Some of y’all have been following my cancer journey, so I’ve been open about my experiences in the hope that it helps another person who might be facing the same journey.
Yesterday, I went to the clinic for my regularly scheduled Jemperli infusion. My third one, or it was supposed to be. Jemperli is a medicine I was tolerating well, that only required me to come in every six weeks. I had no side effects that I could detect. Everything was good.
Well, after fully reviewing all the results from my surgery on April 1st, which involved removing all my girlie parts plus my omentum, he determined there were still microscopic “remnants” of cancer in my body, so he wanted to switch my treatment protocol to another set of meds which would more aggressively treat the cancer that remains.
I will now be receiving infusions of another immunotherapy drug called Keytruda, plus a daily pill called Lenvima. As well, I will be going for infusions every three weeks. This will continue, possibly for the rest of my life, or perhaps (hopefully), until I reach remission and I’m deemed “cured.”
I got my first Keytruda infusion yesterday. After I came home, I felt completely wiped out. I sat watching TV for the remainder of the day and went to bed early, sleeping like a rock. For the next few days, I’ll be very conscious of what my body is telling me so I know what this experience will be going forward and whether I need to block out days on my calendar, like I did during chemo, to make sure I can plan my life better.
The list of normal aftereffects of this protocol are many. Fatigue (check), diarrhea, shortness of breath, kidney problems, liver problems, headaches, rapid heartbeat, skin rashes, mouth sores, dizziness, and on and on. Whether I have all or some of these “usual” aftereffects, I’ll let you know.
So, yes, I’m not happy, but my oncologist did start with the positive news that my CA-125 cancer antigen test number has improved again. At my worst, it was 1100. Now it is 15, which is within “normal” range. So, yes, I’m doing so much better, but I’m not happy about more frequent treatments and a stronger medication protocol, but it is what it is.
The most important thing I’m going to focus on right now and going forward is that I’m still here. My family keeps me grounded and happy. I won’t go without a hard damn fight.
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Keep fighting
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Sending hugs and good vibes and my prayers your way .. from a Texas fan .. 🙏💌✝️🌹🌸🌈
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❤️❤️❤️❤️ take it as a big win.
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Your openness and honesty during this courageous and challenging season is an inspiration. While this is not a battle I have personally waged, I have been touched by it through family members. While my health battles are different and I only “know” you through your blog and the books you’ve written that makes you one of my favorite authors, I am “invested”. I worry as I would any friend, I pray as much as if you are a member of my “family.” I read every post and when it comes to the health updates I adjust thoughts, prayers and virtual hugs accordingly. I hope this reads as concern and support not weird and stalking. It intent is the former and I do know difference that just cause you share does not truly mean I know or even understand you. I do empathize and am grateful you are fighting have the support and family that surrounds you. I will continue to do my part in surrounding all of those in this journey with you with prayers and supporting from a far. I believe you are going to kick a$$ and take names. You are in tune with your body and seem to listen when necessary. Hugs and prayers, T
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You’ve. Got this. We, your fans and readers are with you with thoughts and prayers to help you along the way.
We all look forward to the day you can say, I’m feeling good and I’m going to be writing again.
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I expect nothing less than you going hard. You’re a fighter and survivor! I’ll be the first to jump for joy at the all clear! I’m here for you.
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Prayers things go well for you and you don’t get many side effects. You’re doing outstanding. 🙏
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Bless you! You do what’s best for you, know that all you fans are here for you every step of the way. You are doing great! Our niece was diagnosed with abdominal cancer 2 months ago, undergoing chemo treatment, only 45 with a 11 year old. I’ve been sending her cute cards every couple weeks as they live states away. We lost her momma at Christmas, had been fighting cancer for 5 years. Cancer sucks. Proud of you.
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Am sorry to hear this Delilah Devlin continued prayers for you and your family God’s Blessing’s
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You are fighting a good fight You go girl we are all praying for you for you❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
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I’m glad you’re holdingyour own but praying that the ongoing treatment does even more to heal you. Sending tons of prayer s and hugs.
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As you are doing your fighting, remember you have many supporters sending you hugs, prayers & strong vibes to help your fight. 🙏🏻💜🙏🏻💜🙏🏻
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Many hugs! You are a strong woman.
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You are a warrior. Keep up those spirits.
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Hugs, Delilah. You’re hanging in and we love you.
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Love your honesty in sharing the struggle of this battle. Keep it moving forward
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Thank you for the update, Delilah–glad your team is helping you find the best way to combat the cancer, and GO, YOU!
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Please take care. We all wish You well!! Thinking good thoughts. 🧡
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Keep up the good fight. Use those Pink Gloves to keep punching out cancer. Great numbers. You and your family are in my prayers. My cousin also got good news that her numbers dropped as well, and they are putting her back on radiation for the Liver spots. So lots of prayers out there for you both.
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Continued prayers for recovery and remission. Keep on fighting.
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You are doing so wonderfully. Keep up the good work.