I'm a blogger not a fighter!...Reenie's the fighter

Well we have our new treatment and next course of action to tame the beast. Today we had our second dose of the chemotherapy regiment of Gemzar and Avastin. Gemzar is the newest chemo drug for our warrior who two weeks ago had an allergic reaction to Ixtempra. The roller coaster ride we hopped on a few weeks ago doesn't seem to want to stop anytime soon. Last week during our visit with the oncologist he explained how he wanted to handle our latest development of increased cancer cell activity, yes he was concerned that this monster had found away around the treatment of Abraxane that only weeks ago looked miraculous. This creature is aggressive, mean and somewhat smart, he has found a new pathway and we need to stop it's progress. Our oncologist will continue using a combination of targeted drugs which cuts off blood supply to the cells and chemo drugs which kills fast growing cells. The team (doctors,nurses,family and friends) are staying positive we will find the right combination and kill this freaking monster once and for all. We do have a biopsy scheduled for Thursday, this will verify the cancer cell makeup, we have had 2 different cancers to date and we need to positively identify the makeup of what really is the 3rd occurrence of cancer. There is no doubt that this latest turn of events has been worrisome, but our confidence is not shattered and Reenie's strength is mind blowing. I can't even explain or know what she must be feeling and dealing with as far as all the emotions she is going through daily..the unknown...the pain..the thoughts..the dreams and nightmares..I cry for her each day..but I also pray for her each day... and I believe each day.. that we will beat this. Growing up I probably thought I was tough, well I might not have won a lot of fights but I could take a punch, I would stand in there with anyone...but I know I don't have half the strength that our beautiful pink warrior has...she really is an inspiration...I am inspired each and every day.
The positive from treatment this week is that Reenie has tolerated the Gemzar so far, no allergic reaction, and its hard to say for sure but the visible bumps and marks have stayed about the same for the last few days where a week or more ago we could see the spreading of cells take place...so it may be that this new drug is already suppressing the growth....thanks to our family and friends, your support is unwavering and it is amazing the love you have bestowed on our family..the Haas'

On St. Patty's day we are looking for a little "luck o the Irish"

 Well it has been a couple very eventful weeks in the Haas' household. On Sunday March 7th our warrior woke up to find some bumps on her chest wall which looked suspiciously similar to the ones she found last fall. During the examination the following day while receiving chemo the doctors and P.A's. determined this needs to be looked into because of the previous history. Thinking back to the recent pet scan we held out hope this was just some dying tissue but we were scheduled for another pet scan and needed to have the tumor markers drawn. So another anxious week was in the forecast.
During the week of testing Reenie and I were blessed with the news that we are grandparents to be, Shannon and her boyfriend Vito are expecting and we are truly excited about the newest chapter in our lives. It has been fun to see the family get some exciting news for a change.

The emotional roller coaster has continued this week (for the record I HATE roller coasters, mechanical and especially emotional); Monday we received the results of the scans and markers. Both exams showed an increase in cancer cell activity, which means the treatment is not working, the cancer cells have become resistant to this particular therapy treatment. Devastated and disheartened we listened as the doctors explained that yes this happens and yes they have a plan, start a new medicine Tuesday and begin 6 cycles of the new drug Ixempra. This drug is given every 21 days and we are going to begin immediately.....so we thought.

Our pink warrior determined to fight but without a doubt disappointed and as I said earlier disheartened, woke up scared but dedicated to the battle Tuesday looking beautiful as always walked into the infusion room stronger than I ever could. The new drug will take 3 hours with a prep time of at least 1 hour with anti-nausea, a steroid and Benadryl to counter any possible reactions. After about 1/2 hour of receiving the new drug Ixempra Reenie's face became flush, and she started to feel anxious so they paused the treatment. The redness went away but not the anxiety so they gave her something to calm her down and resumed the treatment. The feelings were progressively getting worse and the flushed face returned and treatment had to be discontinued. She was having an allergic reaction so more disappointing news we can't use the new drug. She did have 1/3 of the scheduled dose so we need to wait a couple weeks before a new treatment can be started. Monday the 22nd we will consult with our oncology team and a new treatment will be decided on then.
Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers "keep em coming"  thanks to all our angels who are preparing unbelivable dinners and providing rides and visits everyone should know you all are playing a part in our warriors recovery process...love to all