Good-bye, Femara

Mark and I met with my oncologist this morning and learned that the Femara I’ve been taking for almost two years has lost its effectiveness and the cancer is growing again. The cancer has a slow metabolic rate, so it isn’t growing quickly, but it is definitely on the upward trend, so it’s time to switch meds.

I was quickly given a CAT scan to see more clearly how big the lung nodules are and then, shortly thereafter, given a shot of my new medicine, Faslodex. I will get injections once a month. We’ll be able to see in 2-3 months if it is working.

This switch in meds, while disappointing, is not a huge surprise. The course of action Dr. Campbell mapped out for us two years ago included the switching of meds over decades of time. Perhaps because of this, I don’t feel knocked down and run over. I feel disappointed. And grateful for two years of one medicine. And hopeful for at least two years out of this next one. And the next one. And the next one…

I’m sure I’ll write more about this in the weeks ahead as we feel this uncertainty and hope commingled. But tonight, I’m pooped, and just want to crawl into a warm bed. I had strength for today. And I have bright hope for tomorrow. That’s huge.