Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Anyone who has a chronic illness understands the importance of the relationship with your doctor. It takes time to build a trusting and respectful relationship. Changing or ending that relationship is like breaking up with a long time friend.

When my cancer recurred for the second time in 2012, I made the decision to seek more specialized care. I chose CTCA based on the recommendations of several close friends and CTCA's reputation for excellence. Jay and I have been so happy with the amazing care and patient centered atmosphere there.

A couple of months ago, I learned that effective January 1, my insurance would no longer allow me to receive treatment at CTCA. We discussed this with my oncologist during our last visit and she recommended a Gynecological Oncologist in Phoenix.
With much sadness, we have ended our relationship with CTCA. We will miss our tremendous team there.

Today, we met with my new oncology team at University of Arizona Cancer Center in Phoenix. My doctors here are very kind, gentle and patient. After our visit, we feel very comfortable with the level of care I will receive.

During my last visit at CTCA, biopsies were done for genomic testing. Today, we reviewed the implications of those test results along with my current health status.

For several months, I have been battling a c-diff infection. My immune system is not as strong as it should be, so it has been difficult fighting this nasty little bug. My oncologist is sending me to meet with a GI specialist to determine a plan to treat this effectively. In order to proceed with any further cancer treatments, the c-diff infection must be completely gone.

The next step will be to try and shrink or stabilize the growth of the tumors in my abdomen and pelvis. Due to the location of the largest tumors, surgery is not an option, so we can only treat with chemotherapy.
Unfortunately, the tumors have been proving to be more and more resistant to chemo and we are nearing the end of the treatments we can try.

First, we will try a combination of Avastin and Cytoxan. I have had this combo before and had success in keeping the tumors stable for several months.
Next, there is a chemo called Abraxane. This is a stronger chemo that will be much harder on my body and it is a total crap-shoot as to whether or not it will produce results.
Finally, there is the possibility of a clinical trial. My genomic testing showed two different gene mutations within my cancer cells. At the present time, the only medication available to treat these mutations are in clinical trials. Right now, I do not qualify for a clinical trial due to the amount of chemotherapy I have had in the past. My doctor is working to bring the medication into a new clinical trial without the exclusions based on past treatments. The time frame of this happening is unknown.

While we were not surprised by today's news, it was not what we wanted to hear. We will continue to move forward and hope to get the c-diff under control soon so we can begin the first chemo regimen.

We are thankful that God has provided a kind new team of doctors to work with. We are continuing to trust in His love, timing and plan.

Blessings,
Mandy