Finally a (somewhat) Positive Update

Update. In case you were wondering, I’m still here. I know it has been about a month since the last update. The good news is I am doing better than in March and April.

As I wrote in my last update, the Enhertu was not a good fit. So now I have moved on to a new treatment, weekly Taxol infusions. I had my first infusion last week.

I am happy to report I had no noticeable side effects from the first infusion. From what I understand, the lower dosage of weekly infusions may even mean I get to keep (what is left of) my hair. But only time will tell. And if that is the worst of it, then so be it. Could you send me all your hats to wear, just in case?

And in case you were wondering did the Enhertu at least do something helpful?

Last week, I had my 3-month scans. The doctor said “Well, if we had still been planning on Enhertu, we probably would change course” or at least something along those lines.

Honestly, they weren’t bad/ But they also didn’t show any improvement. The CT was still clear for any progression in the organs. The doctor even commented how he liked to share with other patients about how he had one patient that has been living with bone mets for 12 plus years (don’t worry, he doesn’t use my name or share any HIPPA information, just tries to be encouraging which is one reason I have trusted this man for 20 years). My lungs must have looked better, too, since he dialed back the steroids I’ve been taking for the paracentesis (caused by the Enhertu).

The bone scan, however, showed 2 more lesions in my spine (I feel like the incredible shrinking woman these days – gone are my days of saying I’m 5’6″). So this new May scan will become the baseline for the new treatment. The good news, I’m not feeling any pain with the new spots, so that is a win in my book right now.

How is my mental health?

I will be honest, March really took a toll. April I started to feel a little better. Now, while I feel like I am on the right path, it is hard to jump right back to where I was. I’m still a little anxious that another bone may spontaneously break. I’m definitely more cautious in my walking and I’m still building my strength back from the full month of not being able to do anything.

I have started back to Physical Therapy and am happy that the PTA I’ve been working with since 2017 has now moved to a location much closer to me and I don’t have to explain all of my history to someone new. She has been amazing to work with over the years and we work well together with “Can you do this?” and my response “I don’t know but let’s try!” Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. And then we try something else.

In a nutshell. I am back to driving (which if you know me is one of the best things for my mental health). I am no longer using a back brace. Pain medication is back in the medicine cabinet, not on the kitchen counter. Working on building my walking confidence back, slowly but surely. Getting weekly infusions, hopefully with minimal side effects as we move forward. And ready to get back to enjoying life again.