Thank you so much for your love, support and prayers following the devastating scan results.  And thank you to all who commented on my last post. I read and reread your words; they are such a comfort. 

I started my new chemotherapy drug, Eribulin, two weeks ago today at 75% of the full dose to ease me in, and I am very happy to report that I have been feeling MUCH better lately.  Dr. Awesome had me taking Aleve morning and night to keep the fevers down, but after my first treatment of Eribulin I was able to stop the Aleve without the fevers returning. The intense pain also slowly subsided, and at this point I am not in any pain at all.  I am also no longer experiencing nausea, my appetite has greatly improved, my cough is gone, and the intense fatigue is lifting. What an incredible relief to feel so much better! Thank you for praying for me!

Symptoms caused by the disease in the liver can come and go to some extent, but I have been improving so steadily over the past two weeks that I am really hoping that this means that the cancer is actually regressing.  My spirits are up and I feel incredibly determined to see this cancer shrink away.  I will have scans again on June 4th so we can make sure Eribulin is doing what we need it to, or pivot to another treatment very quickly if it's not.  Dr. Awesome is thrilled that I am feeling better (she declared, "Okay, I can breathe again!"), and she is just hoping to see that there is no further progression on the next scans. 

Eribulin has a similar side effect profile to Taxol, the drug I was on previously.  Again, neuropathy is common, but I did not have any issues with that on Taxol, so we are hoping that will stay the same with Eribulin. Nausea is also common, but Dr. Awesome thinks we won't have any trouble controlling that, and so far it hasn't been a problem.  Other than that I am at increased risk for infection (I am actually already fighting one off with antibiotics), but otherwise this has been a pretty smooth treatment transition.  

Last week I received 90% of the full dose of Eribulin, and since things went well, next week I will get the full dose (This is my "off" week).  My liver numbers were better last week after having received the 75% dose the week prior, and I'm very hopeful that they will be even better on Monday when I next have blood work.  It has been so encouraging to see improvement. 

We are so grateful that you are with us in prayer, and we ask you to keep praying with us for complete healing.  Lots of love to you and appreciation always. 

xoxo,
Danielle