Friday, October 28, 2011

Just in Time for Halloween

Well, here I am, still in Santa Monica Hospital. Things are...well...interesting!

If you will recall, I was originally admitted a week ago Monday for dehydration due to my near constant nausea and inability to keep food down (if I could even swallow it in the first place). I had become so weak that I was virtually unable to get out of bed and so disinterested in food that it seemed I might never eat again. I didn't realize how sick I was until I started rehydrating and getting a little food In.

As you have already heard, when I arrived we discovered a 6" or so blood clot in my left groin, stretching across my stomach, so we dealt with that first (see previous post). Meanwhile, still trying to get a handle on my nausea, we had been going through multiple anti-nausea drugs to try to find a combination that worked for me, we ran another brain MRI to see if anything new had developed since the last one on 10/3. The results were mixed. Biggest tumors still shrinking, little ones undetectable. However, there was some indication of development of leptomeningeal carcinoma, meaning thie cancer had spread to the Central Nervous System (CNS). This, of course, would not be a positive development.

To determine this, I received a spinal tap early last week. Not a fun procedure but more from a conceptual than a physical standpoint. I don't know about you, but I'd rather do just about anything than have someone puncture my spine. With no sedation.

Apparently, enough of my doctors were convinced that the cancer would show as present, given the images on the MRI, that they unanimously decided to inject a high-dose chemotherapy called methotrexate directly into the lumbar spine. You know, since they were there anyway. I slept 21hours immediately following.

Next morning come to find out that the spinal tap is negative (didn't see that one coming)! Docs still express confidence that it will eventually arrive so none considered this a wasted treatment. Now, after considering all the options, we have a treatment plan I think we can all live with. On Monday, they will be placing another port in my body.   This one will be larger and stick out more. It will be attached right in the middle of my giant bald head so if anyone has some bolts for my neck I could have quite the hip Halloween Costume.

This is called an Ommaya Reservoir and will allow them to deliver Herceptin (which is the same drug I am already taking) directly to the CNS. Yes, it means carving some small portion of my skull to place It, but, hey, no more spinal taps. Yippee! And THEY will sedate you!

Before this Ommaya Reservoir, two more lumbar punctures at least were planned to confirm a positive result. I won't be missing those.

So next things next: we have relatively low (I hope)side effect treatment plan for the cancer which seems to be pretty much under control, both above and below the neck. Most reassuring to be sure is that we know we can directly get across the blood brain barrier if we go interthecally. Here's hoping for a good run on try Herceptin. And some quick and lasting help with the nausea !

17 comments:

antonia said...

thanks for the update. i check every day and am praying for you all the time
xxxx

Anonymous said...

Our prayers for you are constant

Allaire said...

Yes to everything positive you wrote towards healing and you being well.
Giving thanks for you. Continued prayers my dear.

The Pult Clan said...

Just wanted to let you know that we love you very much, think of you and pray for you all the time. See you in a few weeks.

Anonymous said...

Suzanne, it is so wonderful to hear your own words on your blog, as I am sure that this must mean you are feeling better! I am very glad that your test came out negative, too. I have a great admiration of how you can approach your treatments with a little humor, so thanks for reminding me that I also need to lighten up! Happy Halloween, and you can expect a visit when you are home and feeling up to it! -AO
P.S. Please thank your guest blogger for keeping us all updated! It is much appreciated!

JoanneV59 said...

I think of you, often, and join with your cheering/praying section. Herceptin needs to put on its best super hero face and do its job in your new port! Blessings to you and yours, as always.

JoanneV59 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Hey Suzanne,

Just popped over from the BCOrg boards to see how you're doing.

Good to hear you have a treatment plan now and hope the nausea is under control.

Love and hugs

Laurie (Alesta 29) x

nicole said...

Still praying. Don't know what else to say!

Martha said...

Praying and thinking of you often. Martha / MJ from bc.org and Indianapolis

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Suzanne. It does my heart good to "hear" your faith, humor, and strength. The Herbert's continue to pray for your healing and for the strength of your family and all your angels who are taking such great care of you for all of us. Love you lots. Mary Herbert

anna lisa said...

As I was tempted to get enveloped in a "poor me" Halloween/million things I gotta do funk, a little voice inside of me said: "Suzanne"...

I AM SUCH A WUSS!!!!!

And offering up shame over my wussiness too.

Love,

Anna Lisa

p.s.and asking my guardian angel to give you a kiss where they are going to do that thing to your poor head...

Anonymous said...

Constant prayers for you Suzanne! We think of you all the time. With much love, Dave and Renee

Barbara said...

Just popped over from BCOrg to see how you are doing - my God, you are tough! What an inspiration... All good wishes, x

Bianca said...

Happy Halloween!! You win best costume this year and next year you don't have to dress up at all, ok? Hope you're feeling better real soon! I'm glad they have a treatment plan for you and I pray the nausea subsides.

All our love and prayers,
The Hennagers

Annie Bizzi said...

Had another dream about you last night...you were shuffling around out by the pool, serving kids, retrieving towels, AND making a beautiful salad for us to enjoy (I was chopping garlic)...but when I first walked in, as we hugged, I could feel your radiance...your health is soon to be restored...your strength was amazing...smile contagious...
You're in my prayers!

xlpharmacy said...

Well i have read some good reviews about this place, I have never be in hospital and i hope that i will never be.