Terry & Gloria: June 2012

I have had a difficult time the past month. When people say--No news is good news--It goes to say... I don't go by what people say. I tend to clam up when things are not going as well as expected. When I was teaching and the students would come into class... They would say, " Oh no, she's quiet today. This is not good." The students were right. When Gloria is not talking there is something up. Lets just say the world has been a whirl wind in my life. In between the vacation, and family get together's, I have been dealing with complication in the cancer world. It started with my blood levels being too low, thus NO Chemo. Because I had no chemo the cancer grew. It grew in the liver from 1% to 10% of the liver. It also grew in the lungs as well. I have had a very difficult time breathing. The doctors put me oxygen. I have felt very weak, but I don't want to miss anything. So I went on Vacation-- I went to my nephew's wedding-- I went to the family reunion. I have had a great TIME!!
I've gone through CT scans-PET scans and Chest Xrays--lets just say---I am sick on SCANS!! After the results came back from the PET scan it was Not good news- The Dr. decided to get me on some Clinical Trials at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake. Terry, Jenni, Cali and I drove to Salt Lake before the wedding on Friday the 7th of June. The trial coordinators talked with Terry and I in length about two studies that were be done at the Huntsman Center. The first study was very intense. Bone marrow taps, daily blood tests and being in and out of the hospital everyday for a month to start with. Then one or twice a week after that more blood tests along with other tests. This trial was in it's first stages of research. Terry and I decided No to this one, because it was so new and intense.
The Second Trial attacks the HER2+ cancer cells in the tumor. The trial coordinator hope was to attack the HER2+ cells, it would hopefully attack the HER2- cells as well. I am HER2-. This would come with some complications, diarrhea being the biggest downfall. YIKES.... They said hopefully my body would handle the severe diarrhea. Terry and I were leaning toward this trial. We started reading the research and found that if I indeed went with this trial I would go without Chemo for about two months. Meanwhile the cancer in the liver and in the lung would continue to grow.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I had a fever.... for about 3 weeks now. The fever comes in the evening and stays with me until morning. It runs from 99.3 - 101. I am typically run around the 96 degree range. Terry and I were trying to figure out which study we should participate in. Then my kidney started hurting, along with my lungs and stomach area. I emailed the doctor, he told me to go to the Emergency Room.
Long story short--I was put on an antibiotic's and the doctor, Terry and myself all decided that the trails were on a good choice at this time. I was also put on Chemo (oral).
Currently I am doing well. I am feeling stronger. I am having a difficult time breathing... Thus, I am on oxygen. I am on the Chemo for 14 days and off 7 days. I will do two cycles and we will see how I am doing at that time. Keep the faith.... Thank you for the prayers on my behalf and on behalf of my family.