The 4th Line of Treatment
With the news of continued progression in my bones on my last PET scan, my oncologist suggested heading to MD Anderson to see if there were any clinical trials I could be eligible for since traditional chemotherapy has not been working. Tom and I went down for an appointment on September 23rd. It was a very quick trip where we found out there were no clinical trials I would qualify for at the time but was provided with another chemotherapy for my next line of treatment. Then two days later I received a call that there was now a spot for me in a clinical trial. After talking to family, my local oncologist and holistic team, we decided it was not a good fit for me as it was not looking at my specific mutations.
My local oncologist had my biopsy from this past December reexamined to find out its estrogen, progesterone and Her2 status. Back in 2021 my estrogen levels were 80%, progesterone 60% and Her2-. Now it showed that my tumor is 6% estrogen, 0% progesterone and Her2-. This means my tumor is continuing to mutate and it is mutating towards triple negative which is more aggressive than a hormone positive breast cancer. Though it is more aggressive there is an immunotherapy for triple negative breast cancer that is very promising. However, I am not completely triple negative yet so my insurance denied it and my doctor is working on getting it approved. The plan was for me to do the immunotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy which has already been approved. I will start the chemotherapy, Gemzar and Carboplatin, on October 8th. It will be similar to my last chemo where I have chemo infusions on day 1 and day 8 of a 21-day cycle.
The waiting has not been great. In the past two weeks my pain has started to be very consistent requiring me to take pain meds on a scheduled basis. If I move my hips a certain way, I get sharp pains. I feel it is my body telling me to stop so I don’t fracture any bones that are fragile due to the tumors. I have continued to decrease my patient caseload to just a few patients a day and only a couple days a week. I am trying to do the infrared sauna more and learn about other holistic treatments to help. As I have more time to care for myself, I am planning on starting Ozone therapy and go to counseling. I have been needing to take naps or just lie down later in the day due to pain. It has been hard and Tom has been a rock entertaining the kids in the late afternoon while working. Thankfully they are at such a fun age where their imagination is blossoming and they play so well with each other.
Getting the news that my third line of treatment was not working was very hard. I feel discouraged that I am having to go on my 4th line of treatment in just 10 months of being diagnosed as metastatic. I know there are a lot of other lines of treatment I can use but I pray that this is the one that will stabilize if not decrease all my spots. I continue to have a lot of hope for our future and all the new medication that will come to be. I am blessed with such an amazing community of friends and family that support me. I continue to hang onto my faith to get through each day. Though I feel like I have been in this dark valley for too long, there are so many places in the bible that gives me strength and hope. “I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23.
Prayer Request
That this treatment will help stabilize and eliminate my cancer
The immunotherapy be approved
Continued strength for Tom to do all the things
My pain will decrease so I can stop taking pain meds and be more present as a mom
Praises
I get to go to Utah this coming weekend with a handful of other metastatic thrivers for a “rest and renew” which is provided at no cost by a Foundation, Image Reborn. Excited to connect and relax with others on the same journey.
My friend, Nicole, that I have known since I was 5 years old is coming in town this week to hangout and meet our kiddos for the first time. Prayers for sweet time together.
I started going to MomCo in Melissa this September and they have quickly supported and loved us bringing several meals over the past couple of weeks. I have realized I am terrible at asking for help but what a blessing it is to have dinners provided on nights when I just don’t feel like making dinner which lets be honest is most nights these days.
Ways to Support the Weslocky Family
Praying for you daily. Sending so much love to you.