Quick update for you all. I had an appointment with my oncologist last week and I have some really good news to share with you. As you know I am still being treated for metastatic breast cancer in the spine and the last scan I had after radiation and Zomata was very favorable. Well the news keeps getting better. Since I’ve finished radiation, I’ve been receiving Zometa every 3 weeks via an IV and it’s really proving to be a miracle drug for me.
Every 6 weeks I get a blood test that measures my tumor markers via the CA 27.29 test. Normal ratings are 0 -35 and when I started this whole deal again in November I was up to a 79. Last week my numbers came back with a 24, which is probably the best my numbers have been since I started this whole shin dig in 2006. What does that mean for me?
Well it means that I will continue to receive Zometa. It also means that no one is going to be rushing me into any scans in the near future to look for cancer which does not break my heart in the least. So in October I will have my normal bone scan, blood test and chest x-ray and I won’t have to do another PET CT scan until next spring. Yeah! So for the moment, it appears that we have the cancer under control in a way that I can continue to live life like a normal person. Whatever that looks like.
Next bit of news, since I am getting close to receiving 12 Zometa treatments, the recommended dosage for breast cancer patients per the FDA, I am considering taking part in a clinical trial for Zometa. There is a study in progress through oncology offices to see what the long term benefits of receiving more Zometa treatments would be beyond the recommended one year. Oncologists are having such success with this drug that they want to give it to their patients beyond 12 treatments. The FDA and Novartis, the maker of Zometa, are looking at what a monthly vs. quarterly treatment path would look like after the initial treatment has been given.
So what is in it for me? Well a couple of things. One, I would be doing something that will benefit many people down the road with this research, just the way I have benefited from those before me. Two, all of my medications, scans, blood work etc. will be paid for by Novartis instead of my insurance company. And three, I will continue to receive a drug that is doing really great things for me today. I am very excited about this study and look forward to getting started.
Lastly, most of you know that I am walking in the Breast Cancer 3-day late this summer. Most of us have met our quota for fundraising so we can train to walk 60 miles over 3 days without dropping dead. I want to thank you for your financial support of our team during these economic times. We appreciate it so very much. We’re very close to our goal of $16,300.00, we’re only $2,500 away! Whoo hoo! For those who still would like to make a donation my link is to the right of this entry. You can get to other team members who have not reached their goal there or to the Breast Cancer Bike Ride web site that our friend Kari Mitchell has started in memory of her mom. I will not be riding in that event but I will be a crew member for those who are.
We had a great weekend of college graduation activities on May 16 and 17. Nicky earned her Masters in Education from Concordia and Steph earned her BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. Jessica was able to join the celebration via Skype all the way from South Korea. It was a great weekend with family and friends!So happy spring to you all, I hope this note finds you all well today. Thank you again for your love and support, I appreciate it very much. Have a great day!
Love to you all,
Jen
