Short Update

This will be a short update. I feel like I seared everyone with the post about my initial diagnosis. I have one more bummer to share and then I promise the next will be more fun. 

The brain MRI I had to "rule out" brain mets actually showed that I have many spots on both sides of my brain. That was a bad morning - especially because I made the mistake of checking my patient portal at 4 in the morning and discovered the news. Not much sleep was had after that. The oncology center, however, fast tracked me through more diagnostics and outfitted me with a CT mask and I start radiation this week.

I also have very, very good news. My primary cancer testing came back from Mayo clinic and shows the genetic mutation EGFR on area 19. This means it is a specific cancer mutation that is responding very well to the newish targeted therapy drugs. It is giving people YEARS of quality life and there are new generations about to come out of testing. My doctor was thrilled, so of course, that gives me so much hope. Apparently, this particular drug also crosses the blood/brain barrier better than some, so the brain will be hit from two angles.

Some specific prayers:

* Financial grants through the drug company will clear quickly so I can start the targeted therapy soon.

* Praise that I don't have to have full-brain radiation and that the targeted radiation will be thorough with minimal side effects.

* Thanksgiving that Friday's terrible, horrible, no-good day in ER appears to have been the result of a stomach bug and NOT the cancer.

* Prayers that my breathing will be easier with a meds change until the therapy starts.

                                                                                - Nanette