Cathy’s latest scan indicated tumor growth and the thickening of her bladder wall. Her doctor believes she does not have bladder cancer but the tumors are causing problems. This is obviously scary and frustrating, but not entirely surprising.
Cathy was on a combination of three chemotherapy medicines, Leucovorin, Fluorouracil (5FU) and Oxaliplatin. This regimen is known as “Fol Fox”. Two scans indicated the regimen stabilized Cathy’s cancer and even provided mild improvement. However, she could only take the Oxaliplatin for a limited time or there could be irreversible side effects. She had 12 rounds of it and the plan was then to continue only with the Leucovorin and Fluorouracil hoping they would maintain the stabilization and perhaps even sustain the progress. Unfortunately, they did not do this. Cathy began to experience symptoms such as ankle swelling and abdominal discomfort. She was given a scan which showed the above results.
So now another drug, Irinotecan (Camptosar or CPT-11), has been added to her regimen and with the other two drugs makes up a treatment plan called “Fol Firi”. This new drug, like the Oxali, is a heavy hitter causing fatigue, nausea and hair thinning, but hopefully it will stop the cancer and reverse its course. Giving her Oxali again is not out of the question since it was effective the first time but for now it is better to try other medications given the irreversible side effects Oxali can cause.
This setback is a reminder to us that battling cancer is a journey with many ups and downs. Cathy had several chemo sessions with less fatigue and side effects. Now she is on a new drug and is back to being knocked out for a few days during treatment. In addition, we will have to wait and see if any other side effects occur. On the bright side, knowing what is causing her symptoms gives us courage to fight them as opposed to not knowing and guessing. The doctors can also treat and relieve her symptoms more effectively. There are many options in cancer treatment and Team Cathy will exhaust them all. That is for sure!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy New Year
Team Cathy would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. We thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
As the holidays approached Cathy was able to enjoy one of her favorite activities – baking. She and Carrigan made cookies for Carrigan’s teachers. She also baked many other items that were enjoyed by family and friends.
As we reflect back on 2011 it is hard to believe how much has changed. It has been a year since Cathy first discovered the lump in her neck that was to change her life so drastically. It is a tough anniversary but she and Kyle are thankful for many things - a successful surgery and stabilization of the cancer with mild improvement; Cathy’s parents have opened their house for them to live in; receiving treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the country after moving from Florida. In addition, they have been overwhelmed with all the good wishes, advice, support, prayers, and such from so many people from so many places.
As Team Cathy looks forward to 2012 we continue to be optimistic. Cathy will continue her treatment plan and would love to be cleared to work part-time by next fall. Kyle is anxiously awaiting the hiring season for teachers later this spring, hoping to get a full time job. But mostly, Cathy and Kyle are looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends and family and trying to keep up with Carrigan!
As the holidays approached Cathy was able to enjoy one of her favorite activities – baking. She and Carrigan made cookies for Carrigan’s teachers. She also baked many other items that were enjoyed by family and friends.
As we reflect back on 2011 it is hard to believe how much has changed. It has been a year since Cathy first discovered the lump in her neck that was to change her life so drastically. It is a tough anniversary but she and Kyle are thankful for many things - a successful surgery and stabilization of the cancer with mild improvement; Cathy’s parents have opened their house for them to live in; receiving treatment at one of the best cancer centers in the country after moving from Florida. In addition, they have been overwhelmed with all the good wishes, advice, support, prayers, and such from so many people from so many places.
As Team Cathy looks forward to 2012 we continue to be optimistic. Cathy will continue her treatment plan and would love to be cleared to work part-time by next fall. Kyle is anxiously awaiting the hiring season for teachers later this spring, hoping to get a full time job. But mostly, Cathy and Kyle are looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends and family and trying to keep up with Carrigan!
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