Just a Cupcake…

Dear Family and Friends:

We are all very excited and happy to say that today I started my 6th round of IP Chemotherapy and had a great visit and examination with Dr. Chambers. The first thing she said to me was that I am in “clinical remission!” My understanding of this term is my clinical exams have continued to be normal, no clinical signs and symptoms including my CA-125, and all my labs have continued to be good.

Dr. Chambers gave me two options to consider over the next month: 1) I could be done with treatment and follow up periodically with physical exams and labs; or, 2) continue on low dose of Taxol IV once a month for 12 months, just for preventive care. I gave her my answer immediately and did not even have to think about it. I will receive the Taxol as a precautionary measure which will be like eating a cupcake once a month compared to the last 6 months of IP Cisplatin! The decision was a no brainer.

I really have had a mixed bag of side effects from the chemo. However, Dr. Chambers was really surprised by the lack of symptoms I have had up to this point. In particular the neuropathy that normally develops in the hands and feet as a result of the Taxol. I have had only a few episodes of this so far, but each time it self-resolved within a few hours. She warned I may develop some of these side effects in the future by chosing to accept the IV Taxol for the next 12 months, but was thrilled to tell me my quality of life should practically return to normal! I may even grow back my hair!! YAHOO!

I have been walking a lot to build strength and endurance and I plan to head back to the gym after this series. I am so excited about this!! Spinning, yoga and weights!

I could not have gotten this far and done so well without the support and encouragement from all of you. I really believe this, thank you all so much.

I love you all, Colleen