Naughty 40 and loving Amalfi!
Ciao Bella!
Well guess what - I made it to 40 and I am writing this from poolside on the rooftop deck in Amalfi Italy where we have been holidaying with my family. This was my 40th birthday present.
I had an awesome party the first week in August - a 70's theme. We had 60 fantastic friends and family celebrate with us in style - everyone got into the spirit of the theme and we partied until the early morning. We then pretty much cleaned up, packed and jetted here to Italy. We have seen Venice, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Capri and now the Amalfi coast before heading back to Rome and home. It is hot and busy and just fantastic. I've even some days been able to forget about cancer.
So yes, cancer... Well this bugger decided that after being attacked nicely by oral treatment (xeloda and tykerb) - I saw the first reductions since starting teatment, some tumors have even gone - without warning via my skin or my markers, my scan in July showed progression again of my lung mets. Still not convinced it was cancer, I had another biopsy, successful this time and confirming that cancer it is indeed and fortunately it is still her2 positive.
So, what next? Well, shocked and surprised by the progression when I am swimming nearly 2k 3 times a week,no symptoms, feel great etc... But having biopsy confirmation there is really no choice but to change treatment. I tried to access TDM1 through a compassionate access scheme but was denied so on my return I will be entering another trial - there is only one trial suitable for me. I hope to be randomized to get TDM1 but who knows? Control arm is physicians choice of treatment. Bummer is that if I get control I don't get TDM1 which is so promising and likely years off TGA approval here. I'm not that keen on iv chemo again but that's my life now. I was so hoping to get a couple of years out of xeloda/tykerb. I will be trekking down to Frankston regularly to get whatever juice I am randomized to!
So, while I can I will soak up the sun, float in the blue waters of the Mediterranean, jostle the crazy Roman crowds, try not to get frustrated with the fighting among the kids and just be grateful I'm still alive.
I am going to the ABC forum the day after I get back - will be jet lagged as hell but you can't keep me away! Hope to see some of you lovely ladies there.
A xx
