Merry Christmas - 2013!

I can't believe Christmas is almost here!  When I checked back on my list I made earlier this month I see I wasn't able to do all my things on my list.  Let's see... I did finish my shopping on time, however my wrapping isn't done. I didn't go caroling , however, I did go to a Christmas party where we sang some caroling songs.  Jack and I saw some wonderful Christmas lights while we are in San Francisco last week. So all in all I don't think I did too bad. How about you did you get all that you wanted to get done this Christmas season?  I really love this time of year so full of hope and love!

Some of you are already aware that I did get accepted to the clinical trial at UCSF.   Praise God! My first day was Wednesday (12/18) of last week.   Let me reiterate and say that I'm in this clinical trial not because I don't have other options, it's because  my cancer is slow-growing and my doctor thought that I would benefit from this clinical trial. If this clinical trial doesn't work I do have other options drugs.

I may get kinda clinical in my explanation but it's only for other ladies who may have the same diagnoses. I hope you never have to understand or know these terms.  This trial is for metastatic breast cancer patients who are ER+PR+HER-   It's called the Study of LEE011, BYL719 and Letrozole (Femora) in Advanced ER+ Breast Cancer.  It's in Phase II in the study they are determining dosing and side effects.  This is an international study being done in the USA,  Australia,   France,   Hong Kong,   Israel,   Italy,   and Spain.  Only 300 patients total in this current phase spread out in these countries.  I'm not sure of the final count at UCSF but I think it's 3 now.  Because they are testing 3 different combinations I think currently I'm the only one at UCSF on BYL719 & Letrozole.  In about 2-3 months they will be accepting more people in this trial.

The reason this clinical trial is so important is because there are minimal side effects and the drug's longevity (24 months).  This drug is supposed to stop tumor growth and may reduce it.  Here the link should anyone want read the details; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01872260

I feel very blessed and honored that I was selected in this study. This is huge step in cancer research.  I'm doing this for the future of my family and friends.  I also donated my biopsy tissue to cancer research.  They will study will test my cancer tissue and find out what drugs my cancer is and isn't resistant to. Isn't that fascinating?

In the past couple of days I have been adjusting to this new drug and also had to go off the fentanyl pain patch.  Been feeling nauseous and fatigue but that seems to be going away.  Jack too was sick with flu, but he seems to be feeling better too!  Thank God!

I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and laughter!

Let it Snow!

Hey there!

My sister Roseline and I are going to UCSF tomorrow.  I'm having an MRI and some lab work done; getting ready for the clinical trial. I have to all these scans and tests done in a 3-week period in order qualify for the trial.  I think I will know by early next week if I will be accepted.

So I'm asking you my friends to pray for me that MRI comes back with no significant change or I'll take a miracle too!     Thank you God for already answering my prayer! I also appreciate you my friends for your love and encouragement!

Hope you have a great week!  Try to stay warm!

Oh the weather outside is frightful 
But the fire is so delightful 
And since we've no place to go 
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 

Hugs and blessings!
JO xoxo

No place like home for the Holidays!

Hi there my friends and family!  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know I did!  Spent it with my sister Roseline and her husband!  Missed my other sister, Tina though. She spent it with her in-laws family. We all had a nice time with family and PLENTY to eat!

I have to say I'm really glad November is behind me.  Got those expanders out and the drain! Yeah!!!!! Looking forward to the Holidays!  There are some things I want to do during this advent season.  I know I have limitations and I'm afraid to commit to something and not be able to follow through. Here are a few things I want to do!

• Finish shopping and wrapping by Dec 8 this is something I've never been able to accomplish! I've been know to be wrapping my presents minutes before we open! 😁
• At least 3-4 nights drive around looking at lights.  If you know some good local places to go please let me know.  This is something my husband and I love to during Christmas time. 
• Go caroling with family and friends. Let's get together and do this for nursing homes, elderly people at home and possibly for some children who are ill?  Doesn't that sound like fun?  We can get boom box to play the carols so it won't matter if your too shy to sing.  A group of friends from Church came by house when I was going through chemo, it was so special. A night I will always remember. Let me know if your interested!
• Bake some cookies for my husband!

I know this may seem like an easy list but I just found out I'm going to be very busy in December at UCSF.  You see at my last appointment last week I found out it's time to change my medicine. My doctor said since your cancer is slow growing for your next treatment I would like you to try a clinical trial. Even though clinical trials are used mostly for patients at the end of their disease you are certainly not there but your cancer is slow growing so I think you can benefit from this new treatment that is doing very well.  We won't have to go through the approve medications now, they can be saved for later.  I'll write more about the new treatment in a day or so. Just wanted to let you know I'm going to be very busy getting a lot of test done, etc. at UCSF.

For now  I'm trying to live in the moment and enjoy my life!  Got my tree up!  How about you?

2013 Christmas

Hugs and Blessings!
Jeanne