June 24, 2022

I made it back home yesterday after an exciting trip to Florida but man, was I tired.  It was great to see my dad on Father’s Day and spend time with family.  It was also wonderful to see my new work team and some wonderful close work associates that I have missed for way too long.  I was able to see Ceridian’s Co-CEO, Leagh Turner, speaking at a Town Hall meeting which was WONDERFUL! (Link here).  The trip was invigorating and exciting – something that I am thankful to have been able to do.

This next week I meet with my oncologist to discuss starting Xeloda.  I have an appointment for bloodwork and then meet with her for discussions on when to begin – pending, of course, the outcome of a blood test that I insisted be done last week BEFORE I would agree to start the oral chemo.   See, I did some research and discovered that some people can have a DPD deficiency which means the side effects of this chemo drug can be worse and in some cases even deadly.  It’s rare to have no DPD in the body but it’s more common to have low or very low levels.  In fact, between 2 and 8 out of every 100 people (2-8%) can have a partial DPD deficiency.   I’m putting a link to an article here that explains this in greater detail.  Once I found out about the possibility of this deficiency and the potential complications with side effects, I knew that I would not move forward until I knew 100% that this was not something that I suffer from or would be an issue for me. 

My thoughts, of course, are that I know I am an over-achiever in everything I do, I mean, come on, I already have the type of breast cancer that less than 15% of the people in the world suffer from, so why wouldn’t I be a perfect candidate to have the deficiency that would interfere with that oral chemo and cause some serious issues?  Better to be safe than sorry, right?  

The good news is that the doctor did not have an issue ordering the blood test, which was done last week (6/15).  This particular blood test had to be sent out to an independent lab which takes 8-10 business days to get the results.  Once those are back, we will know for sure, if I am okay to start the Xeloda.  I have some other things that I need to discuss with the oncologist as my MD Anderson oncologist has a bit differing opinions around dosage and the number of cycles I should/could do.  Don’t get me wrong, I trust my local oncologist 1000% and will follow whatever she says we need to do, I’m just curious about her opinion on what the MD Anderson oncologist has stated.  I will keep everyone posted once I know more.  

The moral of this story is – YOU are the ONLY ONE who can advocate for YOUR health.  Don’t just walk blindly down the path.  If you read something that you need clarification on – ASK.  If your gut is telling you that something “isn’t right” – then QUESTION IT.  YOU ARE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE.  No one is going to be a bigger fighter for YOUR LIFE than YOU!  I am just so thankful that I continue to do my research and listen to my body.  I am so thankful that God has blessed me with the ability to SPEAK OUT and ask questions and not just blindly walk forward.  I know this all seems like it should be a logical thing, however, IT’S NOT!!!!  I’ve been told so many times by my doctors that they are “so impressed” that I know as much as I do about my illness/situation.  The comment I get most often is, “You wouldn’t believe how many don’t know what is even going on with them…” and I always wonder, “How can that be?”

I am so blessed to have a voice.  One that I am not afraid to use, especially when it comes to questioning my own health.  Please USE YOUR VOICE – when you are faced with a health scare.  Question your doctors, question your care.  Do your research and once you feel you’ve received all the answers then you can move forward with the next steps and a decision for yourself.

God is so good – he continues to watch over me and guide me as I continue down this path to complete healing and restoration.  My prayers for this week are as follows:

• Prayers for a good oncology visit on Monday and to receive the answers I need to be comfortable in moving forward.  This also means clean blood results that I don’t have DPD deficiency.
• Prayers for Christian – we are having his last wisdom tooth removed on Monday.
• Prayers for my friend who just had her second round of chemo today.  Prayers for protection and that she doesn’t experience horrible symptoms but that they are managed well with her medications.
• Prayers for my Florida family who are still healing from their back issues – Mom, Phillip, and Nicky.
• Prayers for Scott and Hayden as they have the Celebration of Life Ceremony tomorrow (6/25) for Angie.  I know that tomorrow will be hard.  Prayers to cover them with protection as they share the day with family and friends as they say their goodbyes.

Again, I am so thankful for all of you – SO THANKFUL!  I am blessed to have the best village ever.  

Xo,

Tracy 

Photos – sharing a quote that resonated with me and some pictures from Florida.  Enjoy!