Starting Xeloda cycle 9 next week

I saw Dr G today and he says my tumor marker has fallen a few more points (now 152). My other numbers all  look normal, including my liver function (an indication of the health or lack thereof for my liver mets).

However, I did complain to him about recently having to "reach" for words. You know, when you can describe the thing but can't come up with the actual word right away. Dr G says it could be a sign of chemo brain, or even middle age, but he wants to order a brain MRI in case it's my brain mets acting up.

I will have the brain MRI on September 9th and see him a few days later to get the results. In the meantime, I will continue on the same regimen of Xeloda daily by mouth, Avastin every two weeks by infusion, and Aredia and Faslodex (infusion and injection) every four weeks.

I say, let's drink rose wine, eat ice cream, pick the blackberries and generally enjoy the rest of the summer.

Back to Aredia

Dr G spoke with my dentist Dr Amy; I spoke with my orthopedist; Dr G and I conferred together and everyone agrees that my bones need more protection. So this week I started again on Aredia, a bisphosphonate that strengthens bones. Of the three major such drugs, Aredia is the oldest and the least strong. Hopefully it will not cause any issues with my osteonecrosis of the jaw and hopefully it will increase my bone strength. I first took it ten years ago when my mets were detected.

This week's infusion lasted a very long time. I arrived at 11 AM. First the nurse had to hook me up. The lab was quick and had my Avastin to me in mere minutes. That infusion lasted about 35 minutes (good to the last drop). Then we started the Aredia drip, which is supposed to take about two hours. Well, what with the whole "good to the last drop" thing, it took almost 2 1/2 hours to finish. Then it was time for my monthly double shot in the tusch of Faslodex. It was about 3:30 PM when we left and then I absolutely had to have an ice cream at Molly Moon's (earl grey with hot fudge -- yummy!). Special thanks to my friend J who sat with me the whole time, got us lunch, and kept me entertained.

I will continue with all three drugs once a month. On the other hand, the Avastin is only every other week. Hopefully adding in the Aredia will make a difference in my bone health.

I will continue on the Xeloda for the time being.