January 24 - Topotecan Dose #3 Success

Although the plateletes are still a little low, we go for it. The does had to be lowered once again. We are hoping that this lower dose will keep my platelettes from going down too low, but it also means the chemo is less potent and less effective. This is the second time the dose is being lowered. We'll try again next week.

January 24 - Topotecan Dose #3 Success

Although the platelettes are still a little low, we go for it. The does had to be lowered once again. We are hoping that this lower dose will keep my platelettes from going down too low, but it also means the chemo is less potent and less effective. This is the second time the dose is being lowered. We'll try again next week.

January 21 -Two Nights Stay at MD Anderson

Over the past several weeks I had developed a subacious cycst that became painful and infected. I went in to see the Internal Practitioner at MD Anderson that assist with cancer related side effects. I had not been eating or drinking anything for several days, and became severely dehydrated. Dr. Mary felt that the side effects from chemo were becoming severe and that I needed to checked in for more imaging to see if the cancer was spreading more than expected. The pain had also become severe and out of control. Finally, after several days Dr. Kollas was able to find the right level of medication to control my pain. After nearly 6 weeks I am now able to sleep more comfortably. I still have a lot of pain associated with basic daily tasks and require assistance with basic daily task, but can at least control the pain. We are going to continue on the Topotecan and Avastin for at least a few more weeks in the hopes that we are able to slow down the growth of the tumors, as they do continue to spread. I needs lots of hopes, prayers and blessings.

January 10 - Topetecan Dose #2 is a SUCCESS

After my 2nd blood transfusion last week, my RBCs and my platelette counts are finally high enough to have the 2nd dose of Topetecan. My main oncologist is also finally back from vacation, so I feel in much better hands. She always makes me feel positive about the approach we are taking.

She suggests that we lower the Topetecan dosages a little bit because it appeared to bring my platelettes counts down so low (I know I cannot spell that word). She suggests that at this rate I would only be getting one dose of Topetecan a month which is not going to be effect enough to fight the beast before me.

I also received an Aranesp shot to keep my RBCs up. Since my port had already been accessed for the CBC reading earlier in the day, I only spent one hour in the chemo room. My friend, and former Nannny Jean took me to the hospital initially and kept me company until 1pm. Then my friend Jackie Pepe accompanied me for the chemo. It is always nice to have company. It makes the time go so much quicker and allows you to catch up with the real world.

This coming Wednesday I will have my first infusion of Avastin which I am anxiously waiting for, as this is the new anti-angiogenesis drug shown to have had success with recurrent cervical cancer. Please keep me in your prayers on these days especially.

Although this entry appears positive, I am still in a lot of pain. I am on very strong narcotics just to get through the day. Nights are very hard. Today, however, has been my best day yet, nevertheless. Either the meds are starting to work, or better yet, maybe the Topetecan is shrinking the tumor. Either way, I will accept this pain relief. Hopefully this will continue until the can function a bit on my own.

That's all for now. Thanks for checkin' on me.

January 3rd - Chemo Dose #2 Is a No Go Once Again

I could not get chemo again this week because again my red blood cell counts were too low. Something is obviously wrong, but we don't know what yet. Apparently my bone marrow is not functioning as it should. i had to spend the night in the hospital to get another blood transfusion. The transfusion was finished at 4am this morning, so naturally I just decided that I would spend the night. Chris was with me until 10pm, and at that point we knew it would be at least 4 more hours. Originally i was supposed to be out of there by 11pm, but nothing has gone per schedule yet, so why should this be any different.

My RBC was 9.2 today which is acceptable for chemo, so I should be able to get the chemo FOR SURE next week (or so I am told).

On a lighter note, we had a wonderful New Year's Eve Celebration at the Orlando Ritz Carlton. I am exhausted and need some time to recover from the New Year's celebration as well as the number of sleepless and painful hours that I spent in the hospital.