Started a new chemo this week

The past 2 week's I have been experiencing more pain in my pelvic/abdominal area. It's been progressively worse which lead me to believe the trial drug alone was no longer working. Result's came in during my birthday dinner at my bro's (jerks) showing growth.

Most of the tumor's remain close to the same size with just minor growth....except 1. My largest one is growing fast and is now about 6x6 cm. There is also a new tumor so obviously the cells are dividing which means they are not dying. The large one is located in a horrible spot that makes surgery extremely hard. If it continues to grow they may have no choice but to remove along with part of my colon. This would mean a colostomy bag which is obviously not something I want to deal with this early in the game.

My oncologist is presenting my case to the tumor board in the next week or so mainly to see if radiation may be an option for the big tumor. It is so low in my pelvis that they may not be able to radiate it. The best possible outcome is that the new chemo I am on shrinks the big one.

Last Monday, I started a new chemo generally referred to as gem/tax (gemcitabine and docetaxel). I have infusion on day 1 and day 8 of a 21 day cycle. Side effects for day 1 (gem) are pretty minor but supposedly day 8 (both gem/tax) is rough. I will be driving (flights are crazy with spring break) with the hubs to Seattle for my day 8 this coming Monday and will know more on how my body handles this after the first treatment.

The last chemo I was on has a lifetime max due to the possibility of heart failure being a side effect. This regimen does not have a max so hopefully my body responds well and I can stay on this cocktail for a longer time until they have shrunk enough that surgery is an option. Surgery is always the best chance of survival with this cancer. As we have shared before, LMS is aggressive and rare so options are limited.

Now that I am no longer on the trial, I plan to up my dosing on all things to help my body stay strong and help shrink those tumors. Black seed oil, reishi, CQ10, CBD, B17, essiac tea, etc....all things anti cancer.

Another positive is I will be transitioning my infusion to St. Charles here in Bend so no more traveling to Seattle after this next week for infusions. Being away from home is hard on all of us with school, dogs, and financially so this is a win.

We did check with our oncologist at MD Anderson and he agreed this is the best path for right now.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT AND PRAYERS! We feel the love and know you are behind us in this journey. No way is this fight even close to being over! Caner can kiss my ass!

xoxo, Cass and fam