My 2nd Lupron injection - November 24, 2025

I have to admit that being back at the Zimmer Cancer Center here in Wilmington is a little surreal, and I also feel like I have come back home. I am thankful for the opportunity to receive care locally in coordination with Duke.

Yesterday I received my 2nd Lupron injection - 21 days after my 1st. Again, it was administered in my flank, this time switching the left side. Very little discomfort, just a pinch. No noticeable side effects so far. In fact, I ran 2 miles, then walked 3 this morning and felt great.

I appreciated the opportunity to see Dr. Robinson yesterday. He is so incredibly kind and caring. I felt seen and heard.

He allowed me to have blood tests yesterday that I requested, and, at my request, he has ordered those same blood tests for December 8 - two days before my surgery with Dr. Rossi and Dr. Zani.

Further, we scheduled my 3rd Lupron injection and next office visit with him for December, as well as a follow-up visit in January before the WDW Half Marathon (which I am still hoping to complete).

Tomorrow I’ll be two weeks out from my scheduled liver resection and debulking surgery at Duke.

This week’s question - Lupron

Many friends have asked, “So, how’s it going with Lupron?” I want to keep track of any side effects here, just like I did when I started taking Letrozole in June of 2023.

For the first seven days after taking Lupron (and continuing to take Letrozole), I did find myself feeling emotional (read: weepy) quite a bit and at times feeling a sense of dread (read: anxiety). Neither of which is normal for me, but I have had a lot going on. So, it could be the buildup of stress - or it could be the Lupron/Letrozole combo - or it could be both. The other potential side effect has been fatigue, but again. I’ve had a lot going on, and we had the return to Eastern Standard Time this weekend. That could explain the fatigue, as well.

Regardless, it has been tolerable.

October 31 update

I hope this is the last update on this issue.

Surgery will actually be December 10, not December 4.

My First Lupron Injection

I received my first injection of Lupron today, October 28. It was a painless injection in my hip. I really didn't feel a thing.

I'm hopeful the days ahead will be equally uneventful, but just like I did with Letrozole, I will post regular updates on how I am feeling on Lupron and (eventually) whether or not it is efficacious for me.

October 28 update

After nearly a month of feeling like things were moving so slowly, I'm happy to share that the last two days have been busy with progress.

Yesterday afternoon I got the call that Lupron had been approved by insurance and that I could come in today for my first infection. 🙌

Today I got notification that the December 4 surgery is a go, with Dr. Rossi and Dr. Zani both being available to do their parts of the procedure.

I got my first Lupron injection, scheduled my second for November 24, and also had my pre-anesthesia consultation this afternoon. I'm feeling really good about the plan and am eager to move forward.

This is what was on the wall in the procedure room today.

October 22 was supposed to be surgery day

As I walked onto the beach this morning, I realized, “The plan was to be in the OR at Duke today, but instead I’m seeing this glorious sunrise.”

Dr. Hillman and I spoke again by phone last night. I am so thankful to have him on my team.

He has talked with Dr. Rossi, and on Friday, Dr. Rossi will call me. We do not have a new surgery date yet, but it looks like I will soon have a full open abdominal procedure (similar to the surgery I had in May 2023), followed by a new drug therapy (the specifics of which are still undecided).

After the last 12 days which were full of uncertainty, this morning I am at peace with what may lie ahead. Although I wish all of this could have moved along a little more quickly, I am thankful that by not rushing to a decision, I’ve had plenty of time to process changing circumstances and prepare my heart, my mind, and my body for the days that are coming.

“I will remain confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13

This week has been an emotional roller coaster

This message came through last night. It’s incredibly disappointing as the virtual consult was for today, and I don’t really have time to find another physician. My virtual consultation with Dr. Hillman is now canceled because I do not have a NC physician willing to participate.

Lab results from last Friday’s visit posted last night, as well. They are a bit shocking to me, as they show significant progression of the disease.

I have purchased a ticket on American Airlines and am heading to San Diego this evening, hoping Dr. Hillman will see me in clinic tomorrow.

Prayers appreciated!

I honestly do not know how a person without good health insurance, a quality education, and access to resources navigates this broken US healthcare system.

Don't burn bridges

Taking a great deal of advice from other women with GCT, this morning (October 13) at 7:30 I showed up at Zimmer Cancer Center without an appointment and asked to be seen.

The front desk said, "You have to have a referral." (Who just walks in at an oncology office and gets seen on request, right!?) I went on to do a bit of begging, and the front desk said they'd send a note back to the team of my former oncologist, Dr. Robinson,

A few minutes later, my favorite nurse, Melinda, walked out. She remembered me, and she had taken a look at my chart. It was 7:45 am, and she asked if I were willing to hang around until 9. Of course, I said yes. Five minutes later, a 9 am appointment appeared on my phone, but I didn’t even have to wait until 9 am.

At 8:30, I was called back. Dr. Robinson saw me in the hall, smiled, and gave me a hug before going to see another patient.

I went into another exam room where I asked the normal questions you get with a visit.

15 minutes later Dr. Robinson came in, and he gave me his full attention for an extended period of time, answering every question I had and affirming his willingness to talk to Dr. Hillman and his willingness to think outside the box.

I reminded him I am willing to drive full speed into a brick wall, but I am not willing to die by a thousand paper cuts.

He seems to be okay with that, too.

I look forward to sharing more after my telehealth consultation with Dr. Hillman at UCSD on Thursday.