Changes can be scary, but only if you let them. Sometimes, changes can be a good thing because they mean things are still going uphill.
So another round of chemo starting with the usual visit with my oncologist. She continues to let me know things are looking good still. The bloodwork does concern her a bit, especially the iron level, but that was expected from me. I have known my iron levels are low, and this past week definitely proved it.
However, my Advanced Clinical Trials Specialist (Andrew) came in with my trial drug updated paperwork. Yes, I'm that good that they asked for my signature. [laughs] I'm just joking. Actually, due to my CT scans continuing to show no evidence of disease ("NED"), the Clinical Trial team has allowed me to get CT scans every 12 weeks, rather than every 6 weeks. What exactly does this mean? Well, it means the scans are showing them exactly what they were hoping for and that they are comfortable and confident that they will continue to show good signs.
Yes, it worries me a bit, that during those 12 weeks, something could happen and show up on one of the scans. However, I trust the drug, my specialist, and the nurses, and I keep holding on that the drug will continue to do what it has been doing. I never would have imagined that six years after being diagnosed, there would be a drug that has helped me so I could continue to say I'm in remission.
Let me just clear the air about remission and what it means to me. Remission usually is a good thing for cancer patients because it means there is NED and they are in the clear from any more treatments. They have their regular yearly checkups with their oncologist and/or doctor, but otherwise, they are free. HOWEVER, being in remission for me is similar but different. Because I was diagnosed and treated for Metastatic (Stage IV) Breast Cancer, there can be a bigger risk of the cancer coming back either in the same area or a new place. To make sure this does not happen, I am on chemo for life unless one of two things happen: (1) the drug stops working, or (2) a cure is finally found. Only time will tell, but I am not giving up. I power through my chemo, even if I am not fond of the side effects, and I keep going day by day.
So once again, change can be a good thing and in my case, it is.
