The roller coaster continues. Unfortunately, progression has continued and we had to pivot quickly and hard. My body has not been able to get healthy enough to qualify for the next round of immunotherapy treatments. The break I had to take to get back to walking was too long. GAAAA so frustrating!
This has been the hardest phase our family has been plunged into to date. I’m back to walking and hiking, however, the break has led to progression that drove down my platelets and RBCs. This led to progression and fluid build-up in my abdomen so severe that I’ve lost the ability to eat solid food. Yikes!
We are acting FAST! 2 days ago I started a new integrative regimen. First, I’m on Enhertu Chemotherapy. I’ve tried hard to avoid Chemo, but the situation necessitated it to beat back the Cancer.
Next, I received a blood transfusion (my 3rd since this health spiral) and a platelet infusion yesterday.
Tomorrow, I do a paracentesis procedure to drain the fluid from my abdomen. Hopefully, the increase in fluid is due to the Chemo melting away Cancer tumors so fast that my body couldn’t keep up, and ended up triggering edema/fluid build-up.
What’s important to remember is that there are LOTS of stories of people in worse situations than me who pulled through and came out on the other side healthy. I know that I can do this. Things feel really hard right now, but I have not lost faith nor will.
Really looking forward to the combination of Chemo, blood infusion, fluid drainage, supplements and repurposed medications, and more beating this Cancer back and getting me back to the immunotherapy that was WORKING!!!! I just need to get healthy enough to get back to those treatments. I know that I can do this.
If you want to read more about the new plan, check out the website at riseforlauren.org. I just finished a round of updates on my newest regimen. I’ll keep pivoting until I find a way.
Please help our family to fund my life-saving treatments if you can. I need to be here and in good health for my growing girls and husband.
