A couple of months ago, Mom’s oncologist decided to decrease the dosage of her chemotherapy (Doxil) drug, due to some of the side effects Mom was experiencing. The side effects simmered down a bit, but Mom’s CA-125 marker started to go back up at the beginning of June. Her final Doxil treatment was canceled, and a search for another drug was on.
So this week, Mom starts a new drug – Etoposide. She will be taking it in capsule form, every day for three weeks, then one week off. It has many of the same side effects as her other chemotherapy treatments, but we are hoping none of them make an appearance.
One of the possible side effects is a reduction of white blood cells, which would weaken her immune system. Also, she may become anemic and be more susceptible to bruising and bleeding. So, if you are visiting Mom, make sure you are healthy, and no boxing!
Fun fact: oysters are a very iron-rich food. If you see Mom cruising Chuckanut Drive, she might be partaking in the local oyster selection!
Photo: Mom and Dad’s front yard is packed with peonies, evidently the deer do not enjoy them.
Peonies
June 22, 2011 at 1:04 pm |
Oh my (sigh)
….the peonies are beautiful!! Fingers crossed that this new approach leaves you feeling stronger and better than the last effort. I promise not to box with you, I will leave that to Thomas. All the best wishes Elizabeth! Hugs and love, Kelli
June 22, 2011 at 1:13 pm |
Wow, that photo looks like a greeting card! Beautiful.
Annie, thanks for the update. Well Elizabeth, “capsule” certainly sounds better than “infusion”. I hope Etoposide works magic on the naughty stuff, without as many side effects! Please let me know if decide to cruise Chuckanut for oysters, because I *totally* want to go with you. The oysters will be all yours, but that sounds like an adventure not to be missed.
Lots of love,
Mel
June 22, 2011 at 3:30 pm |
Prayers & hugs, Elizabeth.
Love,
Yvonne
June 22, 2011 at 5:33 pm |
Dear Elizabeth and John,
Marty and I are in Idaho but when we come home, we will be happy to enjoy oysters with you! YUM! Does Thomas like them too?
We have done our dry-run homework with the Bryants for the proposed ALL tour next June to Prosser. In the process we bought 24 bottles of wine and some Chukkar Cherries. Now at the lake catching up on chores before coming home for the BFM.
Hope those capsules are loaded with good stuff! Until we see you on July 1, please go outside and enjoy those beautiful peonies for us!!
Love and cheer,
Gail and Marty
June 22, 2011 at 8:47 pm |
Hoping to hear there are no side effect, boxing or germs passed! BETSY
June 29, 2011 at 12:51 pm |
Dear Aunt Ibby,
I’m glad to receive the update about the new regimen; I’m hopeful that you receive it well and without side effects. I’m sure that you’re enjoying the peonies in the garden. And naturally I have to comment that if you started taking the Etoposide the day after Christmas it would make for quite a Boxing Day!
Kristen and I just returned from a trip to the midwest. We visited her dad in Kansas City over Father’s Day. We saw sites of interest in Fulton, MO and Hannibal, MO, and then ventured on to La Harpe, IL, and Iowa Wesleyan in Mt. Pleasant, IA. We finished up our trip with a family reunion for Kristen’s mother’s family in Waterloo, IA.
We send our love,
Curt & Kristen