Clinical Trials....

Ok here's the latest and greatest information that I have for now. The Chemo treatments that they are talking about and their side affects are:

Adriamycin Side Effects: decrease of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, hair loss, mouth sores, nail changes, discolored urine, severe sunburn with sun exposure.
Cytoxan Side Effects: decrease of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, mouth sores, decreased appetite, taste changes, hair loss or thinning, changes in menstrual cycle, bladder irritation, nasal congestion.

I am supposed to get bloodwork done today, and Tim and I were supposed to have a "class" with one of the nurses to teach us how to care for me properly during chemo. But, I got a phone call from my oncologist's research assistant yesterday, and she said that I'm an excellent candidate for a clinical trial. Really, that's all I know so far. We're supposed to talk to her today, and she's going to give us all the info to see if it's right for me. I'll keep you all updated on that.

Here's a good website on describing what a clinical trial is and does. Good source of information. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/info/resources;jsessionid=FBE56EAD676A03AB85E2C45

Also, if they do continue ahead with the chemo, I will find out if I'll be taking Tamoxifen every 3 weeks over the course of the next year. That's the part that my oncologist had not decided about yet. So, I'll give everyone an update on that, too.

Finally, one last bit of news... My Mom is coming to stay with me. I'm looking forward to seeing her, and she's going to stay and help out with the kids and so on while I'm sick. That way, Tim can continue with his work and not miss too much, and also continue with the house construction. Hopefully this will work out well for us all. We just need to get her paperwork done so that she can take family/medical leave from her job. No biggie.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. I hope everyone had a Happy New Year! Love, ~Brenda