NEW CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT PLAN

Irene had been on the oral medication for about six weeks when it became apparent that it was not  effective in reducing the growth of the tumors in her thigh.  The swelling in the surgical site in her thigh and the fact that we could not control the swelling in her leg with the wrapping at night and the constriction stocking during the day as well as increased pain were the first indications that the tumors were growing.  Dr. Homsi ordered a new MRI and CT scans two weeks earlier than planned and confirmed that the tumors were growing.

 

Today she started a new chemotherapy treatment plan with a drug named Ifosfamide which is a chemotherapy agent that has been used for some time in treating sarcomas.  As with most cancer treatment, the side effects of this treatment are pretty scary.  The treatment consists of three days in a row (five hours per day) of infusion through her port.  We were actually at the infusion center today from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  She comes home with a back pack filled with a pump and two liters of fluid that will continually deliver medication through her port until she goes back tomorrow for a refill and more chemotherapy.  She will even sleep with this. This process goes on for three days, and then on the fourth day she receives a nulasta shot to protect her heart and a couple of hours of infusion for anti-nausea.  This process will be repeated every three weeks if her symptoms improve, and the tumors are reduced.

 The swelling in her leg is comparable to how it was when we went to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for the planned amputation of her leg.  As you will recall, the cancer had metastasized to her lungs and the amputation was abandoned.  Surgery does not appear to be an option at this time.  Irene is experiencing severe pain at times, and the pain medications are being adjusted on what seems like a weekly basis to try and keep her comfortable.

 

She is still as wonderful as ever and continues to do most of the things she loves to do.  We are so grateful for your faith and prayers.