She did it! Sara made it through her first chemo session today and did fantastic! We're home now and will be calling it a night soon. It's been a long day. We went to the Kellogg Cancer Center at Highland Park Hospital at 10 this morning and after short meetings/exams with the head nurse (Diane) and Dr. Merkel (the oncologist), we went down the hall to a private treatment room. Another nurse (Dena) then took over and began the long-feared infusions. Sara's port in her right arm was still sore so the insertion of the IV was uncomfortable, but everything that followed went smoothly. Over the course of about an hour and a half Sara received an anti-nausea drug, steroid, and two chemo drugs - one of which is affectionately referred to as "the red devil." That specific drug is the one that will beat the crap out of any frisky cancer cells that may have escaped the mastectomy and lymph node dissection a few weeks ago. It will also make her hair fall out in precisely 17 days, just before the Fourth of July weekend. (It's pretty amazing that they know the exact timing of that side effect!).
Sara's on a strict regime of anti-nausea drugs and steroids for the next three days which will hopefully keep her feeling ok. Supposedly, days 3-5 after the infusion are when the fatigue might set in. She's doing well so far so we'll see about that!
We've got a three-week break before the next infusion on July 6. Before then, Sara will see the OB's who will begin strict monitoring of the baby's growth and vital signs.
That's it for now. Have a good night, everybody.
Brian
P.S. the picture above is Sara at 26 weeks, about 10 days ago.
Each day that passes is one more closer to where you want to be. Holding all the best thoughts for you all.
ReplyDeleteHi Sara,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I have been following your blog through your cousin Deborah Ballis on the Komen 3-day website. I am so very sorry to hear that you have breast cancer and while being pregnant, it's just not right. Unfortunately, we have cancer in common. I am from Dallas and a fellow 3-day walker that will be doing the walk in Chicago in August with a group of 7 friends, we are team 'Chicago or Bust'. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer over the Christmas holidays, had surgery in February and have been on chemo since the first week in March. My last chemo treatment is July 15, 3 weeks before the walk. I will also have radiation beginning in mid August. I also have child, Zachary, who turns 3 in August. You and your husband are such an inspiration, such a couragous, positive attitude. I just want you to know that you will get through this..the road is tough and I cannot imagine how much tougher it will be for you being pregnant but the the support of your family and friends will help so much - and it sounds like you have a HUGE amount of support. If you have questions or just want some advice or want to chat, please feel free to contact me. My treatment sounds like it is similar to yours, I also received the 'red devil' and did loose my hair around day 17!! Your husband is right on about that! I will keep you and your family in my prayers and will continue to follow your blog. Your husband does a great job with the updates and the pictures of your family are beautiful :) Take care, Kristen
Sara, you look so beautiful in your picture! You are so brave and such an amazing woman. We are thinking of all four of you all the time and sending our love and best wishes.
ReplyDeleteLove, Emily and Dan
Sara and Brian-
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you so very much during this difficult, emotional time.
My best friend is a survivor, 6 years done with treatment-and life is beautiful again.
Very glad you have connected with Janna and PJ so you can see what's waiting on the other side.
You have much to look forward to as your precious family grows, and I hope you are feeling the strength and love from so many around you who are cheering you on.
Sending all positive thoughts your way today and always,
Lesley (Gimbel) and Chris Fisher
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine sent me your blog because our stories are so similar. When my daughter was 6 months old I was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer, I had surgery, chemo and radiation. I was 33 at the time. My faith in God and friend and family really helped me get through such a difficult time. I remember at times I was so sick I couldn't even hold my baby. BUT the great news is you will get through it. Three years after treatment was over I was blessed to have my baby boy who was completely health and conceived naturally although they said it was very doubtful. This past December I celebrated 5 years of being cancer free and doing wonderful. Keep the faith you will get through this.
My family and I will keep your family in our prayers just as so many people did for us.
Cara