November-02-2007

change of plans...and hairstyles

change of plans...and hairstyles

Hello everyone!

A lot has changed since the last time I wrote. Thankfully, I am still feeling great and staying active! The weather is getting colder, which I dont like, but the cold means football season is well under way and that the holidays are coming soon!

First of all, I am still overwhelmed with joy about all of the support and prayers I have received from all of you. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. My friends set up a four square tournament for me tomorrow, which is a game we all used to play in elementary school. The winning teams will play each other on a bracket system for a prize donated to the cause. It will be a lot of fun and I am hoping we have a good turn out and nice weather! Thanks to all my friends who have worked so hard on this event!

The next important thing to mention is my new hairdo. I shaved my head! My hair started falling out in clumps last week and I couldn't take it anymore. Shaving/buzzing my head was extremely liberating because then I had the control over the situation. I wear a wig occasionally, especially to babysit. However, I am surprised by how comfortable I am simply going out in a hat. Good thing its cold outside! Hats dont look so obvious! :)

The reason I am writing again is for prayer. Yesterday I had an appointment with my oncologist, and we have changed the plan of treatment for me. Initially I was supposed to receive four rounds of adriamycin with cytoxin (AC) every other week, followed by four rounds of taxotere or taxol. I have completed by first two rounds of AC, and have been feeling great. However, its not shrinking the tumor. The tumor is changing in shape but isn't getting smaller (or bigger). Therefore we decided to skip the last two rounds of AC and go straight to the taxotere. If the drugs aren't working, then it makes no sense to give them to me, especially since they are toxic. Taxotere is every three weeks and this Monday I will receive my first dose. If this drug doesn't work, then I will either get surgery sooner than planned or think of another plan with trial drugs or something.

These new events make me realize how blessed I am that God showed me the right path to take and that chemo first was the right answer. It spares my body unnecessary medications that aren't working, and we also know when to switch because the tumor is our guide. Please pray that God shows me the right treatment, whether that means taxotere will work wonders, or if something else is better. I am thankful that I am in such good hands and have such outstanding doctors. I have a sonogram next week to measure things exactly, and I will write as I know more. Thanks for all your support! Go Hoos! Go Redskins! :)

Jami :)