Sister Update

My sister Pam saw the oncologist today. Chemo is in her future... no big surprise there. She'll have 8 treatments each 2 weeks apart - it is a "dense" treatment plan. Her oncologist has done research on treatments given in a shorter period of time and found the results to be better. So it'll be 4 treatments of AC followed by 4 of Taxol. During the time she gets the AC she'll be given Neulasta shots (the day after that chemo is administrated) to boost her blood values. We had a good laugh recalling the commercials for Neulasta that run - folks saying "I'm ready..." LOL. She got a gaggle of prescriptions for anti-nausea drugs and such. She has to go for a bone scan, Muga scan and CT scan first. Treatment expected to start in 2 weeks though he'll see her before that to check on the healing of her abdomen. He'd like to see it healed more before starting. Once again, thanks for all your kind thoughts, words and prayers they are truly, truly appreciated. Kathy

Kathy, sounds like things are progressing at a good rate. Sounds like she has a great doctor. I hope things rn smooth for her and you are all still in my thoughts & prayers. Courtney

Thanks, Courtney! I think we all feel better knowing "the plan", ya know? I'm sure it is comforting to know what will happen, what is expected, etc. Now, she can plan accordingly. Our family cruise will be postpone til next spring, I believe. (We were supposed to go in July.) Important thing is that Pam goes and feels well and can really enjoy herself. Kathy

Hi Kathy....I am so glad that things are running smoothly for your sister. She is in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine what she is having to go through but my thoughts are with her. I am sure that with all the prayers, she is going to be just fine. I know it is hard on you to be so far away from her... Hugs, Betsy

Thanks, sweet, sweet, Betsy! Hugs, Kathy

Keeping your sister, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad the doctor has a PLAN of ACTION in place. I tend to operate better when some of the "unknowns" in life are removed from the picture and a mode of attack has been outlined. It sounds like very aggressive treatment, which to my uneducated mind, seems like the route that I'd want to go - given the same cir****tances. I can't even being to fathom the concerns, fears, thoughts she (and you, the family) must be going through, but find hope and comfort in the fact that it seems very treatable with a very POSITIVE outcome! Hugs - Lei

Thanks, Lei! Appreciate all your kind thoughts. I know that she feel betters now that she knows what the game plan is. I know that I do. Treatment is aggressive. My officemate who had cancer 5 years ago had only the 4 treatments that Pam will start off with. But she didn't have any effected lymph nodes and Pam has the 1. As the doctor said, since the cancer reached a lymph node we need to kill off any stray cells that are floating around. I'm all for that. A seek and destroy mission! Hugs, Kathy

We'll be praying for Pam, that the chemo is kind to her body but not to the cancer cells, and for your family, that everyone experience calm and peace during this difficult time. Remember to take care of yourself too!!! I find that in times of great stress, I "forget" to eat...keep your body nourished and healthy. Elizabeth

Thank you for your very kind thoughts, Elizabeth. Glad to see you are doing so well already. I do take care of myself and I've got a great hubby that takes incredible care of me. Oh, I'm not one to miss a meal. Never have been. Thanks again! Kathy