Fall 2009: Jake and Nancy learned that Nancy's breast cancer was stage four. Winter 2013: They are still fighting. This is a gathering place to follow their story, offer support, love and prayers... to be by their side.



Friday, December 16, 2011

SCAN RESULTS

Dear friends and family,
My latest scan results are mixed and difficult to interpret.  Of the 7 visible tumors in my liver, 2 are slightly larger, 2 are slightly smaller, 2 are stable, and 1 is new.  We need a PET scan to really see what is going on, so I'll have a follow up scan in a couple weeks.  The glass-half-full scenario is that the increased size in the tumors is due to the chemo working, not the cancer getting worse.  Dr. Rinn said she learned this lesson long ago with liver tumors that sometimes you have to be patient.  She was not alarmed at all, just a bit disappointed that we didn't see the same response I had with Abraxane/Avastin, but she said to hold fast with Xeloda and give it a little more time to work.

I feel great, very few side effects, and I have to say this might be the easiest chemo I've had.  I'm a little bit tired and nauseated, though the latter is controlled with meds.  My hands and feet are good, just a little more dry than normal, but Udder Cream works miracles.  I'm still upbeat that Xeloda will do the trick and agree with Dr. Rinn that we just need a little more time and a little more data from the scans.  

Thanks to everyone for your continued support!!

-Nancy

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Status check

Happy Holidays!
Dear friends and family,
All is going well on my new chemo regimen of Xeloda and cytoxan.  I have mild nausea, I've figured out how to control it.  I end up taking about 15 pills a day, but it is easier than having weekly chemo infusions.

I've got a CT scan on Tues this week and visit with Dr. Rinn on Thur to discuss results and get my monthly zometa infusion.  Fingers crossed, the Xeloda is working, so I hope to post good results later this week.
Thanks again to everyone for your continued support and well wishes.   We appreciate it so much!!
Love, Nancy