Monday, February 05, 2007

Chemo vacation is over!

Well, apart from my lungs, I am in very good shape! But my lungs are a problem, and since they are somewhat necessary, I begin with new chemotherapy starting today.

Both lungs have numerous spots of cancer and they have increased in size, with the largest now being 1.7 cm.

The new drug is Xeloda (capecitabine) which is an oral chemo. I will take it twice a day for two weeks, then have one week off. It is known to be an effective drug in metastatic breast cancer, so hopefully it will work well for me. I will be rescanned in 6-9 weeks and will have bloodwork checked weekly to see how I am doing.

Not the greatest news, but not unexpected. I am allowed to keep my travel plans to Phoenix next week, so that is exciting. The effects of this drug are usually cumulative, so I should not have too many problems this first little while.

Take care all - Joanne

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Joanne. Hopefully this new drug will keep it in check. You have responded well to previous treatments, and we are all hoping it will this time too. Take care!
P & G

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update - We have all been waiting for the news. Not the news we wanted but glad that other than your lungs, you are fine.
Have a great time in Phoenix - I hope you are feeling well enough to shop!
Best of luck with the new treatment - I hope the side effects aren't too bad,
Kelly

Anonymous said...

Hi Joanne,

Mom just introduced me to your blog page. Thanks for writing this Joanne, it is inspiring. I have been thinking about you a lot since I heard about your scan results. What can be said about it? It stinks. I really hope this round of treatment is easy on you and that you truly enjoy your time down south and feel surrounded by the love of your family and friends this Valentines.

All the best,
Peggy