Not Out of the Woods

Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA

When I had my post op with the breast cancer surgeon on December 18, she said that there was a 9 mm residual of the cancer mass. But she got it out and the margins were clean. I was under the impression that meant all is good – cancer free. Well…I had my first follow up since surgery with the oncologist yesterday. Received news I was not expecting which felt like a punch to the gut.

The six rounds of chemo prior to surgery did not completely eliminate the cancer mass. Therefore, it’s possible there are still cancer cells roaming freely around my body. It also means the cancer was somewhat resistant to the chemotherapy. The protocol for this is more chemotherapy - Kadcyla. Fourteen rounds, one every three weeks. Which would go into October - ten more months. Kadcyla is a combination of chemo and the hormone receptor blocking medication, Herceptin, that I am currently receiving. The doctor said it is less powerful than the previous chemo meds (two) but could still have many of the same side effects. Some of which are serious. Of course, I will not know until I receive it how my body will respond.

I did some research this morning. A study showed that Kadcyla reduced the risk of recurrence by 46% and reduced the risk of death by 34% compared to Herceptin alone. I decided to do this medication because of course I want to decrease chances of a reoccurrence. This is very discouraging, but I will continue to keep my chin up and think positive thoughts. Some good news is that the C-diff (intestinal bacteria infection) cleared up after three months and three rounds of powerful antibiotics – yay! The bad news is that the antibiotics caused yeast infections in my throat, my southern region and all the finger and toenails. Ugh!! So, I have been taking oral and topical medications to resolve all that. sigh

In the same way that gold and silver are refined by fire,

the Lord purifies your heart by the tests and trials of life.

Proverbs 17.3

Don’t I know it!

BUT…

Things could be worse

Many have it much worse than me

I will be completely healed and well again

This too shall pass

I am blessed in countless ways

Baby big horn sheep, Glenwood Springs, CO