Journal entry by Pat Boykin —
Hi all...I know it’s been awhile since an update was posted, so I’ll see what I can do. My chemo is now every 14 days, and lasts for about 6 hours since I have the port, they can run it through faster now. I had to have an iron infusion for the anemia that will hopefully help with a few side effects I’m having. We started doubling the dosage on the Lenvima (immunotherapy) and my blood pressure went through the roof. Most of you know I don’t sit still well so this has been difficult, having to slow way down. I am now on 3 meds trying to control my blood pressure so that I can continue with the immunotherapy. The doctors had to cut the dosage back until it stabilizes to an acceptable grade. This is where your prayers are important. Chemo itself doesn’t work on the liver, it treats the other cancers, the immunotherapy drug treats the tumors in the liver. Please pray doctors find the correct meds and dosage so that I may once again take a higher dose to combat the tumors. My next set of scans and appointments is in October at MDA.
One of my MDA team doctors did confirm that I do not have cirrhosis of the liver, yay! She is the doctor that was tasked with trying to find a cause through genetic testing, biopsy plugs, etc. she told me not to buy a lottery ticket any time soon . My cancer is just plain random bad luck and started in the bile duct. Now there are always positives to any bad thing, sometimes we have to experience those in order to truly appreciate the wonderful things in life. Like a tribe that puts purple in their hair because it’s my favorite color or random text messages from a friend you’ve lost track of and you pick up right where you left off. Cool mornings where you can sit on the porch and have some hot coffee. Hey, I still have hair! I’m doing a happy dance! Getting to go into the office and feel safe because they’ve gone above and beyond and installed a plexiglass shield all around your desk. Oh and dogs 🐕. I could just go on and on. But cancer teaches you many lessons. Gratefulness, thankfulness, humility, love, and appreciation for the small things. Thank you all for supporting me on my journey.
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