Okay, so careful what you wish for, I guess...it's GO time. Tuesday, next week. The chemo drips.
I guess Dr West changed his original plan for me...the "chemo isn't going to be a cakewalk, but shouldn't be too bad..." to "well, I think that we are going to use this awesome combination of an OLD SCHOOL chemo drug (Cisplatin) with Nevelbien plus this cool new Erbutix...the Cisplatin is pretty heavy duty, but I think we want to be a little more aggressive to start. If you spend all your time throwing up, though, we can change to something else."
Sounds good.
But, the cool thing is, the combo with the Erbutix is something kind of new (and actually not approved by the FDA, but Dr West is working around things so it will be hunky dory with insurance...). They just had a big trial and it was presented at ASCO this year..and 70 percent of the people in the trial with a some sort of genetic mutation (no idea, I will look up) did amazingly well -- lots of shrinkage and stoppage.
And yes. I have that mutation. So let's cross our fingers that this is going to be a wildly successful first line for me. And, of course, it's proving me true on the timing...five months ago, this wouldn't be an option for him to try. More things are coming online ALL the time. And Dr West talked about that today. We have lots of things to try -- this is the first, and man, I am feeling positive. So two weeks of Cisplatin/Nevelbien, week off....for three cycles total. The Erbutix is every week for six weeks.
Oh, I also am getting assimilated into the borg -- Dr West also changed his mind about the Port-O-Cath, so back into surgery I go Friday...probably just as well. After all, I am planning on having years of blood tests, treatments, etc -- so why not make it easy on the veins? Also, Monday we're doing a contrast CT of lungs/etc to get our baseline started...it will be interesting to see what has happened in the last month while I have been lazing around getting radiated....hopefully not much.
Okay, so that's the treatment plan. Bring on the puke bags!
Except for the nausea...and evidently the Erbitux causes MASSIVE acne.
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22 comments:
Whoo! Chemo! Let's get this started and get those tumors a'shrinkin.
Vomiting and zits, huh? Sounds like college, only without the supertasty cheap beer.
my god! it is college!!! or was that highschool?
I agree - lets get this all going so we can git yer little bod healthy and happy!
love you - anything you guys need or want.
We just redesigned a popular East Coast college beer, so we are happy to provide samples to make the whole thing come full circle : ) Chemo...not so fun...but killing cancer...way good!!! We're ready for battle - let us know how we can help! Love you big. P & J
Hi Melissa,
I know you through Arlene; you were at Arlene's baby shower at my old house 2+ years ago. I hate that you have to go through this.
I'm related to an experienced Shaman on the East Coast who does healing work. If you would like to talk with him let me know (lynnturshman@yahoo.com).
I am sending you and your family positive thoughts.
With love from Lynn Hubbard
You get'em girl. You're our Hero! You too Matt.
Craig, Christie, and Hudson Naze
Hi Cutie,
I've got lots of "tricks of the trade" to share with you on Wednesday to help you sail through this chemo biz, no problem.
You'll be back to enjoying wine in no time!
Love you,
Laurie
Melissa,
The Docs gave my Dad
Cisplatin and his tumor
is gone. Let me know if
you need anything.
Love you.
Let's get this thing going and show who is boss!! Cancer isn't going to know what hit it!!
PS Just between you and the other 76 people, Clark was up vomiting all last night!
Love - Clark and Julia and Kevin, Julie and Ethan
I don't want to be a 'lurker,' but I found your blog via my friend Rebecca Armstrong. I'm amazed at your courage, strength and humor. Be strong and know you have the thoughts and prayers of a perfect stranger.
Molly
We second that - you have the thoughts and prayers of 2 more perfect strangers! We are friends of Maggie and Rocky.
You are beautiful and have an amazing inner strength that comes thru loud and clear! Keep up your positive attitude and know that you have 2 more people pulling for you, Matt and little Lucie.
You are an inspiration to us all!
Mike and Michele Capanyola
Hi Melissa-
Your ability to find the silver lining in all of this is truly inspirational. If anyone can kick this things butt- you can. I'm ready to help when you need it!
Giant hugs!
Kim
Hi Melisssa,
Becky,Jeff, Lainey, Maggie and Rocky are on the boat in Desolation, but our hearts are there with you. Hope Chemo kicks this cancer's butt big time. We'll have a birthday dinner (for Becks and Maggie) when we get back. Can't wait to see you all.
You are so going to kick ass through this!
Warrior hero is what you are.
"Warrior hero" is great. I certainly want you on my side in a fight!
Love, Chris
Hey you sounds like quite a plan. Lets start zappin' those bad boys and run 'em outta town. I'm going to jump in my little Incredible Voyage ship and take my laser gun to blast the @#$%&@ myself.
love ya...miss ya!
Shocked and saddened to hear about this. Your positive power can light up a room. I know it can burn out the f-ing cancer.
XXOO
Sarah Simmons
Hmmmm. There IS a bit of a bright side to all of this....at least you won't have to hold your hair out of the way while you're hunched over the toilet :)
Keep kickin ass! Love and smooches to you all.
Hmmmm. There IS a bit of a bright side to all of this, though - at least you won't have to hold your hair back as you're hunched over the toilet :)
Keep kickin ass, babe!
M - Yes, do ask your doctor about Emend. And don't hesitate to call/email (rebeccamaryarmstrong@gmail.com) if you want support from someone who's going through it (me.) I'll likely be more direct on email than I am on the blog...but its true I haven't thrown up yet.
Bex
homelessness is typically not a good thing. homeless cancer cells however, is a VERY GOOD THING.
get ready for eviction little buggers.
you've inspired me to shave my head. you look hot.
-hp
I went to my high school reunion last weekend and saw a friend of mine who'd been going through radiation/chemo last fall and winter.
Her skin was acne-free - glowing even! - and she had a cute little short hairdo. AND she's cancer free.
Thought you might like to hear about some good outcomes, after all is said and done. :)
Ok. If you can do all that I can do this (post:-)
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