Still on this journey - Nano Particle Technology

I realize it's been a while since I updated this blog.  I don't guess it really matters because it's just a diary to myself, no one reads it.

My last PET scan showed the cancer was still active.  I got the results right before Christmas.  My doctor considers me slightly worse than stable.  I showed improvement in the lung, though it's still there.  T-5 on my spine is now cancer-free, though it's showed up at T-10. The spot on rib 6 grew, but they didn't mention the spot on the breast bone (unless it's connected now, don't know for sure).  My lymph nodes were working harder, and more were affected than the last time.

So, first they tried to put me on two new pills.  One was like Herceptin, which I proved allergic to, and the other one my insurance company wouldn't approve.  My doctor said it was because it works for breast cancer, but is actually approved for a different type of cancer.  They're getting really strict on off label treatments.

So, he wanted to try a new nano particle technology.  It's called Abraxane.  From what I understand, the chemical is more natural, being derived from a plant base, and it's wrapped in a derivative of human blood instead of chemicals and solvents.  It still targets fast growing cells, which can include hair, intestines (causing constipation/diarrhea) and the stomach (causing nausea).  I had my first dose last week.

The day of the treatment, I got really sleepy, though not a sick sleepy.  I just couldn't keep my eyes open and went to bed at 8:30 PM.  The next day I was a bit nauseous but not bad.  The Third day I felt great and now I'm to feeling normal.  I still get tired and can't always cook dinner at night.  My hair hasn't come back yet, so I can't really tell if any more fell out or not.  I only noticed a couple short strands when I washed it last.

They break the dose up into thirds, giving it over 3 weeks, then a week off.  I did notice that I don't get my nightly fever of 99-99.5 degrees every night.  I always associated that with my body fighting the cancer.  Maybe the lymph nodes aren't quite as busy now.  We'll pray.

I'll try to update more often.