We didn't get the news we were hoping for today... :(
The MRI showed Sarah's liver lesions have grown 10-20% despite the six Navelbine treatments. The doctor says that ~70% of her liver is still ok and that her blood analysis shows it is working fine, but we have to stop the tumor advance as quickly as possible.
So, Sarah will start a new weekly treatment using Taxotere in place of Navelbine. It is a much harsher chemo drug in terms of side effects, but also the highest in effectiveness - and we think it shrunk her original breast tumor when she got it back in May 06. Back then, the oncologist stopped giving it to Sarah once we learned that she had bone mets so that it could be used later in a situation just like this when it was more needed.
We can expect Sarah to have more fatigue, some nausea and also hair loss again. She's so brave! Didn't miss a beat and said, "bring it on!" All that matters is trying to stop the advance in her liver.
So, instead of relief we've now got double the worry as we do another six weeks of treatment and wait until mid-March for another MRI. This is another setback in a long string of setbacks... but we know there is hope and that is what we are staying focused on. There are blessings to be counted - we are facing this as a family full of love, together with many friends and relatives who have reached out with care and support (thank you for that!). We can't know what the future holds, but we are doing our best to courageously move forward and face it together.
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9 comments:
Alan & Sarah,
Obviously I was hoping to read a slightly different update. Hopefully the stronger treatment will provide the results we're all praying for. Keep strong, and stay warm (not sure what your weather is like, but it's pretty cold in KC right now)!
I'm sorry for the news. Your faith as a family is strong and that along with the new meds will keep you all going. You all are in my prayers.
You are beautiful, you are strong, you are you. xoxoxoxox ...
Alan and Sarah - my heart is with you as always. I'm sorry to hear this didn't work as well as hoped, and that Sarah will have side effects to suffer. She's so strong. Love to your beautiful family. Sharon
My Prayers are with you Sarah, Alan and the boys. As you know we are all fighters. We are going to stop this disease and we will not let it get us. We will get it!! Keep positive, stay strong as much as you can. I know it is not easy, but we both have little ones and a loving husband and family that need us!!
God Bless-
Chemo Friend
Candie Jaeger
Hi Guys:
Sorry to hear it wasn't better news, but we will keep praying. Know that you are surrounded by the love of many friends (old and new).
Love, The Swedbergs
Sorry we haven't written in a while, but we think of you all and pray for you daily. I am glad there are still medicines to try and hope to be had. We'll be praying for this round to go well. Love to all of you,
Michelle & Andy Harold & family
From Sarah's dad's office family at BCE&D, we are thinking of you and praying for you. You are so like your dad was during his illness - strong, brave and courageous with such a positive and beautiful outlook. He would be proud. God bless you and many prayers from Metairie, LA.
Jo Anne Martiny
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