How is everyone? Just thought I'd update - I was scheduled to have another liver ablation next Thursday but my oncologist and radiologist decided to cancel and give chemo another try. I had chemo on Wednesday. On Thursday, I felt pretty tired. I had to go back to UPenn for a shot to boost my white blood cell county (neulasta). In the future, they'll just mail the neulasta to me so my husband or daughter can give me the shot. It has to be taken within 24-48 hours of chemo. And since white blood cells are manufactured in bone marrow, I started with some bone pain too. I should feel better within a week. This treatment is every 3 weeks.
The drug company that makes pertuzumab (the new drug that my oncologist wants to use with the chemo) got involved and the insurance company finally got around to rejecting it. So now the oncologist will either appeal the insurance company's decision or try to get it directly from the drug company (Genentech). However, getting it directly from Genentech will probably be a bust because we make just over the income limit. And who knows, it may not work anyway, or cause a bad reaction, which has happened to me in the past with other drugs.
Anyhow, side effects (physically and mentally) are taking their toll and I may have to go out on disability. I worked the numbers and our monthly income will go down quite a bit, but my husband says not to worry, we'll be fine, God will provide, as He always does. I used to enjoy being a mom, wife, and employee, and felt I gave my all but I can no longer give 100% to all 3 vocations. If something has to give, it'll have to be work.
We're looking forward to staying in a treehouse villas (handicap accessible) in May with friends, and my two elderly aunts that live down in Florida. Praying all goes well.
I still try to remember to thank God for the blessings in my life. He loves us.
God's Blessings to you all.
- Penny