Living with Molly: Here We Go Again!

🎵 Changes – David Bowie (https://youtu.be/4BgF7Y3q-as?si=gEiVSRhfEBGMkUhH)

I’ve had lots of messages today asking what the latest plan is and the good news is that I do now have a new plan and the consultant has also apologised for the confusion. It’s not great and it’s still a bit weird getting all this over the phone and email and not face to face but hey-ho!

The reason it changed is my dodgy BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

For some reason when the first plan was created, they hadn’t been notified of the gene test results, so once they were told by us, they did another review then tweaked my chemotherapy to make sure I’m getting the treatment that’s most appropriate for my situation.

So, disappointment aside, here’s the new plan Fix Sam V2:

🥊 Step 1 – Nine weeks of weekly Paclitaxel and Carboplatin (by IV drip).

Paclitaxel works by stopping cancer cells from dividing and multiplying.

Carboplatin damages the DNA inside cancer cells so they can’t repair themselves and keep growing.

The combination has been chosen because cancers linked to BRCA mutations are impacted by this type of treatment. 

The main side effects: Tiredness, hair loss, feeling sick. A higher risk of infection because it lowers white blood cells, achy muscles and joints. Also pins and needles or numbness in fingers and toes.

so basically 9 weeks of feeling like crap and going bald 😦

🥊 Step 2 – Three cycles of EC chemotherapy (every three weeks).

Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide (EC)

These attack any microscopic cancer cells that could still be hanging around after surgery.

Main side effects: Much the same again- tiredness, hair loss, sickliness, low immunity and mouth ulcers. And yes, the famous bright red wee after treatment!

I had the EC chemo last time and I remember doing a post all about the bright red wee – I also remember going through Cordysyl for the mouth ulcers. It’s weird how it all comes back to you after years of forgetting about it!

☢️ Step 3 – Radiotherapy (still to be confirmed).

💊 Step 4 – Letrozole for ten years.

This blocks oestrogen, which my type of breast cancer likes to feed on.

Side effects can include hot flushes, aching joints and stiffness – so you have to forgive me if I suddenly start making old woman noises every time I stand up 😂  actually I do those now half the time! 🤣🤣

🦴 Step 5 – Zoledronic Acid infusions every six months for three years.

These will strengthen my bones and also reduce the chance of breast cancer spreading there. The first infusion apparently may even be given during one of my chemotherapy visits. The most common side effect is feeling a bit flu-like for a day or two afterwards.

Before I start these I’ve been told I’ll need the dentist to give me the once-over because they like to get any major dental work sorted first. 

It definitely sounds like The Christie don’t want to mess about and they are throwing everything at this to give me the very best chance to make sure that this horrible bar-steward cancer never comes back.

I will need reminding of that when the treatment starts to feel relentless and I start looking like Phil Mitchell from Eastenders with my bald head and round steroid face 😳

As always, thank you for all the lovely message – every single one means more than you know.

Sam x

PS below is the treatment plan on a page (I’ve always loved a one pager & I’ve not even had to ask for it this time, they’ve just done it!)

I’m off to sleep now, both brain and body need rest!