Ixabepilone Started - Update on Robin as of 01/19/2008

It has about two weeks since the last update was posted. At that time, we had just learned that Robin's breast cancer had spread to other vertebra and to the nearby ribs. Since then, a lot has happened.

Dr. McClure ordered additional CAT scans focused on the area where the disease was found. They confirmed the previous scans, showing some cracks in the bones, although no lesions (equivalent to "tumors") were visible. We visited Dr. Mason, Robin's surgeon and, on the following Monday, the 8th, she got her "Power-Port" installed. This "port" is a small (about the size of four or five stacked quarters) fixture implanted under the skin of her chest. A catheter runs from the port to her heart so that the chemo drugs will get diffused quickly before they can damage the blood vessels. The port provides easy access for the chemo infusion. The nurses use a special needle that looks like a thumb tack to plug her into the IVs.

The insurance company was slow to approve the infusions of Ixabepilone. We didn't know why, but believe it was because it is a newly approved cancer drug. They wanted assurances that it was being used for the approved purposes and not for some "off-label" clinical trial. Robin asked for and received some help to get the insurance approval moving. Thanks to the help that she received, the insurance was approved the next day, and the chemo was scheduled for January 15th (Tuesday).

On Tuesday, we arrived at Deke Slayton Cancer Center at 9:00 AM, and by 9:30, she was hooked up and getting pumped full of drugs. After starting the IV, they pumped in some antihistamines and steroids to counteract the effects of the chemo. When these were done, the Ixabepilone was started, and it took four hours to empty the bag. They pump it in slowly so they can stop it if there is a reaction, and to minimize damage to the heart tissues. It so happened that it was also time for her third infusion of Zometa (zoledronic acid) for the protection and repair of her bones. So once the chemo was done, they started the Zometa. We finally left the cancer center at about 4:00 in the afternoon.

Robin seemed to be doing well on Wednesday and Thursday, but Friday was a different matter. By then, the antihistamines and steroids had worn off and the chemo sickness was in full swing. Added to that were the Zometa after-effects (flu-like symptoms- bone aches and alternating hot and cold flashes. It is now Saturday, and the symptoms persist. Robin showered and dressed to keep her appointment for her "cranial prosthesis" (wig). It should be ready by next week, so we are hoping her hair will last that long. Robin returned home to her chair as soon as possible after the appointment. The anti-nausea medications appear to be helping, but only while she is fairly immobile. I'm guessing that she will be better by Monday morning and will try to go to work.

Well, that’s about it so far. To sum it up, tests confirm the cancer has spread. Robin had her port installed and started her new chemo infusion, Ixabepilone. At this time, she is in the middle (hopefully, the worst) of the chemo after-effects.

Please keep Robin in your thoughts and prayers. If you want to do something more, send her a card of encouragement (write big and use dark ink, so she can read it) or give her a call some evening.

We send our love to you all,

                  Larry and Robin (and John, of course)