Hi Friends --
For those who like micro updates, and a little bit of drama to keep this story forever interesting, here's a postcard for you.
First, some good news. That CEA number we all now care so very much about continues to decline. I've gone from 67 two weeks ago now to 48. Some of you are very good at math, but for the rest of us that's a nice 25% drop. And from where I began back in July, we're now at an 85% decrease. This is just one indicator, but it's a key number on the scoreboard that essentially tells us that Foxy's mighty fighter jets are hitting her targets.
Now for the drama. Yesterday about an hour in to getting the first kicker drug -- oxaliplatin (I have no nickname for this one, and it's the one that causes the awful neuropathy so honestly I don't know if it deserves a nickname) -- my tongue started to swell, I started to dramatically fade in my comfy recliner chair, and a very observant nurse strolled by with one of those geez/yikes faces no one ever likes to see. Apparently I was breaking out in hives. Yikes indeed, and what on earth is this about.
Within minutes I was getting pumped full of Benadryl and steroids and a small scrum of nurses were on it. Side note -- chemo nurses are heroes in our midst and someday I'll post something in their honor. Within about 20 minutes I was back to normal.
Anyhow, after hearing about my rather awful awfulness, Dr. C decided to call it on the oxaliplatin. The nice upside here is that my neuropathy today is far better, and I'm cruising along with more energy. Should we be worried that less of this harsh oxy (ok maybe we do have a nickname) will slow down the good progress? Dr C says not to worry. We trust her completely, so ... no worries.
Ok that's the update from 6.0. Feet and hands are in better shape, and my fabulous Foxy bag stays close throughout until tomorrow. Thanks for all the continued love and support and notes and prayers and -- best of all -- such devoted friendship. I'm forever grateful, and each day renewed for my many steps up the mountain.
xoxo
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