In Her Fighting Era

On January 2nd, I completed my fourth chemotherapy treatment. This was a big milestone, because it means I am now due for a scan to see if it’s been receptive. For those curious about my specific treatment I’m on, my oncologist and team determined that the aggressive “TCHP” treatment regimen is the best course of action, which is a combination of chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapy drugs used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer with the goal of preventing cancer cell growth and division. My chemo treatments are every 3 weeks, with my initial treatment lasting about 5 hours and each treatment since has been less than 3 hours. And I’ve had family members attend each appointment with me so I’m never alone.

I’m happy to report that my body has been handling the chemotherapy well, even after some really unpleasant symptoms, because after each treatment my medical team works closely with me on how I’m feeling and adjusts my medications as needed to make sure I’m comfortable. I’m continuing to be a strong advocate for myself. Overall I’m pretty wiped out after treatment and really just need lots of rest. But I have learned the importance of taking my medications around the clock, no matter if I “feel better” or not. This is key in making sure I’m on top of them and my symptoms are manageable. 

Along with my chemotherapy, I have to self-administer injections called Granix, a man-made form of a naturally occurring protein in the body called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). A little more about Granix: It works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more neutrophils, ensuring my white blood cell counts don’t drop too low, which happens in patients receiving certain types of chemotherapy. It also reduces the risk of developing serious, life-threatening infections that can result from a weakened immune system during cancer treatment. I have to get labs done two days before each chemo treatment so my doctors can closely monitor all my levels. Unfortunately I’m getting used to getting poked and prodded, but I’m also proud of myself for enduring so much, and, being able to self-administer injections was a big feat. 

I am eager to get my first scan post-chemo, which is scheduled for January 16th, and to see the progress. Thank you for all the support, the prayers, the lovely cards in the mail (they make me so happy and I have them attached to my wall), the messages, the gifts, everything. It means so much to have so many people rooting for me. Lastly, please continue to keep me and my kids in your prayers; they are tough kids, but this has been difficult on them, too.

Thank you,
Mandy