Thursday, August 23, 2012

Oh cancer, you're such a jerk

I didn't have chemo today, that's the good news!

Bad news:  I didn't have chemo because it's not working anymore.  Insert sad face here.  The biggest tumor grew about a centimeter (so it's about 6.5 cm now).  The doctor said now we have to get creative.

My options are a trial at Baylor that is set to start in a month.  It works with some sort of hedgehog inhibitor (what WHAT?).  It sounds like I would be a candidate, so my doc is working on that.

My other option is a drug called regorafenib, which is also in trials, but is anticipated to be approved by the FDA this fall.  There's a trial going on at UT Southwestern, and my stuff has been faxed to them.

Whichever option comes down the line first is the one we'll go for.

Way in the back of my rational mind, I knew it was a pretty good possibility that I'd get to this stage of the cancer game at some point.  The hearing of the crummy news never seems to get any easier though.  Maybe it's me being 35, but I feel like, "How could this ever stop me?"  Know what I mean? 

Anyhoo, it is in my nature to look for the positives.  So here they are.

No chemo today means that I won't be sick this weekend.  Rock on!!!

Since the drugs on both trials, they will be free.  That is a HUGE blessing.  Also, UT Southwestern is in network, so things should be taken care of financially.

I have a great husband who tries to make me feel better, and kids who love me.

Those are the big ones. 

So, from here?  I hope to get an appt at UT Southwestern really soon, in the next couple of weeks.  Please pray that I can be brave and strong on this path God has for me.

34 comments:

  1. Oh honey... *huge hugs* You have lots of people who love you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Remember God's delay is not his denial... Keep hanging strong you are the best !

      Delete
  2. I am praying for you Sheri !!!

    I hope one of the trials will help you and heal you.

    I cant imagine what you are going through.

    Just when I thought my life was rough I read this blog and all my worries disappear.

    I am happy that you have a loving husband, two beautiful kids, and an awesome mom and dad to help you through all of this.

    God bless you !!!

    -Ben

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sheri, you are the strongest and most courageous person I know. I'm sorry cancer is being such a jerkwad to you. I love you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. We are praying Sheri! You, Eric and the kids are such inspirations! Lots of virtual hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Many hugs to you. Mojo put it perfectly "you are the strongest and most courageous person I know". I agree 100%. I will continue to keep you in my prayers! <3 you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Praying today for you Sheri - these updates are so important for us to get. I know you're scared but you are strong and you are loved and you are going to get through this!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You Eric and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My heart is breaking for you. Hang in there (as you've been doing like such a rock star)! May God bless you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sheri, I've been following your blog for awhile and want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Always

    ReplyDelete
  11. we r praying for u! God never gives u more than u can handle right?! U got this Sheri <3<3

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sheri,

    I have cried a bucket of tears, and keep telling myself, that God has a plan. It is so hard not knowing what His plan is. I do know that we were suppose to meet the woman Karen at the airport in St Louis. Just remember the whole state of Louisiana is praying for you and Eric and Reese and Eli. Meeting that woman was in God's plan!!! Our prayers are with you. You are a strong woman, even though you don't think so. Remember your life effects many other lives. Positive thoughts only!!!! We very much enjoyed our visit with you all! Thank God for our time together!!! Love, Mom and Dad

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sheri, It's Libby from MLL. So sorry to hear about the latest developments. We will be praying earnestly for one of the trial treatments to come online and be of help to you. I hope I'm not out of line, but when I've had news (health and bereavement wise) that shocked me to my core, there were something that always helped me through. Somedays, I could only pray these things because I no longer had words to say. That is Romans 8. The entire chapter is the song of a grieving Christian's heart. I know that God is holding you in the palm of His hand, and that He is doing beautiful things with your life Sheri ! Please let me know if there is anything specifically I can be praying for you about.

    ~ Libby

    ReplyDelete
  14. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ((((((hugs))))))) Cancer sucks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thinking about you and praying for you and sending big hugs through cyberspace! With love, Jess

    ReplyDelete
  16. Damn that cancer. My prayers and positive thoughts are still with you - you have been brave and strong so far, I have no doubt you can continue to be brave and strong. I'll be here, sending you all the positivity possible.

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are, without a doubt, one of the most amazing and incredible individuals ever, not just because you have been so ridiculously strong and courageous through this whole cancer crapfest but also because , well, just because of you and who you are. Big hugs and positive thoughts coming your way from Ohio.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sheri, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Eric, Reese, and Eli. We pray that God's hand is upon you and upholds you. 1PETER 5:10&11 and God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. We love you and care so much!! I just listened to a CD our pastor preached on. I'm going to see if I can get a copy to you. Tim and Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  19. Big huge hugs Sheri. I'll be praying for you to kick that cancer out the door. I hope the trials come through soon, and that they're effective without being too nasty (which is probably too much to hope right?)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dear Niece Sheri, Sending lots of hugs your way. You are always in our prayers. Love, Patti

    ReplyDelete
  21. You are in our prayers, and we are praying you get a good kick cancer's ass trial chemo!!
    Mike S.

    ReplyDelete
  22. It's scary when they have to get creative. Sounds like a couple of positive options ahead to add to your positive attitude and huge support group surrounding you with love and prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I just want to cuss and scream and kick!! I hate your cancer but YOU are inspiring. I LOVE the way God made you - you count your blessings even on the bad days! You are beautiful and I am MAD at cancer.

    I wish I could be really eloquent and say something inspiring but all I have is what I just said. :) Haha. Love you.

    ReplyDelete
  24. So sorry to hear this news. Praying for you all!!
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm sitting here reading your news and hoping I don't start to cry.

    I pray for you a couple times a day. If I can do anything else for you, I will. Just let me know what it would be.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm sitting here reading all of these inspiring messages, well bawling my eyes out. you're 1 of the most strongest people I know and I know you will kick cancers but. are hugs and prayers are with you. ((((0)))).

    ReplyDelete
  27. oh, sheri. this is not what i expected. i am so sorry. i have been following your blog since you moved here and your love for your family and children is palpable. i am here cheering you on. thank you for updating. thinking of you.
    warmly,
    maria

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love and prayers go out to you, dear Sheri! Following your entries always, whether I comment or not. So very true what Maria above says about the palpable love that shines through for your Reese, Eli, and Eric. Deb & family

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sheri,
    Sorry to hear that your are still fighting this cancer crap. It sucks! My prayers and thoughts go out to you, Eric and the kids.

    Aunt Louanne

    ReplyDelete