Hello Everyone!
I could not be more thrilled to tell you that Vivi has, once again, dramatically improved since my last post. Not only does she just look fabulous, but she is still getting to enjoy her life for the most part. She has been spending lots of time up at her house, going on trail rides, eating her delicious food, and constantly surrounded by her family and friends. Honestly, sometimes I think she looks better than she has in years!!
From a medical stand point, her CA-125 numbers have plummeted down to 10 (yes, 10!!), which is pretty much a normal count for the CA-125 blood marker. If one of your doctors took your CA-125 and the number was 10, they would not even blink. Since Vivi's numbers dropped so dramatically, her doctors decided they wanted to run a CT scan to see if her numbers were actually reflective of a physical reduction of the cancer. If this was, in fact, the case then Vivi would most likely be ready for surgery and not have to continue on with her current chemo treatments.
The good news is that Vivi is, in fact, physically ready for surgery. The report from the scan showed extremely positive results, with a "marked reduction in the amount and size of tumors." Obviously, we are all thrilled!! However, although Vivi's body is ready for surgery, her surgeon's schedule is not. Unfortunately (although it makes no difference from a medical perspective), our in-high-demand surgeon was not even able to meet with Vivi until September 15th (tomorrow), at which point he will hopefully set a date for surgery - most likely in early October. After her surgery, Vivi will have two to three weeks to recover (with about 1 week in the hospital), after which she will begin the next phase of her treatment. In the meantime, Vivi is continuing on with her current treatment plan and just had her fifth round of chemo last Friday. This means she is currently doing her best to grit through her tough week post-treatment.
The week before this last treatment, we met with Vivi's oncologist, who loosely explained what Vivi's new chemo regimen will involve. We were all aware that during Vivi's surgery she would have a port inserted into her abdomen, through which she would receive chemo directly into the affected area. However, we did not realize that she would actually be undergoing an entirely new chemotherapy regimen and schedule. So while I am not 100% clear on all the new medication Vivi will now be receiving (Dr. Makker did not go into detail about that), I was able to grasp the new schedule.
Vivi will still be on a 21-day cycle. However, she will now receive chemo on days 1, 2, and 8 - with the chemo on days 2 and 8 being administered through the port. On day 3 she will receive a hydration treatment, as the new medicine is known to leave a strong metallic taste in the patient's mouth, making it very difficult for many people to tolerate water. Therefore, the doctors give IV hydration to ensure that patients do not get dehydrated (something that is very important for Vivi's heart, if you remember). We were also told, that some patients actually end up having to come in every day for hydration treatments depending on how they are tolerating the medicine.
Aside from the metallic after-taste, there are two other factors that may make this next phase of treatment quite a bit more difficult. First, we were warned that the new medication Vivi will be receiving is much harsher on the patient's system than the medications she was receiving before. In addition to the risk of dehydration, patients undergoing this treatment tend to be prone to more nausea and vomiting (this is due to both the medication itself and the fact that it is going directly into the lining of her stomach), as well as lower white blood cell counts (weaker immune systems). The second concern is that currently Vivi receives her chemotherapy as an inpatient in the hospital so her doctors can monitor her heart. While her stays in the hospital seem to get shorter with each treatment, if she has to continue receiving her chemotherapy as an inpatient, that will likely mean a lot of time in and out of the hospital for quite a few months.
Luckily, if all goes well, we are likely only looking at 3-4 rounds of this new treatment, which is rather short in duration - just about 3 months. I told my mother that one can do ANYTHING for three months. Except, in her case, not eat chocolate. Or buy a new head scarf. Or cook. Seriously though, this means that come winter time, Vivi could be sitting on a beach in the Caribbean and IN REMISSION! While the former may be less likely, I believe with all my heart that the latter is just inevitable! Especially considering the progress she has made so far, the amazing support system we have, and Vivi's continued will to beat this disease and get those 10 carats (inside joke...love you mom).
So while we still have a tough road ahead, the end is hopefully in sight, and I do strongly believe we are heading into the home stretch!!
In other news, last week was a very sad week for Vivi, our family, and our dear friend June (who has become the full-time caretaker for our dogs while Vivi is ill), as we had to say goodbye to our beloved dog and family member, Sammy. Sammy was a ripe 15-years-old (which is about 140 in dog years), and lived a beautiful life full of family, love, cuddles, and lots of food from the table. However, it just came to the point where his quality of life was not what it should be, and he was beginning to suffer - something all dog owners want to avoid at all costs. So the decision was made that it was his time - and it truly was. While we can find comfort in knowing he went in peace (with my father at his side), our hearts were still broken to have to say goodbye. He was a very special dog, and will forever be a part of our family. So if you get a chance to shoot a line to my mother and June (even in the comments below), I know it would be much appreciated. I know it was a very tough loss for my mother to bear in the midst of everything else going on, but as usual, she handled it together with June, with strength, grace, a sense of humor, and many, many phone calls.
On a happier note, it's Vivi's birthday on Saturday! Talk about a ripe age - she will be turning 69-years-young! We will be celebrating with a big family dinner at a local restaurant in Mahopac. My sister is even flying over for the occasion! So please make sure you wish her a Happy Birthday if you get a chance. If you don't - don't worry - she has MANY, MANY more to go!! Although I am supposed to tell you to send all gifts and checks to her address in the city.
I hope you are all enjoying the change in weather (and a New Year for many). May the new season/year bring health and happiness to all of you.
