7.21.25
Round 12!!!! When I was initially diagnosed and the doctors were determining the best plan for me- it was to do 12 rounds of chemo. Like I assume most people would- I was counting down the rounds- ready to check it off the list. After my ctDNA started showing detected during the 6ish week break for liver surgery everything changed. I am so thankful that technology allows us to pick up these detections before any scans but it definitely came as a shock to all of us. So, as I approach the end of the initial rounds my medical team has decided to extend my treatment another 4 months (about 8 more rounds) meaning chemo every 14 days. My understanding is that I will soon max out on the amount of Oxaliplatin you are allowed to get so the chemo will be Irinotecan and 5FU (the little fanny pack). Leading up to my appointment on the 21st I had anticipated there would be some kind of extension but the news still bummed me out. As strange as it is- I do feel some sort of relief not being off chemo because I know that it is helping me and my body needs it to heal and after having that little blip, the unknown terrifies me with what will happen if/when I am off chemo again. For now- I focus on taking it a day at a time and not getting ahead of myself. 

Back to round 12! My bloodwork came back within range to be able to do treatment and my white blood cells had gotten back to where they were supposed to be. Once up at the infusion center- since I now have the HAI pump that that have to access (poke) each time- they put me in a room with a bed instead of the rooms they use to put me in with a view. To access the pump, they take something that looks like a sewing needle and stick it through the skin into the chamber that has been implanted in my skin. First they pull out whatever liquid the previously filled it with (either Heparin or chemo (FUDR) then they flush it (inject it) with some saline- pull that out with a syringe- and then refill it with either heparin or chemo. This repeats each time. 

The infusion went smooth and I got Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan, and 5Fu. They also did the 3rd treatment of FuDR in my pump. I didnt feel as horrible as the last round walking out after my appointment but I can definitely tell that the toxicity is re-building and I had to lay down as soon as I got home.

I didnt get as much cold sensitivity in my hands/feet this round but I am also starting to get more "chemo brain" and will forget what I go into a cabinet to get. I am typically nauseous from the day of infusion for about 4-5 days so I take zofran around the clock (morning, mid day, and at night). Taking that along with making it a  point to eat- even if just some broth and toast- really helps with some of the side effects. 

On Friday- I was able to sneak away to Vegas for the weekend courtesy of my amazing Aunt Marilyn and meet up with my sister Jennifer and cousin Alison. The trip was incredible- we went to Backstreet Boys and a magic show. I brought all of my medicine and thankfully didn't have any crazy tummy troubles while out there but it was great to get away and forget about all my health stuff. ​

7.7.25

Round 11 was smooth. We started with bloodwork and retook the Tempus ppm test as well as the Guardant Reveal blood test. Then we met with the PA. 

Since I had 2 of the Tempus PPM tests come back with slight detection we decided to re-add the Oxaliplatin to this round. So I got Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, and I went home with the 5fu pack. While I was at the infusion center they also refilled my pump with heparin. 

As soon as it was time to leave I was already feeling the side effect. I felt really nauseous and extra sensitive to light. I got home and just wanted to lay down. The next day I felt much better. I was also expecting to have a lot of cold sensitivity from the Oxaliplatin and it was not too bad for the week. I took it easy most of the week and had a lot of help around the house so I could rest and I made food a priority which really helped with the side effects. 

Then over the weekend I got to spend some time at my friend AnnMaries house in Redondo Beach and it was so nice to get some girl time and relax. We didnt get in the car once- we walked around town (slowly lol), went out to lunch, and sat by the Beach. It was so nice.

AND big news! On Monday morning I got one of my PPM Tempus tests back that showed 0 detection. It is a relief to have it back under control but there will always be some nervousness around it showing any detection again. It is kind of a big mental rollercoaster. My biggest concern is when I am finished with my 12/13 rounds and and I take any time off Chemo again. Praying that this mop up chemo cleans up any remaining cells and they never show up again. 

6.24.25 Round 10 went smooth! We checked in for a blood draw, met with the PA and headed up to the infusion center. They put us in a room with a bed AND its own bathroom! The infusion went pretty quick since they were only doing pre- meds, fluids, and Irinotecan. Then they filled the pump with FUDR and sent me home with the 5-FU pack. 

Over the last week my side effects were a little harder than the last round but not as harsh as the rounds before surgery. I had some stomach cramping and a lot of constipation which was something new. I am still trying to figure out what foods agree with my stomach and once I think I have it figured out it doesn't end up agreeing. Over the week I was very tired and also felt a lot more brain fog.

Now that it has been a week since my infusion I am starting to feel like myself again. One of our little ladies has been having a lot of "BIG feelings" these last few weeks requiring extra help around the house. Luca is officially 1 and I am so happy to be able to carry him around. He is about 25lbs now so I can only really pick him up for a quick minute or two. Because of the HAI pump- I can't really rest him on my left hip or his legs hit the pump so I have to hold him lower putting more weight on my arms. Then holding him on my right hip his feet kinda reach the pump, so figuring out the best way to carry him around has been a challenge. Then while i am feeding him I am very nervous with all his squirming while he is on my lap. I am still pretty slow but I am getting more and more use to the feeling of the HAI pump every day. I did a workout class today and I took it easy with light weights- it was very humbling- I can't even do a single crunch but showing up felt good and I am going to continue to go. Yesterday I did a high dose Vitamin C IV yesterday.

I have had a few questions about supplements that I take in addition to the medications and chemo so I wanted to add them here for everyone that is curious. As always- I am not a medical professional so please consult your Dr. before taking any of these. 

Link to Amazon shop:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrsgabbygabrielle/list/2UJXS8V4SMU4S?linkCode=spc&tag=mrsgabbygab07-20&domainId=influencer&asc_contentid=amzn1.ideas.2UJXS8V4SMU4S 

I found the info below on Google:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil- containing Oleocanthal- reduces inflammatory related disease, including joint-degenerative disease, neuro-degenerative disease and specific cancers.

Blushwood Berry- has been reported to ameliorate insulin resistance and inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

Soursop Graviola- the plant's active ingredients possess antioxidant, anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti-arthritic, anti-parasitic, anti-malarial, liver protective and anti-diabetic effects.

Ginseng- I take this in the morning. It boosts energy, reduces inflammation, improves brain function, and boosts the immune system.

Dandelion Root- supports cleansing, liver function, blood sugar, heart health & more