Phase 2 - COMPLETE!

Hey everyone!

We had a busy week with Laurie’s 11th chemo treatment and the visit with the radiation oncologist. Our friend Bernadine Donovan served again as a chauffeur and companion for Laurie this visit and all went well. The last chemo of Taxol was on June 22nd, but instead of a 1 week infusion of Herceptin (biological treatment) as normal, Laurie got a 3 week infusion. This represents the start of the remaining 9 months of biological treatment, which she will receive every 3 weeks from now until next March. Laurie’s friend from British Aerospace and Concert/BT, Sheila Ryan, was able to take her and they had a lot of catching up to do. Sheila then went home to get ready for a trek across the US with her oldest daughter to get her settled in San Diego for her new job.

For the next phase of treatment, Laurie starts radiation in early July. The radiation oncologist wanted to give her body one week to recover from the Taxol before starting 28 days of radiation, so that will start on July 6th, running through mid August. These radiation treatments will be on consecutive days, Monday through Friday, but with weekends off. Laurie was also given permission to skip one day in the middle, so she will be able to enjoy a long weekend in Myrtle Beach July 20th so she won’t miss the entire family vacation. The possible side effects of this phase are fatigue, itchy rash, arm swelling and short term lung issues. Of course, we hope that during that time, the side effects from the chemo (tingling in feet/toes and hands/fingers, fatigue, mouth sores) will subside as well. While each person is different, it can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks for them to subside.

Since we are starting a new phase, we will give an update of other side effects. For example, someone this week asked for an update on Laurie’s hair. Although her eyebrows have thinned quite a bit, she still has some left. Her eyelashes are mostly non-existent. But the Taxol has actually allowed her scalp hair to begin to return. It is very fine right now, and while she thought her hair used to grow fast, it is growing very slowly right now.

One of the most frustrating parts of chemo is the dulling of taste buds. Most things start to taste alike, and even the favorite foods no longer hold any interest (yes, even chocolate!). One of the treats Laurie discovered early on through a gift card from the Floris Kindergarten teachers is a high protein smoothie from Fresh City. It contains strawberries and blueberries so has a strong enough taste that she can actually taste it, and her parents have treated her to one each week since then. The nutrients can’t hurt her, and it is a reminder to her that her taste buds will return.

We are so thankful we are through the 2nd phase, and our prayers are turning to those who have recently been diagnosed. While we know our journey is not over, we hope that you will let us help you as so many have helped us thus far.

Keep the Faith!

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