Latest Chemo Treatment - 04/27/2008

Two weeks ago (on 04/13/2008), we had just finished learning that the brutal treatments with Ixabepilone that Robin endured had apparently little (if any) beneficial effect. The breast cancer, which had metastasized to her vertebrae, had expanded, now impacting six ribs (five on the left and one on the right) and three vertebrae (the T11 where it started, and the ones above and below). Dr. McClure, Robin's medical oncologist, discussed using a different chemo treatment with Robin. She gave Robin a week off, and planned to start the treatments on Wednesday, April 16th. She wanted Robin to get a scan of her head, due to the dizziness she has been experiencing, but at this time, the scan has still not been scheduled.

On Wednesday, April 16th, we arrived at 8:30, and received briefings about the after-effects and the costs. The nurse who was discussing the after-effects was new, and didn't know Robin. At one point, Robin asked the nurse if she would lose her hair, and the nurse sadly responded, "Yes, you probably will." At that point, Robin took off her wig and said, "That's okay. It's already gone!" We all had a good laugh over that. After signing the necessary papers, by 10:00, they started pumping in the toxins. This chemo "cocktail" is actually very old, and is a bargain, compared to other treatments she has tried. Robin received three different infusions of chemo drugs: Cyclophosphamide (A.K.A., Cytoxan®, Neosar®), Methotrexate (A.K.A., Folex, Mexate), and Fluorouracil (A.K.A., Adrucil, 5-FU). All three claimed the same general side effects that we have come to know and love: Hair loss, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes, weakness, mouth sores, decreased appetite, aches of various types, and a high vulnerability to infections. While Robin received her "Draino," she snoozed a bit and had some wacky dreams about a meat market and a smoking section in the Cancer Center. Pretty strange! Robin also got another infusion of Zometa (zoledronic acid) for the protection and repair of her bones. We left Deke Slayton Cancer Center at about 1:30, ate lunch, picked up prescriptions, and finally got home about 3:30 or 4:00.

Robin went to work on Thursday and Friday with little trouble. Friday afternoon, with the steroids wearing off, Robin started getting chemo-sick. Saturday was the worst day; Robin hardly moved the whole day. She was still sick on Sunday and didn't go to church, but she started turning the corner late Sunday afternoon. Monday morning, she went to work. She threw up on the way, but the rest of the day went well. Each day, as the week went on, Robin seemed to improve. After a week, she felt well enough to give me Hell, so I can officially say, without a doubt, that this chemo regimen is a walk in the park compared to Ixabepilone. It isn't easy, but it didn't make her sick for ten days. If it helps stop the spread of the cancer, too, THAT would be GREAT!!!

Robin's vision is starting to improve slightly. You may recall that both eyes bled about three weeks ago. She still cannot make out people's faces, and cannot read much except headline size typing. She told me that she can see no difference with or without her glasses, but she wears them anyway because she feels naked without them. The improvement is very slow. We need to make an appointment with her ophthalmologist, Dr. Foster, to see if there is anything that can be done.

Please continue to keep Robin in your thoughts and prayers. She needs it.

Our love to you all. God bless you!

                  Larry and Robin (and John, in absentia)