Starting Chemo

Melissa is on schedule to start chemo this Tuesday, January 14 at the IV infusion center of the Burley hospital. All of the medication will go through the implanted port. This is a direct line to the large blood vessels in her heart. She will be given premedicatons and  also meds during the chemo treatment for symptom control. The results of her oncotyping came back this week. That is the one that looks at the DNA inside the tumor and predicts the likelihood of cancer recurrence. Her chance of cancer recurrence is in the high range :(. This news means that chemotherapy will be longer. She will have 4 rounds of adriamycin/cytoxan combination followed by 4-6 rounds of taxol. This is done in 21 day cycles so these treatments will last 6-7 months. The day after the chemo infusion she will receive an injection of neulasta. This helps to stimulate bone marrow to grow new blood cells which should compensate for the chemo destroying cells. They will be carefully monitoring her blood counts.
The news of the oncotyping results was discouraging to Melissa but she remains positive. She is anxious to get started because the sooner it starts, the sooner it will be done!
There can be NO VISITORS for 2 weeks after each chemo treatment. Melissa says "we are being very aggressive with the chemo, and know that my immune system will be severely compromised. Please don't be offended!! Tyler is being extremely protective of me and he will literally not let people in. We promise to keep the blog updated frequently!" It is important to know that during this time NO FLOWERS OR PLANTS can be delivered due to possible mold or fungal spores. Please continue to pray for Melissa and her family at this time. There have been many blessings that have come from your prayers. Alexa will be managing Melissa's Facebook and the family appreciates all of your encouraging words! Melissa says "I appreciate so much all the love and support we have received. We send love and gratitude to all. Thank you!"