4/11/11

We went to the oncologist today and left feeling hopeful. The type of cancer mom has is called invasive lobular carcinoma with ER positive (estrogen receptive). What this means to us is that 70-80% of moms cancer was caused by hormones. The cancer is also HER2Neu positive. This means that her cancer has mutated the DNA of the cancer gene and spreads to the organs. It is aggressive. Mom’s cancer is not curable but it is manageable. She will always be in treatment.

Tues: Medi port surgery. This will be a small disc inserted under the skin where the chemo will be injected. She will use a numbing cream and then a needle will go into the port as the chemo drips.

Wed: Bone scan.

Fri: MRI of the brain & CT of the chest to check the lungs.

Current treatment:

1. Starve ER+ by stop taking estrogen (done). Take a hormone blocking pill daily (Arimidex) which can thin her bones.

2. Take Herceptin, an antibody, weekly by IV drip.

3. Blast everything with chemo (Taxane) 1 time every three weeks or 1 time per week. This is about 1-3 hours of IV drip time.

Mom will lose her hair about 25days after the first chemo. Chemo begins next week. 

After 4ish cycles of treatment, the Dr. will recheck things and make adjustments as needed.

Mom will feel tired.

No removal of breast.

No radiation.

Best part ~ Dr. says she can go to the races!!!

Prayer Requests:

1. Keep mom’s spirit uplifted.

2. Total healing.

3. Help against any pain and feeling sick.

4. Help mom from feeling overly tired.

5. That mom’s liver will not shut down. The liver plays an important role in the chemo process.

6. That the cancer has not and will not spread.

7. That while giving her treatment that she will not experience an overdose.

8. That mom’s nerves remain calm.

9. That thinning of the bones is minimum.