A New Maintenance Tool

The results of my tumor testing came in, and the results showed that the tumor was BRCA2 positive. While that might not sound like good news, in reality, it is. It has opened the door for me to take a PARP inhibitor for maintenance.

Don’t ask me what PARP stands for. I looked it up but it didn’t help me understand it. My doctor explained that they attack the cancer DNA and destroy it. Or something like that. In any case, I want every tool I can use to keep me in remission, so when we discussed me taking Lynparza, I was all for it.

My enthusiasm was dampened a bit when I paid for the first month. It was astronomical! It will go down a bit but it will still be very expensive. I am just fortunate that I can afford it. The pharma company does have a program to help pay for it, but I make too much money to qualify, and that’s a good thing. I can afford the medication. I’m lucky.

As with every medication, a whole host of side effects are possibilities. So far, mine don’t seem too bad. I took my first dose last night and did have some trouble sleeping. I also had a headache. This morning, I felt a little nauseated, and still have a low grade headache. My hope is the side effects get no worse, and in time, even these mild ones will fade.

My visit with the doctor came right after a wonderful visit to Arkansas. Jerry and I visited relatives, ate, drank, played games and had wonderful talks. We returned Sunday night and on Monday, I saw my oncologist and Jerry had cataract surgery. I felt guilty that I made him Uber to the hospital, but it was there to pick him up. He is doing great and his vision in one eye is almost perfect. He can’t wait to have the other eye done.

If I were still in the immunotherapy trial I doubt I would be eligible for Lynparza. So while I believed the Avelumab was working, I know PARP inhibitors work for Ovarian Cancer. So once again, part of me feels I am leading a charmed life. Cancer, not so charming, but the care I am receiving couldn’t be better, so I have a lot to be thankful for. I live in a place that has the best treatment available, and I live in a time in which new treatments are being developed continuously.

Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 6, 2019 at 6:54 PM

    I am so happy you are able to take another maintenance medication, expensive as it is. Your have such a positive attitude. Also happy for Jerry's new found excellent vision. Big hugs to both of you.

    ReplyDelete

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