Robin's Fourth Chemo - 2/15/05

 
Robin had her fourth chemo on Tuesday, February 15th, and it is now Saturday.

Since the third treatment (back on January 25th), Robin has had a rough time. The after effects of chemo 3 were very debilitating, and she missed three days of work (Friday-Tuesday). The doctor said she had other nausea medications, but Robin didn't ask for them until Monday, and didn't get it until Tuesday. On top of the nausea and aching, she developed the "Flesh-Eating Yeast Infection From Hell" (as I like to call it) and diabetes. It was a rough week or so, with lots of doctor's appointments. Robin has a new anti-nausea medication, the yeast infection is under control, and the doctor started her on insulin.

On Wednesday, February 2, Robin had some scans done to determine how the treatments were proceeding. She had a sonogram of her breasts that showed the tumors have reduced in size from 2.5 cm to 1.5 cm; that's a 40% reduction in diameter and a 78% reduction in volume. She also had a CT scan of her chest to see if the node near the trachea had changed. Unfortunately, the radiologist didn't mention the node, so we believe he didn't compare the scans. Robin's oncologist, Dr. McClure, ordered the additional analysis, but we do not have the results yet.

Her fourth chemo went very well. Her blood counts were good. She met with Dr. McClure, who gave her the once-over, discussed the test results (or lack, thereof), and answered questions. She decided that Robin needs only two more Chemo treatments, and her surgery will follow the last treatment by about three to four weeks. That would put it towards the end of April (about the same time that I'm to be laid off - God works in strange ways). I think Robin was relieved to know that this was not her last Chemo, so she has more time to get mentally prepared for surgery.

Alexis stayed with Robin while she was infused. Everything went well, and they went out for a late lunch afterward.

NOT Mexican!!!

Robin did pretty well until Friday. She saw her regular doctor on Wednesday and Thursday. Her blood sugar was not getting under control from one shot of insulin, so she now takes insulin at each meal and at bedtime. The doctor thought there was a possibility that things would stabilize after chemo is over. She worked both days, but the nausea overcame her on Friday, and she missed work. It is now Sunday, and she is starting to feel better, and she plans to work on Monday.

As we have said before, it is clear to us that the prayers are working, especially with the great reduction in the size of the tumors. I hope you all will keep up the good work!!!

With love and thanksgiving,

Larry and Robin

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