Hello everyone!
So I had my first day of chemo today (for the second time around). I am receiving a dosage of Topotecan which is a drug that has been shown to work in about 20-30% of patients with metastatic cervical cancer. We know those are not the greatest odds but our plan is to get through 2-3 "cycles" and then see if it is working by either stopping the growth or shrinking the growth.
The "cycles" include having chemo once per week for 3 weeks and then having the 4th week off. So, 4 weeks is one cycle.
We arrived today around 9:30am (right after voting!!! Go Obama!) and met with my gynecological oncologist as we discussed future options if the Topotecan does not work, discussed pain management and made a tentative plan to go through 2-3 cycles and re-evaluate. The Topotecan is different from the Cisplatin in that it does not require extensive hydration so I just received a small bag of the poison but took oral medication for anti-nausea.....so far, no vomit. It ended up taking us until 3pm to leave which was a bit ridiculous and my patience wore very thin....I just wanted to get home. But, they were working out the kinks of our plan.
For chronic pain, my oncologist gave me Fentanyl which is a patch that I wear for 3 days and should help with all of the continued pain in my pelvis due to the cancer. He also stated that he believes the fistulas were caused by the cancer and were just more vulnerable due to the amount of radiation that I have received. The fistulas continue to be my most irritating and discomforting symptom at this point although X-Small depends and little girls night pants really help to make me feel comfortable, dry and clean....it is quite glamorous to get into bed with a diaper with butterflies all over it. :-) Thanks, Mom.
The upcoming plan now is to ride out this chemo....keep eating and my next visit is on the following Tuesday (the 11th). My Dad comes in to help on Saturday night and will be with me on my second chemo day (round 2).
P.S. Topotecan is derived from elements of the Asian Happy Tree....so, go Asian Happy Tree!
Love, Hugs and Good Health!
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18 comments:
Take care of yourself. Kins! Let me know if your up for a gitarhero challenege!
If you're looking for some good TV shows to watch. Just finished "Undeclared" from the creators of "Freaks and Geeks" it's a good way to waste time.
As always, thinking of you every single day. Good luck and I'll be sending anti-nausea vibes for the rest of your cycle!!
love you,
hil
kins and mark- we were thinking about you all day. glad you got to vote! we love you guys and are here with whatever you need.
xoxo
lindsay dave and michael
So according to the press Obama just won. They say he's in Chicago. Can you see him from your place?
GO HAPPY TREE!
Dear Kindra and Mark,
You are so courageous and your wonderful spirit shows through in all your letters. Never give up, or as I say..Don't let the wind out or your sails..you are two very special kids and have love pouring in from everywhere, especially between the two of you. Take care of each other, lots of love from The Westcotts
Morning Kins! Thinking of you today. I know you're probably still worn out from your long day yesterday but if you're up for a visitor today, let me know! I'd love to sit and watch some trashy TV with ya!
Hope you had a safe and wonderful trip home last weekend and I am sure it was nice to be with your family. Thinking of you always and keep hanging in there! LOVE YOU!
Yeah happy tree! Sending you lots of love, hugs and strength! You are amazing!
Kindra,
I hope you had a restful time in Oregon. My whole family and I were sending you postive vibes and strength yesterday and will continue to do that. I hope to have those DVDs to you by this weekend, so you can use them on the 11th for some entertaining.
Thinking and praying that this chemo is shrinking that cancer!!!You're amazing and my inspiration.
Love,
Molly:)
You are such a trooper! Your strength and attitude amaze me. Keep your spirits up and I am thinking of you everyday! Love you!
So glad that you are 'going to the mattresses' with this thing! We love you,
C, J, & O
ding, ding, ding...take down the cancer stone cold steve austin style. you can tap me in anytime. sending extra strong healing vibes your way. love ya!
I hope you continue to feel as well as you can.... love and thinking of you always.
xo
Hooray for happy trees! We have been thinking about you both everyday. I hope you are feeling up to coming to brunch tomorrow, but if not, know that we all love you and send our strength for week #2!
Hugs,
Amanda & Darrin
Kindra,
Hugs and positive energy and love from me and a bunch of folks you've never met! I hope to see you soon.
Love,
Nora
It was so great spending time with you this past Saturday! I'm planning on getting you the 'snoogle' this Friday - hope it will allow for more snoozing during the nights. Thinking of you always, and hope the cycle of chemo kicks the cancer out! We love you! Jen and Dave
Hi Kindra,
I saw on the news this morning about a "Miracle Fruit" that people are eating during chemo. It said that this fruit helps take away the metallic taste that chemo causes every thing to have. If you are interested here is a link to tell more:
http://www.berrytrip.co.uk/
They apparently have it in the states now too! :) Thought it may help with appetite.
Thinking of you always and sending our love,
Molly :)
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