Howdy, Doug here, longtime husband and first-time blogger.
DonnaLee’s spirits were dragging after her chest scan
revealed modest progression of the nodules in her lungs.
Dr. Bonomi was reluctant to make significant changes to the current
treatment regimen which consisted of Tarceva for the brain lining and recently
started “maintenance” infusion chemotherapy (Avastin) for the lungs. Apparently, the progression was such that
some oncologists may have just stayed the current treatment course.
In an effort to treat the lung progression, Dr. Bonomi decided
to add Metronomic Cytoxan (in pill form to be taken daily) to the Avastin that’s
administered every three weeks. The new
pill is supposed to shrink the blood vessels that feed the cancer cells and is
not expected to give DonnaLee any adverse side effects. DonnaLee will also remain on Tarceva, which
is working well on the brain lining.
Positively, DonnaLee’s headaches have subsided. Best guess to the cause of the headaches is
still the harshness of the full 3-drug infusion chemotherapy, a genetic
predisposition to migraines, and the stress of the holidays.
Please keep your encouraging thoughts flowing so that
DonnaLee can maintain a positive attitude which I believe is a crucial element
in her fight. After a difficult 2014, we
were looking forward to an uneventful 2015.
Hopefully, today’s news is a simple twist in the road and DL can reclaim
her patience and energy in what can be a tiresome treatment routine.
Love to all and please do not worry.
2 comments:
Hi Doug,
Thanks for stepping in for DonnaLee to bring us up-to-date, and to help her contend with difficult test results. I agree that DonnaLee's fiercely strong spirit = power. I remain in awe of you, DonnaLee, and pray you keep your warrior's fire burning brightly! Love to you both.
Best to take one day at a time; one hour at a time. You have a great doctor and are in good hands. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, and that's exactly what you've been doing these past several years. Be proud of all the hard work you have done, and never quit.
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