METASTATIC BREAST CANCER - Tap onto the “Journal” tab above to read two follow-up posts made last summer 2021.
NOTE: The backstory/update below was shared via email last March 2021….
MARCH 2021
Dear Family & Friends,
I'm writing to share a health update, as many of you have been checking in with love and concern, especially during these past few months. But first, the four of us want to thank you for your 2020 family Christmas cards and Holiday wishes. After a long break in sending out our own family cards, we look forward to getting back on track with so many of you in 2021. Our tradition continues, as we keep your cards out in a basket all year long, while we share and enjoy them throughout the year; it's always a constant reminder to us of how blessed we truly are. Thank you!
Unfortunately, new cancer developments were found in September 2020 (see more below). The news had shaken us, and we were grateful to find peace when Father Patrick Mullen spontaneously made arrangements to meet for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on Oct. 9, 2020. Today, I hope to get many of you somewhat caught up with what has been going on; my hopes are to also garner continued prayers as they mean everything to us.
BACKSTORY Nov. 30, 2018: After a custom bone implant was engineered in Germany and shipped to UCLA, I had a 12-hour surgery, which included removal of a brain tumor and reconstruction of the skull. The surgery was a complete success, and the pathology report revealed that I have metastatic breast cancer. At that time, I was "Surgically NED" (surgically no evidence of disease), while scans below the neck continued to be clear of cancer. Soon after surgery, I began systemic treatment by taking a daily oral hormone therapy called Femara, followed by 30 treatments (M-F) of radiation therapy which targeted the area of where the tumor was located in the brain. Then five months later, in September 2019, an MRI of the brain revealed new cancer lesions located on the skull/bone. Systemic treatment was changed to another daily oral medication called Ribociclib, and in addition to taking Ribociclib at full dose, monthly Faslodex injections were given. At that point, I met Dr. John Hegde (radiation oncology), and received five outpatient treatments of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in December 2019 at UCLA, where these lesions were targeted directly.
SEPTEMBER 2020 An MRI of the spine revealed new developments of cancer in the central nervous system - Leptomeningeal Metastases. Systemic treatment was changed immediately to another daily oral medication called Lynparza. In addition to starting Lynparza at full dose, an Ommaya reservoir was placed under my scalp, which was a quick procedure/surgery that required a one-night stay at UCLA in October 2020. The Ommaya reservoir is used for intrathecal chemotherapy/methotrexate, which was initially administered once a week directly to my central nervous system; these treatments have been at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital and began in Nov. 2020. The great news came after a 2-1/2 hour MRI of full spine and brain on January 6, 2021 when the results revealed that this new treatment plan is working. Praise our good Lord! And thankfully, the intrathecal chemotherapy treatments are currently scheduled once every other week, which helps with the harshness of the side effects. The next MRI of full spine and brain is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
While the results of each and every PET/CT and MRI scan continue to determine the next steps, I am thankful for my care team at UCLA and feel very confident with their current treatment plan. And although January and February 2021 have been the hardest months to date while feeling very physically weak, along with some nausea and vomiting, I am especially grateful for the remarkable treatment I'm receiving. To me, that alone is a miracle, as I've been the recipient of incredible advancements in research and medicine, which is the reason I'm always eager to share my story. I often reflect on how far I've come since my initial diagnosis with breast cancer in 2002 - diagnosed 19 years ago this month of March when Lauren was 8 yrs. old, Paul was 6 yrs.old, and our Thomas was almost 2 yrs. old. In the years that followed, I remained cancer-free for nearly 17 years, and while reflecting with gratitude, all glory is given to God for His guidance, comfort and strength over the years. I believe with all my heart that I currently have so much more living to do, and I'm fully equipped to fight. God is good. All the time. I also have no doubt that we have a very special guardian angel named Thomas, who has proven (countless times) to be an excellent listener from Heaven. Thank you in advance, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued prayers.
You all remain in our prayerful thoughts as well, especially during these uncertain times of the pandemic, while hope is on the horizon for all of us. And although I'm no longer posting on social media, I do love connecting with you, and can be reached via email and/or phone.
The Leptomeningeal Metastases, which was found in September 2020 via an MRI of the spine, is now stable. And based on all other results from tests and scans taken during the month of July 2021, it was unanimously decided that we continue with the current treatment regimen. At this point, I do not plan to write another journal entry on CaringBridge unless there are new developments of cancer.
Stereotactic radiosurgery will begin on Friday. Thank you to those who have been checking in with your love and concern, while we humbly ask for your continued prayers. God is good. All the time!
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