We got
some good news today - the CT scan came back good, showing that the tumors in
my lungs are down by half. In the original PET scan back in March, the
lung stuff was showing up as 2-4mm. Now, it's down to 1-2 mm. This
is GOOD!
It also confirms that the stuff in my lungs is, indeed, cancer. So, that kind of sucks, but it just confirms what I already knew. So, there's that.
Game plan is to complete these 6 round of chemo (I'm typing this as I sit in infusion, having pre-meds pumped into me in preparation for round 5.) Once we get done with the 6th round, I will head back to NY for some down time (ha ha) and to relax a bit (again, ha ha). I can't wait to see everyone, and to celebrate this amazing news!!!
After that, it's still up in the air as to what we will do. We may continue with this current regime of chemo, but it sounds like the more likely option is that we will switch toIrinotecan and Erbitux only. That would last for at least three months, potentially more depending on what the scans show. After that, depending on how the cancer responds to things, we may go on Xeloda only, which is an oral chemo maintenance pill. Right now, life without 5-FU sounds divine. If I go to the two-drug combo, it's every three weeks, and I'll go back to work shortly. That sounds great, though I may change my mind after the first week. LOL!
We will scan in a few more months. I asked about getting to remission (specifically, what are the milestones - yes, I work with engineers and they *may* had an impact on me...). Basically, my CEA needs to remain stable and my PET needs to show stability in the tumors. Ideally, NED (no evidence of disease), but stability. He said that I'm currently in "partial remission" because the CEA is way down. At least I now know what I'm working towards.
I was going to type more, but the Benadryl is starting to kick in, which means the downward spiral is starting. Keep up the good vibes, people. It's working....wonderfully! I'll need them this week - I can feel it already...
It also confirms that the stuff in my lungs is, indeed, cancer. So, that kind of sucks, but it just confirms what I already knew. So, there's that.
Game plan is to complete these 6 round of chemo (I'm typing this as I sit in infusion, having pre-meds pumped into me in preparation for round 5.) Once we get done with the 6th round, I will head back to NY for some down time (ha ha) and to relax a bit (again, ha ha). I can't wait to see everyone, and to celebrate this amazing news!!!
After that, it's still up in the air as to what we will do. We may continue with this current regime of chemo, but it sounds like the more likely option is that we will switch toIrinotecan and Erbitux only. That would last for at least three months, potentially more depending on what the scans show. After that, depending on how the cancer responds to things, we may go on Xeloda only, which is an oral chemo maintenance pill. Right now, life without 5-FU sounds divine. If I go to the two-drug combo, it's every three weeks, and I'll go back to work shortly. That sounds great, though I may change my mind after the first week. LOL!
We will scan in a few more months. I asked about getting to remission (specifically, what are the milestones - yes, I work with engineers and they *may* had an impact on me...). Basically, my CEA needs to remain stable and my PET needs to show stability in the tumors. Ideally, NED (no evidence of disease), but stability. He said that I'm currently in "partial remission" because the CEA is way down. At least I now know what I'm working towards.
I was going to type more, but the Benadryl is starting to kick in, which means the downward spiral is starting. Keep up the good vibes, people. It's working....wonderfully! I'll need them this week - I can feel it already...
Comments:
Tina said...
Michelle,
this is GREAT news!! The chemo really worked well! 2 more rounds to get through
and you will get a MUCH needed and deserved break! Woo-hoo! (How did we ever
make it through 12 rounds?! That seems nearly impossible to me now!Stupid
cancer!)
You can do this!!
You can do this!!
May
31, 2012 at 3:22 PM
JasonB said...
Shrunk
by half? Love it. Love it, love it, love it! Take care of your self as you
climb back after your last round! :)
May
31, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Ahh...just
realized I posted from my husband's account. I'm such a nerd..didn't even think
to check. The Jason B post is from me.
May
31, 2012 at 3:54 PM
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