Possibly stopping chemo

Oncology clinic appointment and treatment with Herceptin and Pamidronate today. The Oncologist has mentioned that she may be stopping the chemo Capecitabine after this cycle as my blood counts have been severely affected by it. She is taking into account the fact that I have had to have longer rests between cycles and lower dosages. She said that if I was to carry on with the chemo indefinitely, there was a significant chance that my body would give up as the chemo is attacking the bone marrow. I asked where this left me and she said that I would not receive any more chemo for a while, possibly 6-12 months unless the cancer showed signs of spreading with a vengeance, then she would consider giving me another chemo. If the cancer showed no signs of returning, then possibly she would continue with Capecitabine at a later date. She is happy to carry on with the Herceptin and also the Pamidronate if my calcium levels are okay.

I feel a little worried about this latest development as Dr Jacob in Germany has not mentioned that I would be stopping the chemo. I assumed I would carry on with the chemo until I was in remission, so I think I need to contact Dr Jacob and inform her of what has been said and take her advice.

One of the Oncology nurses is organising the insertion of a Portacath for me. I asked about it on my last visit to the Oncology clinic and it was decided that it would be a good idea. It is to replace the PICC line that I have in my arm and it will give me more freedom and enable me to start swimming. I’m really conscious of the fact that my weight has increased considerably since the start of this treatment. I have been told not to do any strenuous exercises at the moment while the cancer is active, but swimming and walking would be okay.