Pressing On

The last time I wrote was over a month ago. I know many of you have been wondering what has been going on so I will attempt to fill you in. I had the various tests, but hadn't let you know what the results were. Well, they weren't great. The cancer had grown which indicated that the chemo wasn't effective. Because of this, I went back to Duke University hospital for their input. They are conducting a research study of a new breast cancer drug which I had been hoping to take part in, but wasn't allowed to take part in, until last month. I am now part of the clinical trial for the drug, Lapatinib or Tycerb. (It is known by both names.) I had been reading about the drug's benefits for quite a while, so when it worked out that I could be part of the study, I was really grateful.

I have been taking the drug for over a month now and early indications seem to imply that the cancer is responding. I have not had an easy time of it though. The side-effects are daily nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting. I am not sure if all these difficulties are caused exclusively by the Lapatinib or because of the ulcers and related problems. I suspect it is a little of both, but this is why I haven’t felt up to writing. I have spent a lot of time just dealing with being sick and trying to get a handle on the pain.

I have one week left before I go through another series of tests. Because I am part of the clinical trial, these tests (CT scans, bone scans, blood work etc) are required. It takes most of the day and I often come home tired, weak, and sick, but it’s all part of keeping a record of how the cancer is responding to treatment. So I press on.

I guess that is the answer to the question that everyone keeps asking me. “How are you doing?” I am pressing on. I refuse to give up no matter how sick I feel or how hard the road gets. As long as I keep pressing on, I have hope. Each day is a new gift from God. Each new day He gives me to live is a day which the Lord has made so I will rejoice and be glad in it. Sometimes I have to be reminded of this truth, but when I do remember it, I am strengthened.