Dr. Robert Carlson has prescribed her 4-6 months of 'neoadjuvant' chemotherapy.
'neoadjuvant' is basically defined as chemo prior to surgery, with a goal of shrinking the cancer before it is surgically removed.
Trish's specific chemo is what as known as 'CAF', with a cycle that is two weeks on, followed by two weeks off.
the cycle:
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4/22: chemo
4/29: chemo
5/6: off
5/13: off
5/20: chemo
5/27: chemo
etc..
the 'CAF' chemo:
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cyclophosphomide (Cytoxan)
doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
5 fluorouracil (5-FU)
Cytoxan: these are 50mg pills which trish takes every morning of her 14 day chemo cycle, alternating between 3 and 4 pills a day.
Adriamycin: is red in color, 27ml are administered intravenously, via a syringe manually injected by a nurse. this process takes 12 minutes
5-FU: is clear in color, 18ml are administered intravenously, via a syringe manually injected by a nurse. this process takes 5 minutes
typical "chemo" day schedule:
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- arrive at the cancer center on the campus of stanford university medical center
- go to the blood lab to get blood drawn for tests
- visit with Dr. Carlson, review blood test results and treatment progress
- go to the Infusion Center where the chemo is administered
- go home and rest
trish has experienced some fatigue and naseua over the past couple days, but not enough to keep her from doing a little cleaning around the house, some shopping and going to caden's swimming lessons.
7 comments:
Trisha,
So glad the process to get you better has started. I know that if anyone can handle this it's you. Thinking of you and the family everyday.
Riley
P.S. I'm sure that Chris knows some people that can probably find a vein quicker then your nurses :)
Trisha, Oak and Caden. I am thinking of you guys and reading your blog. I know this is a difficult fight, but it is one you can win. Be strong. I am here should you need anything. All my love, Shari Johnson
Hey y'all, we're so happy with the good news from tuesday. Now it's a thing you can beat! Even though the way will sometimes be hard an long, we know you're strong enough to handle that. Keep up the good spirits. We think about you a lot.
Lots of love to you and everybody around you!
Clem & Jackie
Trisha,
Hang in there, I know how much you LOVE choking those pills down! We are thinking of you everyday!
Love and HUGS!
~The Mallas Family
PS ~ Riley, way to be #1!
Fish,
I am so happy to hear that the cancer hasn't spread & that the fight is on! Let me know what I can do, I'm just right around the corner (and sometimes next door).
P
Thinking of, and praying for, you guys all the time.
Would love to stop by this week . . . will call first to make sure you're up for a quick visit.
Lots of love,
Marit and family
Trisha and Oak,
We just heard about everything you guys are going through,and we wanted to let you know you're in our thoughts and prayers. Your strength and fighting spirits are evident in your posts and all of the comments and kind words from your friends and family. Stay strong. We'll have to coordinate Christmas tree cutting this year! What a cute boy Caden is. Take care - Jen and Alain Pereur
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