has it's side effects like all chemo but hair loss is less likely to happen. No guarantees in this arena.
However first thing first, my veins are small, usually collapse & shot from my original IV chemo. The logical solution - portacath. My mom had one & it was very helpful. For me, the thought of having something foreign in my body completely freaks me out. I did not do implants during reconstruction for this very reason. But the port is my only option for this battle. Time to woman up!

Luckily my friend from high school made the trip. She kept me distracted . Love her! In the end a very simple procedure. The dr said I talked the entire time (Hope I was funny at least).
Afterwards I went for treatment. Saline, Chemo, Saline to push it all in. The actual chemo took 8 minutes. 8 minutes! Amazing. I felt fine after. Love Zofran for anti-nausea. Unfortunately it wore off & I was not prepared. Vomiting did rear it's ugly head - twice. Once I started Zofran every 8 hrs, all better. By Wed, I was ok. Not 100% but much better than I anticipated.

The next time the nurses & pharmacy were on it. I was told most people don't get sick on Navelbine. To make sure it doesn't happen again, first I'll have IV Zofran & a little steroid. 5 minutes for each, 8 minutes Navelbine & 10 minutes saline. Hubby & I had lunch & went to a movie. Once I got home, I couldn't sit still. Dinner,organize kids rooms', pack for each sport activity for the entire week. When I finished, I just walked around our place. Right about now I wish I had a hobby!

Fingers crossed this tolerability continues!

Treatment Options

Once again, I am in that arena of cancer treatment. After Sloan Kettering, my original onc suggested Univ of Chicago. Dr. There was amazing. She agreed w Slaon dr but mentioned her location is pretty far. She said, " Let's be realistic. You have 2 small kids. You'd have to drive here, probably with traffic & en have to drive home. I know someone closer to you who can administer the treatment." World saver!
I met w the closer dr & she's great. She confers with the other 2 drs of the team, Sloan Kettering & Univ of Chicago. Ok plan in place. It's only taken 2.5 months. And time for another scan.

Luckily there was little change so treatment after the holidays!

Tried and True

With the scary news, I didn't know what to do. My first call was to my wonderful original oncologist at Sloan Kettering. Her reaction was positive & encouraging. I immediately made an appt to see her.

Upon seeing her, I hugged her & cried. She spent an hour and a half with me to talk options that would maintain my quality of life. "Why give you toxic chemo that might not work? We'll always have that in our back pocket if we need it." Excellent point!

She helped me find clinical trials near me that she believes are promising. More than anything she offered HOPE! And that goes a long way!

This crazy, unfair journey

The latest....

I had another scan in May with the ALL CLEAR. Then in August, we move to Chicago. My TX oncologist recommended RUSH hospital. The first visit was not smooth & I was not happy. Since they were highly recommended I stayed. I had a scan in Oct. Liver & bone mets AGAIN. Really?!?!?

The consultation was like a bomb dropping. Mention of getting my ovaries out, 4 cm spot on my liver, multiple spots on my bones. I asked, "Where?" Wondering if they were new spots or growing old spots. They didn't have my scan. I'd get a copy later. Seriously, you destroy my world & don't have all the information to share with me. An exam & then told to get dressed because there is a lot to plan/discuss. Dr never came back. She sent in someone else. Again REALLY? Ports were mentioned, oopherectomy...all by a a complete stranger. Needless to say helplessness set in. Worries about my children. I am so angry and for the first time really scared.

New Lifestyle

I had a scan back in March & I am still all clear.  While the journey was brutal, I feel stronger & healthier than ever.

My new healthier life includes the following:

• Morning walks
• Matcha Green tea with Ginger
• Juicing
• Vegetarian
• Trying to help others going through treatment (advice, meals, must haves)

My juice of choice - Green Glow from The Gem.

• 5 kale leaves
• 1 lemon
• 1 cucumber
• 1 apple
• 1/2" ginger
• 1/2 jalapeno peppper (for a little kick)

One of my fave veggie meals: Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna

Here's to many more years of LIVING!

Cancer gift basket

I am a big proponent of helping fellow cancer fighters. When I hear someone else has been affected by this disease, I immediately start putting together the MUST HAVES for the process.

Now cwellness.com has a basket with all the essentials. Wow where was this when I was diagnosed. How great would it be if this were given out with the diagnosis!

Cancer gift basket

Stumblin' Stilettos

I am not a runner anymore but love the camaraderie of doing something together.  And so I entered the Stiletto Stampede.  It's a 100 yard dash in heels. I could not be more excited & the ladies who are joining me will make the event PRICELESS.

My husband came up with Struttin' Stilettos but somehow I can't see us strutting runway style. Dear friend SB came up with Stumblin' Stilettos.  Yes that's more apropo.  Not sure if it's the balance issues on heels or that we are stumbling around on our Mom's Nights Out. Either way it works!