3/14/25 - Quick Update
In support of
The Berndt Family
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The Berndt Family
Hi Everyone! I wanted to hop back on and provide a quick on update. My last round of chemo went smoothly, I had bone pain for one extra day but we think that is because I was back on Avastin.
Speaking of Avastin, I'll be continuing to get Avastin treatments at the infusion center every 3 weeks for the next 2 years.... more on that in a minute.
My last round of chemo is just around the corner on Friday, March 21st. Can you even believe it? It's been 6 long months and I can't believe I'll be ringing that bell in just one week. Please pray the last round goes smoothly and that my post chemo scan shows no evidence of disease (aka NED).
If you've been following our journey, you know we've had to miss two special family weddings and a NYC trip that was the boy's Christmas present due to chemo schedules, so we are thrilled to share that our spring break trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos is officially on!
When we get back I'll have my PET scan, which is currently scheduled for April 16th. Once we confirm NED, I'll start my daily PARP inhibitor pill and continue the Avastin treatments every 3 weeks. The PARP inhibitor can have side effects, with the most significant being high blood pressure so I'll also start seeing a Cardiac Oncologist to be on the safe side. They will also be monitoring me closely the first month and I'll get weekly bloodwork to ensure my ANCs and Platelets are stable.
Since I'll be getting Avastin every 3 weeks I'll continue to get labs drawn every 3 weeks as well as doctor appointments every 3 weeks... so still lots of active monitoring, and honestly some great peace of mind for me.
I've been very anxious about chemo ending and the uncertainty of no longer receiving "treatment" but Dr. Yap assured me this morning that we are just moving to the next phase of treatment and that the daily PARP is very effective since my tumors were HRD positive.
Speaking of positive... we remain positive and beyond grateful for the love and support we have experienced. Just this week I shared that I think having young kids has helped me maintain our normal. By putting Gavin and Garrett and their sense of normal ahead of everything else, I realized that the gift they have given me the last 6 months is LIFE. Living each day as a family and soaking up the JOY of being together. It's all Matt and I could have ever asked for (well, besides never getting cancer in the first place)... but it's my wish for each of you, live life with your people and soak up every ounce of joy.
I'll be back online after R7 chemo (maybe) but definitely after the Galapagos... Love you all and thank you for everything.
We Got This 🩵
Speaking of Avastin, I'll be continuing to get Avastin treatments at the infusion center every 3 weeks for the next 2 years.... more on that in a minute.
My last round of chemo is just around the corner on Friday, March 21st. Can you even believe it? It's been 6 long months and I can't believe I'll be ringing that bell in just one week. Please pray the last round goes smoothly and that my post chemo scan shows no evidence of disease (aka NED).
If you've been following our journey, you know we've had to miss two special family weddings and a NYC trip that was the boy's Christmas present due to chemo schedules, so we are thrilled to share that our spring break trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos is officially on!
When we get back I'll have my PET scan, which is currently scheduled for April 16th. Once we confirm NED, I'll start my daily PARP inhibitor pill and continue the Avastin treatments every 3 weeks. The PARP inhibitor can have side effects, with the most significant being high blood pressure so I'll also start seeing a Cardiac Oncologist to be on the safe side. They will also be monitoring me closely the first month and I'll get weekly bloodwork to ensure my ANCs and Platelets are stable.
Since I'll be getting Avastin every 3 weeks I'll continue to get labs drawn every 3 weeks as well as doctor appointments every 3 weeks... so still lots of active monitoring, and honestly some great peace of mind for me.
I've been very anxious about chemo ending and the uncertainty of no longer receiving "treatment" but Dr. Yap assured me this morning that we are just moving to the next phase of treatment and that the daily PARP is very effective since my tumors were HRD positive.
Speaking of positive... we remain positive and beyond grateful for the love and support we have experienced. Just this week I shared that I think having young kids has helped me maintain our normal. By putting Gavin and Garrett and their sense of normal ahead of everything else, I realized that the gift they have given me the last 6 months is LIFE. Living each day as a family and soaking up the JOY of being together. It's all Matt and I could have ever asked for (well, besides never getting cancer in the first place)... but it's my wish for each of you, live life with your people and soak up every ounce of joy.
I'll be back online after R7 chemo (maybe) but definitely after the Galapagos... Love you all and thank you for everything.
We Got This 🩵
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