One More Night...

Well Mom is still at the hospital but is looking to be discharged tomorrow.  She has seen some gradual progress this week but has still struggled in getting the necessary nutrients to help regenerate her liver cells damaged by the chemo.  The past few days she has been snacking on Muscle Milk drinks that appear to be a good solution thus far. Dad is worried she might beat him in arm wrestling if she continues this diet so look for him to find alternative protein–rich snacks to stock the house. 

As for the medical specifics, we discovered today that her breast cancer is HER2/Neu positive.  HER2/Neu is an acronym for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.  HER2 is a gene that sends control signals to your cells, telling them to grow, divide, and make repairs. Typically breast cells have two copies of this gene.  What they find in cancer patients is that this gene has over-produced the HER2 protein, which creates more cancer cells.  While this is an aggressive form of cancer, it also opens up the opportunity for a very specific and effective type of treatment.

Herceptin is part of a new class of drugs that are called targeted (biologic) therapies. This drug works by hunting down only those cancer cells that have HER2/Neu receptors on their outer surface. When there is too much HER2 in breast cancer tissue, cell division goes out of control, growing much too quickly. Herceptin attaches to the HER2 receptors and blocks the growth signal, preventing more cell division, and slowing the progress of the cancer.  Mom had a heart scan today that showed she was strong enough to undergo this treatment.  At this point we do not know exactly when that will start but will let you know as soon as we know.  The originally scheduled chemo treatment for the 18th has been postponed for now.

Thank you all for your support and prayers.  The visits, calls, and emails have truly lifted her spirits and helped her realize she is not fighting this disease alone.  We know we have a God that is into the details so we’d like to ask you to continue to pray for these specifics:

·         Effective and pain-free Herceptin therapy

·         Strong liver cell growth

·         Increased appetite

·         Strength to get around once she’s home          

·         Continued wisdom for Dr. Cantrell

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)