Treatment

     My team of Doctors have decided that the best therapy or option "A" for my diagnosis is called Interleukin-2 or IL-2 . (DO NOT GOOGLE THIS...It will scare the living daylights out of you).

 If all of the preliminary tests that I am taking come back okay then I will start treatment at the Hunstman Cancer Institute on July 30.

     IL-2 is different than a chemotherapy drug -- it is actually a natural part of your body's immune system. IL-2 is given by a 15-minute IV infusion every 8 hours for 5 days. Each treatment course consists of two 5-day treatment cycles separated by a 9-day rest period, and multiple courses are the norm. You will typically be imaged (CT Scans and PET Scans) about a month after finishing your first treatment. If you are responding, you'll likely be offered a second course of treatment for 6 to 12 weeks after finishing the first course.

 It should be given in a hospital under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer agents. An intensive care facility and specialists skilled in cardiopulmonary or intensive care medicine must be available.
   
Many of the side effects are due to "capillary leak," which begins immediately after treatment is started. Capillary leak results in the leakage of proteins out of blood that then causes a decrease in blood pressure. The most common side effects are as follows:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• weakness and fatigue
• flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache and muscle aches)
• low blood pressure
• general pain, chest pain (angina)
• breathing problems due to fluid in the lungs
• weight gain, fluid retention
• mental effects (paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia)
• itching, peeling skin
• anemia (low red blood cell count)
• low platelet count (increasing the risk of bleeding)
• low white blood cell count
• kidney damage
• mouth sores

I know that my prayers were answered. I prayed that I would not have to have Chemo and I didn't want to loose my hair ( in know..it is vain)
My Heavenly Father knows who I am and knows the struggles that I am going through. I have felt at peace and I truly have felt the prayers and happy thoughts that have been said on my behalf.
I have a fantastic family that has truly been my life support, and I live in a great ward with awesome friends, who have offered TONS of help and support.

I am holding strong to the promises that were made to me in my patriachal blessing when I was 16 years old, I know this is going to be tough for everyone, but I am not a quitter! I am fighter. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Doctrine and Covenants 82:10

 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.