Dr's appointment today-Mostly good, but some complications.

S we met with the new Dr today, but first we sat and spoke with his P.A. who took forever to tell us the good news and the anticipation was so stressful and unnerving that when he finally told us mom's tumors have shrunk a little more and that most likely the new doctor will continue to round 5 and round 6, she bursted with tears. We are so happy that the chemo is still working. I knew it was. My faith is strong and I believe God is healing her. The newest CT scan showed the thickening of the pleural has reduced a little and that the tumors are a little smaller in size. One tumor that was 13 mm at round 2 is now at 10mm. Also, the scan showed no fluid build up in the pleural space. So, even though all this is great news one thing did show up in the scan that was incidental and a complete accident that they found it. They found a thrombosis in the right jugular vein. This means she has a blood clot. They took an ultrasound of her neck and said it most likely developed within the last 10 days. Dr says it is a common side effect of the chemo. Now she has to be worried about pulmonary embolism. Dr. gave her a prescription for Lovenox which is a really expensive ($1500month) anticoagulant (blood thinner). This drug is taken by injection into the stomach every 12 hours. Some of its side effects can include more nausea, redness, swelling, bleeding (which is not good with a blood thinner), redness and rash, and anemia. Anemia is a concern for mom because last year she battled with anemia as well. So we really need to watch out for bleeding which can lead to hemorrhaging and the anemia which can do the same.
Anyway, so after learning all that. The new Dr. tells us that he believes continuing to round 6 is a good idea (YES!!!) and after that she will continue on a maintenance program. He said possibly the maintenance program will consist of the Alimta and Avastin (she is already taking both as part of her chemo regimen. The only one left out will be the carboplatin).
So, today was supposed to be round 5 after the doctor's appointment and ultrasound, but her blood work came back and her white blood cell count was too low again. She will try again on thursday for round 5. So between now and then lots of cooked veggies and fish to eat and lots of water for her immune system. She did get her Lovenox medicine so she started the first dose this evening. She is so strong. Continue praying. We thank you so much. God bless you.

-Vanessa Hudson Reyes