In Limbo

Hello Everyone-

We've been caught in a dance of yes surgery, no surgery, yes radiation, no radiation.  Which is very frustrating for us, so not hearing a solid plan we didn't want to just push ahead and update until all of the options had been weighed and researched.

We saw Dr. Chawla after the radiation appointments he talked with ALL doctors, Moms urologist, radiologist, and surgeon all spoke with Chawla. The plan for the time being is he told us to do more chemotherapy for three more rounds to see if this medication mix of GAT (gemcitabine, adriamycin, and taxotere) could do more good. Until the next set of scans it's the same song and dance of chemo, mom feeling extremely tired after part a is administered  on day 2 and 3, 4, coming back to her self day 5 and 6 than part b of the medication and the week starts over again. I see her getting very tired, and frustrated with her body not being at 100%. But the constant prayers and warm positive energy sent her way keeps her going, so thank you so very much.

Love-  

GAT round 1 complete

Happy (Vietnamese) New Year!!! We hope the year brings all of you health, joy, prosperity, and good fortune!

Mom has completed a whole cycle of the GAT ( Gemcitabine, Adriamycin Taxotere)!! Hard to believe a month passed by so quickly...

She was able to tolerate the new medication. She was a little nervous at first, but once she had her first dose she in true mama Pham fashion, rallied through all the while with a smile on her face. The first week on the medication she had lots of bone pain, and was extremely tired.  She started taking vitamins b6 and b12 this time around. The two vitamins help with the neuropathy issues associated with the Taxotere. Other than her white blood count dropping down very low (courtesy of the Gemcitabine) after the first round. We went for our second infusion and almost had to delay a week since the counts were too low for chemo. Being the first time using Leukine the new blood cell booster medication and jumping through the insurance hoops. We were unable to get it approved within the day so, the doctors thought it best we give her a weaker dose of the GAT and send her home with the usual Neulasta. Neulasta can only be given once you complete the chemo cycle, because it is counter intuitive to boost up the WBC and tearing it down at the same time with chemotherapy. Other than that the cycle went by seemingly well.

Two week break time, until next time...

HUGS-