Monday, March 1, 2010

Post I would rather title, "We don't need no stinkin' chemo."

As many of you know, Steph had a scan on Friday. Unfortunately, we did not get the news we wanted...this time. According to the scan, the tumor has grown a little and the lymph nodes have also increased in size. It also revealed a small tumor on her liver. Based on this information she decided to start chemo today. She will be taking Erbitux every Monday and Irinotecan every 3 weeks. She is at the hospital now and will soon be getting her first dose of both. She has to do this at the hospital because of the possibility of severe side effects. She started the morning off with about 5 or 6 medications to hopefully prevent this from happening. When I talked to them, she was taking Albuterol as a precaution, to keep her airways open. She has been told that this process could take up to 8 hours and she may have to stay the night, depending on how her body reacts. This is not acceptable to a momma who wants to get to her son's basketball game by 5:30! We are very optimistic at this point. Erbitux is often very scary for people. So scary, that many people don't even try it. Not our Stephanie! She is facing this head on with strength and courage like I have never seen. She is also very encouraged because she has taken CONTROL of her body and let me tell you...it is a temple! She does not put a single thing in her mouth that isn't 100% healthy. I'm not joking. She has felt great lately! She is in very good spirits and I can't even begin to tell you what an inspiration she is to me. Please pray for NO side effects and 100% healing!!!!

5 comments:

Andi said...

Praying Praying Praying.....thanks for keeping us posted.

The Bullard's said...

Steph - You and Scot and the boys are in our prayers daily. Hang in there we will be praying daily for you guys!!!!!! Love The Bullard's

Anonymous said...

Steph, hang in there! I remember seeing you when i was having my first chemo treatment and thought she is a fighter, I could tell! Hang in there and enjoy your family! You and your family are in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

Lil' Steph....I remember you when you were born. We were all so excited. I remember how you loved "raggity ann" and you would call her "Nungy" You are my son's cousin. I just want to say that your Ex-Aunt Barb is praying for you. Thank you for these updates. Love to you Steph.

garrett giddens said...

i love you steph iv bene prayinng for you