Medical Update 2018

Been a while since we have updated the medical information.  When last we left, we were dealing with back pain.  They did confirm that when the kyphoplasty was done, some cement dripped near the spinal nerve.  Doctor prescribed Gabapentin which has helped.

Fast forward to TX.  Dr. ordered a PET scan to check things out.  Unfortunately, it shows progression in the lungs.  Going to have to go back on the heavy chemo (taxatere).  😡

A brain MRI was also ordered.  Again, not good news.  New activity in the previous area with some new activity in additional places.  Meeting with radiation oncologist to go over options.

Not a candidate for radiation as I have had too many doses previously.  Dr. said they typically don't see a patient 3 times for this.

Radiation is a risk, surgery is a risk.  Waiting for more info to determine our next course of action.

A Day off!

Connie had her 2nd Herceptin treatment yesterday.  Had to switch to the left arm, since the right one had been stuck enough.  She's going to have to relent and go to a mediport for the future IV's.  She's not happy about it, but it's what needs done.

Her appetite is like that of a pregnant woman:  some crazy cravings.  10 years ago, she pretty much swore off sweets, they didn't taste good to her.  Steak.  She LOVED steak.  This time, she's getting a little bit of her sweet tooth back.  Yesterday, as we're driving back from her treatment when I asked what she wanted to for lunch:  pizza.  Hit the Pizza Hut in Portland for the buffet and she went at it.

She hasn't been experiencing the aches and pains today, her stamina has been really, really good.  Honestly, if you would see her today, she'd be just like she was a year ago or any other time.  Nothing really noticeable which is terrific!

Tomorrow, we roll out early to Corpus for her stress test.  Cardiologist ordered it Tuesday so that we can get a baseline for her heart and how its handling the chemo and Herceptin.  Going to take the girls (Carmen and Sloopy) to Bruno's for some day care.  Time (and money wise), we're better off doing that than me dropping her off, coming back and heading back in again.  Will probably get the tires rotated on the truck to kill some time, too.

Our time with our friends, Fred and Vickie is rolling to a close, also.  We're going to go with them to our Heartland Owner's Group tonight for a meal at Texas A1 Steak and Seafood in Portland.  Then, they're out to the Island for most of tomorrow before hitting the road again on Saturday back to Dallas.

Keep piling on me, I can handle it.....

What should have been stress free, relaxing Saturday has turned into anything but.

Spent the morning on the phone with either Curascript, the Doctor's Office and Xpress Scripts trying to get some answers.  Apparently, when the doctor placed the order for Xeloda (the chemo) with Curascript, she also placed an order for Ondansetron.  Xeloda was approved by insurance, but the Ondansetron was a quantity the insurance wouldn't allow.  Since they were both on the same order, no can do.  We get nothing and (try to) like it.  Furthering the complications are the doctors are all on spring break.

Let's go relax and take the dogs to the local Dog Park.

Nothing we can do about the meds, so we'll try and control what we can control.  

Why is the "check engine" light on in the truck?  Got to be kidding me.  Took it to O'Reilly's for diagnostics and there's an issue with the glow plug circuits in cylinder #3.  Sensational.  Reading the forums, there either has or hasn't been a recall for this.  So, we'll have something to do on Monday now which should have been another day off.

Rains it pours.  The park is going to have a cook out this afternoon, then we're going to check out the Oyster Fest.

Our friends Fred and Vickie are supposed to be pulling in with their MH later tomorrow.

The treatments begin.....

Connie met with Dr. Stewart in the morning and underwent the first (of three) treatments with the Cyber Knife.  Everyone was very happy with the results.

It was double header day, as she then went to Dr. Aponte's office for her first weekly Herceptin treatment.  This should be a once every three week dose, but because of the heart risk, it was decided to give her a third of a dose for the first three to see how the ticker responded.

After all the treatments, she was in very good spirits and seemed physically very good.  Around 7p, she started winding down.

Once she goes, she goes quickly.

We know what we're facing, here's the plan.....

We met with Dr. Aponte Monday.  She did confirm that it was breast cancer, but that it was going to be a long haul.  Connie would be on chemo for the foreseeable future.  It's going to be in a pill form, while she'll receive Herceptin through an IV.  Her treatments back in 2004 did do some damage to her heart.  There is a risk that the Herceptin could further that damage.  We're going to have to add a cardiologist to the team in the near future to monitor that.

We decided that we would do our "first round" here in Corpus Christi, then transfer back to the Cleveland Clinic.  Not quite sure how that transition is going to be handled, but we've contacted Dr. Andresen's office in Cleveland, and both oncologists offices have been in contact.  Dr. Aponte requested all the 2003-04 records, while forwarding all the current records.

Connie and I decided the best plan of attack was to go back to Kister Marina in Ashtabula and stay the season.  Then, in October, we'll return to Corpus Christi to keep the continuity of doctors.  It's almost like we're snowbirds, but without a sticks and bricks house.  We contacted Kister's and they did have availability for a seasonal spot (May 1 through Oct. 15) and we sent our deposit in to hold it.

First, the brain masses which are scheduled for Wednesday and the Cyber Knife.