When we had to pack up to leave, my daughter, Ellen, was sad to have to say goodbye to Disneyland and leave the hotel. At 4 years old, she already enjoys room service, traveling, staying at a nice, fancy hotel and eating out at nice restaurants, as she states, "Mommy, I like staying at the hotel and being a princess!"
Ethan turning 6 years old Birthday
By Tuesday, we drove the 6.5-7 hours drive home and we were just so tired from all the all day walking and were happy to be home. We were back just before dark and glad to have some real good old Asian food. We planned the trip so that we would be back for my regular Wednesday treatment. And, just like clockwork, on Wednesday, with labs good, I had my regular Gemcitabine chemo infusion treatment.
The rest of week, since we were off, we were tasked with errands for the kids back to school and getting the house and supplies ready for Ethan's turning 6 years old Birthday. We had a good turn out with good friends and family coming to celebrate with us on Saturday. I'm so glad and full of gratitude for being here to celebrate Ethan's turning 6 years old Birthday and spend just an amazing summer with the kids. Ethan had the best, wonderful birthday ever where he helped pass out and hand deliver some invitations to our neighbors, picked out his jumper character and cake and finally celebrated the entire day with lots of friends. Happy Birthday Ethan! We just love so much and here's to many more wonderful Birthdays to come!
ALK Mutation
So the week before I headed for vacation, I asked my Oncologist, Dr. Neal, about the percentage of the ALK mutation results. I really thought that I was negative for it the last time he mentioned it as he said he wanted me to continue with the Gemzar chemo treatment. But, was surprised to learn that that according to the pathology report, my tumor has over 90% ALK mutant match! That means that I can take the FDA approved pill Xalkori or Crizitinib pill. He even stated that my insurance already preapproved it too. However, he said that since Gemzar has kept me stable for over 9 months and it seems to be working to keep it at bay, he wouldn't recommend me switching it just yet. Also, he states that since I have brain mets (which we have been treating with Cyberknife and watching it closely at every 3 monthly brain MRI scans), that chemo is more effective at preventing further brain tumor metastasis. He said that Xalkori isn't so good as a brain barrier. At on the other hand, Xalkori is the next line of treatment that we would try next when and if Gemzar chemo stops working.
For some patients on Xalkori who have lung cancer, it has done miracle remissions. So, hopefully when I do take it, it will be the miracle pill that I've been wishing and praying for to keep my healthy and living well! Lots of Love.
