The Anticipated Decision

For two years, I was on a targeted therapy drug, and it did its job. My blood values were beautiful and stable. But while it kept the cancer in check, my doctor wasn’t happy with the thought of my staying on medication for the rest of my life. So toward the end of last year we made the decision that come January 2019 I would stop taking the medication and we would see how I did.

Apparently because I can never do anything the easy way, come the beginning of January, I contracted scarlet fever and wound up in the hospital — the same week I was to see the doctor and come off the medication. Well, with the particular medication I was on, the first thing that happens when you get sick, is you stop taking the mediciation. But I was going to stop the medication anyway, so no biggie right? I just had to do it with a little dramatic flair (which I could have done without).

Come May, my values had already creeped outside the normal range. So we went into “watchful waiting” mode. No need to take action, but close monitoring was required. In July my white counts had jumped up, but were still just under where we needed to take action. Between the July appointment and now, I knew my values were going further and further out of whack. Primarily because my fatigue levels have significantly increased.

I had an appointment with the oncologist this week and sure enough, it’s time to take action. The decision was to try another protocol than the targeted therapy drug, as the doctor was not happy that the “remission” only lasted a brief 5 months. She would like to try something to hopefully give me years in remission rather than months.

I still don’t know exactly what the protocol will be, but I do know it will involve full-blown infusion chemo drips. While NO ONE gets excited about having to go through this process, I am focused on the trade-off. Six months (most likely) of treatments now, so I can have some chemo-free years. The treatments will probably start in the next week or two, so I thought I’d dust off my site so I can post updates as to how things are going.

Like last time, I’m sure there will be decent days, and dreadful days, but I am going to get through it all in the best way possible.

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12 Comments on “The Anticipated Decision”

  1. Reply

    Hi Liana,

    You know that Aunt Dorothy and I wish nothing but the best for you. Hang in there for the treatment and then be chemo free for years. Sounds like a great plan. Love, Kristi and Aunt Dorothy

  2. Reply

    Strongest person I know and FULL of creative light and positive energy, which you regularly give away to others. So if you can give so much and God just keeps filling you back up, you’ll have plenty of power to fight through this new challenge. Besides, when you’re made of stars, you burn through any darkness. Light it up, LK! Praying for you! Star Warrior! 😉

  3. Reply

    Wow. Good to know the previous protocol works, and here’s to a quick 6 months of the new. Lots of friends sending you good vibes – including me! Love ya 👍

  4. Reply

    I don’t even know what to say, Liana. I hate to read this and know that “it” is back and chasing you again. Most of us have no idea what it is to live this battle, so all we can do is pray for you, wish you well, and be there if you need us. I know that you really are a fighter and will give it your all – with every type of ammunition that you can gather.

    Speaking of ammunition…I’ve been reading a lot lately about cancer and sugar. There seems to be quite a bit of evidence that suggests that since many types of cancer thrive on a “sugar diet” to propagate, that changing to a low or no-carb way of eating may starve the cancer cells. A book in particular that I have read is “Any Way You Can” by Dr Annette Bosworth. Her mom was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Dr Boz (as she is known in keto circles) basically changed her mom’s diet and they saw shocking results in a relatively short time. If you haven’t investigated this avenue, here is the book: https://www.amazon.com/ANYWAY-YOU-CAN-Bosworth-BEGINNERS/dp/0999854232

    Personal note: I have basically cured my own liver disease from this way of eating. My doctor told me that I would be on the liver transplant list soon if I didn’t do something. It appears that diet and lifestyle really are powerful tools for good, or for not good. Hang in there, Liana. Holler if you ever want to talk. I would love to come visit.

    1. I have read about the sugar connection and cancer cells as well, and have been modifying my diet over time to focus on more protein and good fats and severe reduction of carbs.

      Hopefully we’ll knock it for a good loop this time and can keep it at bay for a longer period of time.

      Yes, we’ll have to get together… 😀

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