Back To Basics

My friend Beth is in Belize and doesn't get a lot of internet service. She did get an e-mail through this week though. She said, I'm reading the blog but can't really tell how you're doing. She's right. While the cul-de-sacs and hat fashion shows are fun, I think I have to get back to basics for a minute. Here's the run down.

I still have cancer.
The numbers are low, but indicate persistent disease.
The last month the beta hCG #'s ran 5, 3, 5, 32.
Dr. Goldstein, the Boston specialist, says those lab results show a plateau (the 5-3-5), then a spike (32). Both indicate the current chemotherapy is not working.
We're switching protocols - meaning we're changing the chemo drugs we've been using. I am now resistant to them.
There are two ways I can tell that ... the hair on my head is growing in again. It shouldn't do that if my body was responding to the current chemo. Also, I'm having hot flashes and night sweats again. That's an indication that the hCG is increasing instead of decreasing.
We will start the new chemo protocol this Wednesday. I will no longer have to do an overnight hospital stay.
I will get chemo for two Wednesdays in a row, at the Chemo Lounge (with Kristin ;-) and then get the third week off. We will repeat that cycle until the hCG is less than two, then do two more cycles.
The new drugs are called Gemcitabine and Taxol. Each has it's own side effects but nothing worse than I've seen already.

I was very discouraged by this week's hCG of 32. Really, really frustrated. Tuesday and Wednesday were very low days for me and for my family. I felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel and then it faded. The phone call from Dr. Goldstein Wednesday evening was helpful. He clearly stated a new plan. I always feel better with a plan.

Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot.