Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

The week that seemed like it would never come, finally did.
Last Thursday I had Novalis to treat the 4mm brain met in my L lobe. Yowze - that head frame is no joke! Even though the actual rads only took 20 mins, we were there from 7am, head frame on by 8, preliminary CT, then sitting waiting for ~4 hours while they set up the treatment program. It was really weird and I'm glad I didn't have to look at myself - especially trying to eat with that thing on.
So in total, it was about a 6 hour day. We were really diligent about icing my head, sleeping sitting up, and I had very very minimal swelling & no bruising.
It's been 9 days now and the pin holes have little scabs, my scalp still feels really sensitive and stings a little, but I don't have a headache anymore. We'll check how things look in 4 weeks.
Then Monday I had my Herceptin, and on Tuesday morning, I had the chemo-embo to my liver with Adria.
Typically, you're just sedated on Versed during the procedure, but when they gave me the Benadryl pre-med I had a major case of wrestless leg syndrome. I was jerking all over the table & ofcourse there was no way they would have been able to do the procedure. Fortunately, with another hit of Versed I settled down.
They were able to shoot the Adria beads up towards the biggest lesion in my left lobe & we'll probably repeat or opt for RFA to the smaller lesion in 4 weeks.
I did have some pain/discomfort a day later, nothing severe, but today I feel the best I have in weeks.
I think I can already tell the difference.
Now that all of this is behind me, I'm so relieved and feeling optimistic, but going into it I was getting really scared.
I've felt so crummy for so many months now, I've sort of forgotten that it's possible to live with this disease, fight the good fight and manage to have some quality of life.
My mom's here with me from Hawaii, keeping me company & taking care of me as only a mother can. And feeding me. I've lost 20+lbs & am down to ~103. I don't have much left on me, so Mom's cooking lots of Filipino food and rice on the ready.
I start back on my 4th cycle of Ixempra tomorrow. Keeping fingers crossed that I continue to tolerate it well and that it continues to work!
As for TDM1 - now that I've had the Adria and treated the brain met, I should be eligible for the Expanded Access program- though I have to wait for 60 days post brain treatment to apply. Keeping fingers crossed for only the best things to come in the mean time.
Thanks for letting me share.
I've missed checking in with you guys~

Keep the Faith~

Jessica

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Jessica

You are a real warrior woman - it sure has been a rough week for you... Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for a complete and speedy recovery.

all the best
caya

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

God bless you , Jessica, and may your tomorrows be pain free and joyful. ma

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

You should have a real feeling of accomplishment after undergoing both those procedures. And I am glad you are actually feeling the difference now.

Wonderful that your mother is there and getting some good food on your table. There is a point when the weight loss become too unhealthy for us.

Ixempra is not normally an easy one, but you have tolerated it this long, and I pray it keeps doing the job you need.

Also, glad your outlook is on the up side now!

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

It has been quite a week for you. I will keep you in my thoughts this week as it settles down for you and you get back into your groove.

What a warrior woman you are!

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Wow, you have been through the ringer. I hope that next week brings more healing and you continue to feel better.

I'll be thinking of you.

Tonya

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Keeping you in my thoughts and praying for a good week for you!

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

wow, I'm impressed! What a lot to go through, and yet you still have the ability to use the word (?) YOWZE in a sentence!

Yowze to you my dear for really taking off the gloves and fighting this crap so creatively. Glad to hear you are feeling better - and mom's cooking is bound to help.

Go girl!

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

What a woman !!!!!!!!! You are quite a fighter !!! I have my fingers crossed for you.
I am glad your Mom is there to help you after all that. Aloha to your Mom.

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

I'm drawn to the statement "Mom's cooking lots of Filipino food and rice on the ready." What a lucky girl you are! Starches such as rice can be absorbed (melted) through the mouth water. Excellent choice! Eat lots, lots of rice dishes and you should gain those weight back. Please say 'Hi' to your wonderful mother for us.

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Jessica,
You inspire me...what an ordeal and here you are, updating and inspiring. I forgot about the weird screw hole head numbness. That feeling goes away. I still have a tiny dent in my forehead. My dermatologist recently said I could put a bit of collagen to fill it in. I said, no thanks, I'm proud of my dent:)
Glad your mom is there, that helps, too.
Flori

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Jessica,

You are so brave. Glad that is over for you. Glad you are feeling better.

Amelia

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Jessica,
So very lucky to have your Mother with you! You will be back up to your fighting weight in no time.

I am keeping everything crossed for you and lots of prayers.

Best Wishes,
Jean

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

I somehow missed this post Jessica so coming in late, but wanted to send you good wishes.
You've been through so much and no wonder you were scared, I'd have been terrified!!!
Huge congrats for getting through all that and I hope it all pays off and you get great results, you certainly deserve it:)

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Jessica - You're on the other side now of the bumpy week with all that behind you and on the mend. Keep soaking up all that love and good food your mom is providing. You are one brave sister. So good to hear you are feeling better than in weeks! Keep putting one foot ahead of the other. Take good care. Pam

Re: Phew...made it through a bumpy week...
 

Jessica....glad the bumpy week is behind you...now smooth sailing for you....hoping the exempra keeps things in check ...you are one strong woman!!!