Update 18

Update 18

Chemo infusions:  1 down, 11 to go!

This morning we went over a few studies and finalized a new plan with Dr. Soule at LMH.  After deliberating between Taxotere & Abraxane, we are going to try Abraxane.  Abraxane is a form of Paclitaxel, as is Taxol (the drug we tried last week that I reacted swiftly and negatively to) but unlike Taxol, the Abraxane is a suspension, not a solution. My reaction was to the solvent used to make Taxol. Abraxane doesn't utilize a solvent, it is delivered as protein-bound particles that are suspended in saline. Once in my bloodstream, the protein will dissolve and the drug can get to work. 

We had been so excited about Taxol because of its low toxicity and its history of being the best drug to pair with Herceptin (the drug I need because of HER2/neu positive receptors on my cancer cells). Herceptin efficacy is important to us because it's the drug I really need, I'm only taking chemo in support of the Herceptin.  

We feel good about choosing Abraxane because side effects are similar, or milder, to what they would have been with Taxol, and it should work just as well with the Herceptin.  

I am happy to report that I just finished my first Abraxane infusion without incident (I'm writing from my treatment room); makes for a much calmer Tuesday than last week!  Herceptin infusion #2 is following now.     

My port is still comfortable and I have remembered the numbing cream every time; it is applied at home before I head in for treatment. They told me to put a nickel size amount on so I go for a quarter or half dollar size for good measure.  Just as a PSA, if you were to put the cream over an area closer to dollar bill size, the nurse could tell what you did because it pales your skin. I haven't done that, it's just a hypothetical… 

I'm so relieved to send out a happy report today and I'm hopeful that I'll feel good and rest well the rest of this week.