Damn speedbump...

My sister got some disturbing news.

After more than seven years of chemo, it's taking a toll
on her heart.  The last few eco-cardiograms have shown
a steady decrease in pumping efficiency. Her heart is
weak enough now that she has to stop all cancer meds.

They say the damage is reversible but only by stopping
the chemo until the heart has a chance to gain strength.
Problem is, there's no telling how long that will take.
The other problem is, without the chemo, the cancer
will start to spread. 

She has no other major side-effects, thankfully.
Her energy level is good and she does damn near
anything she wants to do... drive, housework, shopping, etc. 

She's been referred to a cardio oncologist for further
monitoring and to determine when her heart is strong
enough to resume taking the cancer meds that have kept
her alive and kicking but, in themselves, could do her in.
The options include going back on the same meds but in
lower doses or finding something else that keeps the cancer
from spreading and hopefully doing less damage to the
rest of her body. 

She's taking this pretty well right now but I am a 
full-blown basket case (inside). I have to maintain some
semblance of calm for her and the rest of the family.

Is speedbump one word or two? speed bump?
 

8 hours in the E.R....

Took the E.R. eight hours to decide what her doctor's
office would have determined in no more than one hour. 

Unfortunately, her oncologist is on vacation until Monday.
She had diarrhea Wednesday, then her temp spiked Thursday. 
White cell count is low again.
They're concerned about her heart rate (122) and her
breathing seems labored even though she says she's fine.
They also scanned for blood clots but found none. 
The swelling in her left arm (lymphedema) is worse and some of
her fingernails look bruised. Might fall off.

The Phys. Asst. said they might have to seriously consider
changing the chemo. This mix is beating her up too much.
Five hospital visits in six months. 

Yeah. We all agree.

TDM-1...

Her oncologist saw a spot she didn't like. 
Biopsy came back positive.

The herceptin she's been on obviously isn't 
holding back the cancer. She starts chemo again
with a drug that was just released this year...TDM-1. 
Her first session is August 20.
She might also need more surgery.

Good news is that tests did not show the cancer 
spreading to her bones or other organs.

UPDATE: Second blip...

dammit.

My sister's new port is infected. Looks much like
the first one - bright red area about 8" diameter, 
skin is hot to the touch, several hard lumps can be felt
in the red area. The incision is scabbed even though 
this port was put in on August 1.
I had her call the oncologist yesterday.
The doctor on call ordered a Rx for antibiotics.
I'm going to make her call again tomorrow when
the office opens, just to make sure that her doctor
gets the info.
The first port was just above her elbow. This one is
just under her armpit, so it rubs against her body.
Plus, this one isn't as deep (bulges under the skin) and
makes it even easier to get irritated from rubbing.
I think the second crew that put in this port were careless idiots.

Her next chemo treatment is scheduled for Tuesday.

UPDATE: Her oncologist saw her Monday. Very concerned
about this second infection. She ordered the port to be removed
immediately. Her chemo, on Tuesday and from now on, will be
done via regular IV. After this treatment, she has to go back to
the lab so they can remove the drainage tube from the port area.
(That's a serious amount of infection/pus built up in just a couple days.)
Wednesday she'll get her regular Neulasta shot... after every
treatment to help keep her blood count good. And then she has a
consultation scheduled with a radiologist the same day. Radiation
happens after the surgery which happens when they decide 
chemo has shrunk the tumor masses as much as it can.
Don't know yet when she'll consult with the surgeon. 
There's going to be a massive amount of tissue removed, 
requiring skin grafts after.
 
Today was a long day. Tomorrow will be even longer.