Our Current Battle Plan: No Chemotherapy for Now

The current plan is determined (but will continue to morph as time goes by) :  No chemotherapy in my immediate future

We met with Dr. Stinnett (oncologist) and Dr. Miles (orthopedic oncology surgeon) on Tuesday.  Each appointment went very well.  They applauded my recovery and tell me that I’m doing very well after such a tough/invasive surgery.  They did up my dose of painkillers to see if I can’t do a little better with managing the ‘breakthrough pain’.  I’ve been advised that I may be on my lovely, decorated walker for about 6 weeks.  Good thing it looks so pretty – thanks to my adorable nieces. 

Stinnett discussed the reports on the PET scan and the bone biopsy.  He confirmed that the cancer in the bone is secondary breast cancer. It looks a little different than the primary breast cancer did…but the main things are the same.  Not exactly the news we wanted – given that this means stage 4 and incurable but this was diagnosis we were expecting.  The PET scan has indicated one small/measurable spot on my right lung and several smaller unmeasurable spots as well.  I also have one lymph node under my right arm that has cancer in it.  The assumption is that all of it is metastasized breast cancer and we’ll treat accordingly.

Speaking of treatment – we discussed that the main focus of treatment will be on the cancer in my femur/bone at this time as it is impacting my ‘quality of life’.  We have the metal rod in place to ensure no breaks (which were imminent otherwise).  They scraped the bone for the cancer they could.  Now I will be having radiation on the entire femur/hip to ensure that any cancer that may have been dislodged by the rod being inserted will be radiated.  As I already mentioned, for now - treatment for the lung and lymph node is ‘wait and see’.  The overall approach is to ensure quality of life which is why eliminating bone pain is our primary objective. 

On Wednesday – we met with Dr. Avizonis.  She is a character and I quite like her approach and quirky sense of humor.  She is no nonsense but also has a great bedside manner.  She will be doing 10 treatments – 1 treatment per business day for two weeks.  She stated that the radiation symptoms should be much less impactful than it was with breast cancer.  The burns should be less painful etc – mostly due to location and duration. 

Besides radiation treatment – I will be changing to a new daily ‘cancer pill’.  I had been taking Tamoxifen but with the assurance from some blood test that I am in menopause for sure (as well as its obvious failure at restricting the cancer from growing again)…we will be changing this drug and seeing if I can qualify for a clinical trial to also have a ‘booster’ test drug combined with it.  This new hormonal drug – is how we will manage the cancer in other places.  On Thursday, November  11^th – I will be going in for an IV drug which will limit the spread of the bone cancer. 

Ultimately, I feel good about the appointments and the plan.  I also feel hopeful (for the first time since the ER visit) with the prognosis – as Dr. Stinnett stated that it would be years at this point and not months before this disease ultimately wins.  He mentioned that he has two ladies he treats in a similar situation as mine and they are at 7 and 8 years of survivorship past the Stage 4/Metastasized cancer diagnosis.  I recognize that is not the norm – but love the sound of the possibility. (Norm is more likely 4-6 years or according to some internet research – chances are 22% for a 5 year survival rate) So with the disease spread being fairly ‘small’ throughout my body at this time – we won’t be doing chemotherapy but will hold it in our arsenal of potential tools down the road. 

I recognize that this conversation – is not comfortable or easy for anyone.  The purpose of this blog has been – from the beginning – to share this journey with my loved ones as well as with other cancer survivors.  It has my hope/fears/difficulties…and everything in between.  Please know – I have not given up hope and do plan to fight hard.  But – I will also be honest/truthful…and realistic.  There will be times when I will be angry, happy, in pain, sad, in denial or at peace.   I’ve experienced any and all of these emotions – within minutes of one another sometimes.     You will be privy to the ugly moments as well as the good moments.  It is therapeutic for me…and helps proactively answer the ubiquitous question – “How are you?”.   

I continue to be in such awe of the love and support I’ve been receiving over the past week.  It has humbled me in so many ways – and helped me stay strong during some of the difficult times.  I love you all.   Thank you so very much and from the bottom of my heart.