Biopsy results and a new plan

The liver biopsy results came back and the cancer cells are Estrogen receptor positive, but HER2 negative.  This changes the game plan a bit.  Prior to knowing this, the plan was to have chemotherapy which consisted of Herceptin, which is designed for HER2 positive cancer cells.  Since this time the cells are HER2 negative, it will not work.

The new plan is to have a monthly injection of Xgeva, and take two pills orally.  The first one is an estrogen blocker called Exemestane 25mg.  The cancer cells feed off of estrogen, so this will reduce the estrogen that my body produces even more.  In the past I had my ovaries removed for the same reason, to reduce the amount of estrogen in my body.  The other pill is Palbociclib/Ibrance.  It is made specifically for breast cancer metastases and to try and limit its growth.  The schedule is take it for 21 days on and then 7 days off--repeat.

I had my first injection and started the Exemestane last week.  I still feel good, only difference I noticed is fatigue.  I took the first Palbociclib pill this morning--starting my 21 days.  Not sure what side effects I will have, I guess time will tell.

Wish me luck!

What do you do when you are about to lose your hair? GO PURPLE!

Meg preparing for SUU

This past week has been a time for trying to get as much done as possible.  With the 25th on my mind, I am trying to get as much of my school work done now.  I am taking five classes this semester at Utah State.  I am finished with two of them, and trying to wrap up the other three.

There are so many things that I wanted to do this summer.  I love being outside in the morning and listening to the birds sing.  I love going for a run or walk before the heat gets overwhelming.  I love being out in the yard.  I love being with my kids.  This is Meg's last month at home before she heads off to Southern Utah University.  It makes me feel sad that I will be going through chemo, instead of focusing on her and spending time together.  I need more time.  So.....getting rid of the cancer cells has now become top priority.  I still need 40-50 more years.  I am willing to do whatever it takes. Hopefully doing this will give me the time that I want and need!

I am so proud of Meg and her decision to attend SUU in Cedar City.  She is ready for the next phase in her life.  I will miss her immensely, but I am so happy for her!!

It's back.

Last week I went in for my yearly follow up appointment.  I wasn't having any problems, except a little bit of back pain every so often.  My oncologist ordered an MRI of the spine just to check.  He also ordered a brain scan.  The brain scan came back completely normal.  Phew!  The spine came back showing some metastases and also something suspicious in the liver.  An abdominal and pelvic MRI were done a few days later.  The abdominal MRI did indeed show that there were metastases in the liver.  It was a roller coaster weekend.  We all had a good cry.

The next week I had a follow up appointment with my oncologist and we discussed a game plan.  I will begin chemotherapy on July 25th, the day before my birthday.  They initially wanted to start on the 26th, but I just didn't want to have chemotherapy be my birthday present.  So, the 25th it is.  I will do 6 rounds, one round every three weeks.  This was the same as I did the first go around in 2012.  I was only able to complete 5 out of the 6 rounds.  I am hoping that this time will not be as difficult and I will be able to do the full regimen.

This morning I am going to the hospital to get a liver biopsy and to get a port put in.  The liver biopsy is to see if the cancer has the same characteristics as before, Her2+ and estrogen receptor positive.  It is a CT guided biopsy.  The port was a lifesaver last time, so I am anxious to get it again.   It saves me from getting poked so many times.

I am feeling good.  I don't have any pain.  I don't feel any different.  In fact, I feel the healthiest that I have been in a long time.  I am running every morning.  I swim in the pool almost every morning.  I have been eating Keto and have lost 30#.

Why this is happening, I just don't know.  But, I do know that it is not my time to go yet.  I am not finished and I will continue to do all that I can to be healthy and strong.  Chemo was brutal last time.  I am hoping with a different cocktail this time around it will be a little better.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me feel that we are not alone in this.  We have such a great support system.  We could not do it without you!

Our trip to Idaho before school starts

We made it just in time to see Old Faithful

Saying goodbye to cousins is so hard

A fun week in Teton Valley--see you again soon

A little more summertime fun

Brigham City Temple

Roman's 1st sunburn

We went to this Comedy Club with Denise, Jantzen and Devery.  It was pretty hilarious.

Roman is our superhero!

Reuniting with cousins.  When did these girls get so grown up?

Family reunion in Mackay.  (Thanks for the picture Quinn.)

Summer vacation

Wee took a day trip to the Redwoods. They were magnificent!!  It wasn't supposed to be so short, but alas, I didn't reserve a hotel in advance and they were all full.  So, we enjoyed ourselves, stopped at Winco, stocked up on snacks and headed home. 

Fun with friends at the 4th of July breakfast.

We had a wonderful time at the Great Wolf Lodge in Washington. W e met up with Ranelle, Wes and Ariela's family and our friends Doug and Candace Gouge and family.  We played at the waterpark, mini golf and arcades.  It was a lot of fun.  It seemed sort of like a mini-Disneyland.  There were kids running everywhere throughout the hotel.  They had all sorts of "magic" adventures and treasures to find with their magic wands.  A great couple of days!  From there we started off on our trip to Utah.  Off on our own adventure of finding our home and settling down.  We are ready!

We stopped along the Gorge and enjoyed the panoramic view.  It is very peaceful and quiet up there.

  The Stonehenge replica was pretty awesome.  It is a nice pit stop. 

Can anyone guess why the kids are covering their faces? 

What have we been up to?

A fun field trip to the U of O museum.

Hours of Sutherlin baseball

Fun with friends

A day at the beach

Spending time together

Learning how to drive the riding mower

Spending time with gpa Reber

All ready for the Girls Camp skits-First year YCL!

Off on the TREK adventure!

First formal dance-actually two!

Mikayla invited Meg to go to the Oakland Prom.
Such sweet cousins!

Beautiful ladies!

Grandpa Reber with the girls.

My babies are growing up so fast!

 

 

 

 

LOVE IT!!

 

Friday was the Night of Mystery formal dance up in Eugene.  Let me just put the story out there, so I don't forget.  Meg and I went dress shopping, we had set aside the whole day.  On our way up there, I joked that we should just find a dress at the first store so that we could spend the rest of the day playing.  She said, "well...maybe by the second store."  We stopped at the first store and no luck.  We went to the second store and found two dresses that had sleeves.  This was one of them!  It was amazing!  She looked beautiful! 

Roman at the Klondike Derby/Diamond Lake

Roman and his friend Charlie, building the igloo.

It is finished!  They even slept in it that night.

The knot tying station

Fire building station. 

Pack 109 off to the next station.  Roman is in the front, carrying the flag.

Working on sending the sled across a "ravine".

Roman had a great time at his first Klondike!  He was wet and cold when he came home, but still smiling!  Thank you to the great leaders who provided this opportunity for the boys!