Discharged and Days 1-4 of Xalkori

Last Friday, mom was discharged from the hospital. They got all the infections under control, her heart exam came back clear. The thora on the right side of her lungs made a huge difference in her ability to breathe. She was taken off of the oxygen and had to do several walking tests and she passed with flying colors. She was given an inhaler just in case she needs it from time to time.

We also started our very first dosage of crizotinib/xalkori. She has to take 1 pill in the morning and 1 pill in at night. The challenge is going to be to keep it down without her throwing up. In the past few days, she's had severe nausea and vomiting because of the new treatment. We're trying to work out the bugs and optimize the pill staying in her for as long as possible until it's released into her bloodstream. We were given a whole new variety of meds to manage side effects from this new treatment too. I'm still getting use to it all. It's like relearning everything and I have to get a feel for things.

The one good thing is NO CHEMO anymore. We are all happy she's just done with that. From the recent scan results, it's evident that cancer was smartening up and just couldn't keep things at bay anymore. So, onto xalkori. We're all very optimistic of this new revolutionary treatment. I've search far and wide for case studies or stories, and I have yet to find this drug being used on a gastric patient. So, this is a leap of faith!

I'm so thankful for the amazing team at the oncology clinic and hospital these past few days. I can't say it enough. They are amazing. They were on top of things from the minute I called them on Wednesday. Dr. A especially has been the leader in all this. Back in May, we were told she had less than six months to live (if that)...but we keep pushing on. I know the chances are slim but I still have this feeling like she can be the one to beat this in our family. We know so much more than we did four years ago and there's been quite a few developments in the treatment realm. I think of my cousins often and I know they'd be proud of what we've been able to accomplish so far.

So for now, I write this on Christmas Eve. We are going to be celebrating the best Christmas ever with mom.