Sunday, July 28, 2013 - Bad Ship Nausea

How bizarre, or not, that I just posted something this morning on Facebook about being surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. My nausea has been binding me...four and a half days of feeling seasick...sweet Bajeezus, let me off the boat. Last night I spoke with my sister, brother, and sister in law on the phone. I think they all heard it in my voice...how desperately I wanted off the bad ship nausea.

This morning my sister shows up. Without asking the dishes done, floors mopped, bathroom scrubbed, laundry done, lunch made and served, back and side yard manicured. I'll be back tomorrow, put together a grocery list and I'll do your shopping, then I'll manicure the front and whatever else needs to be done. Meanwhile, I take an old anti-nausea pill and viola! The clouds parted and I was feeling wonderful...OK, maybe not wonderful, but Holy Mary...whew! Just as my sister was getting ready to leave my brother shows up with his tool chest and hot, scratch made food that my sister in law spent the morning preparing...Turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, lasagna, peanut butter treats, and roasted chicken breasts that my brother made this morning on his Traeger...all low fat and heart healthy. Next, my brother tackles our to-do list...each and every item complete! 

How lucky can one girl be...honestly, I don't know what I'd do without them.

Monday, July 22, 2013 - Eenie Meenie Miney Mo

And my decision is.....mo. I chose Etoposide. I chose it because it is not a platin based drug. My hope is that it will put me into remission, and KEEP me in remission. I had two questions for Dr. McC. First, I was concerned about the rare side effect of developing a secondary cancer, specifically Leukemia. She told me that virtually all chemo therapies run the risk of developing a secondary cancer because they alter our platelets...but with Etoposide, the risk is slightly greater. She followed that with if a secondary cancer did occurred...it would be years down the road so they are more concerned about use with younger patients. Damn, I think my doc just dissed me...grin. My second concern was cost. Since it is a oral chemotherapy, is it billed as a treatment, or billed as a prescription? If its billed as a prescription what tier does it fall in, and what is the co-pay? I left the office with my script in hand, came home and called my pharmacy. The only way the pharmacy could give me a price is to run the actual prescription...and of course they need the actual script to do that. You know what, I should start a business where my teams role is to help individuals navigate though the medical process....good grief! Being a resourceful girl I just said to myself...screw it, and I called my insurance company direct. Have I ever mentioned how wonderful Regence OMIP is? I have contacted them on a number of occasions and have received nothing less than stellar service each and every time. So back to the cost of this prescription...a mere $4,300.00 per month. Yes boys and girls you read that right...$4,300.00 per month. My co-pay..........$5.00...SWEET! I told the representative I was speaking with...please don't think this rude...but are you absolutely sure, because I need a sure thing. Sure enough $5.00. Let therapy begin.

Monday, July 15, 2013 - Follow Up Appointment

Today was my follow up with my Oncologist...Doctor M to the C as I refer to her. It's been four weeks since we last spoke...I have been waiting patiently, and non-patiently for the study to start. Unfortunately, I received the news today that the study has been pushed back yet again. Now it's scheduled to start on September 5, 2013, but again, there is no guarantee that the study would actually start on that date. For me, this is out of my comfort zone so today we discussed other options...which are plentiful. Here are the top four.

1. Doxil - Doxil apparently is well tolerated, has minimal side effects, no hair loss and can be taken long term (like in excess of a year). In talking with Doctor McC., she suggested that perhaps we leave the Doxil in our treasure chest should I possibly need it at a later date. Her thought process behind this is because overall I am feeling well and strong, so it might be best to save it for a time when perhaps I am not feeling so chipper as they say.

2. Carboplatin - The mother load...however, it appears that I am platin sensitive. Meaning, that my treatment with platin based drugs has been successful in reducing and/or eliminating the tumors, but it doesn't keep me in remission long term. Carboplatin comes with the whole meal deal of side effects. Been there, done that.

3. Carboplatin and Taxol - The Devil...even my Oncologist referred to this combo as the devil. Also been there, done that. Again...it appears that I am platin sensitive, but this is an option. It kicks it ass, but it hasn't proven to keep me in remission.

4. Etoposide - Etoposide is an oral chemo therapy that you take once daily for three weeks, then you get a week off. This continues for six cycles. Again, the usual side effects, possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, light headiness, fatigue, hair loss....let me correct that, full body hair loss...head, eyelashes, eyebrows, arms, legs...yes, and that too. This seems to be what I am leaning towards but I want a few days to do some research and follow up with doctor McC. with whatever questions or concerns I might have. Etoposide is not a plain based drug.

Follow up appointment...Monday, July 22, 2013.