Friday, January 14, 2011

Sharing Some Bad News

I guess we’ll just cut to the chase … the Trials nurse walks in and says … oh your face … I said it’s yellow … then she looks at my belly … oh it’s bigger … yes I said, trying to hold back the tears. She proceeded to tell my liver functions numbers were up once again. We looked over the numbers. Ok a tear came down. A little discussion, then I said and how many weeks can I be off Brivanib before I’m kicked off the study? She said four. More tears. Next week is considered my 4th week and there is no possible way those liver function numbers could come down in one week. So I’m off the study, I said … yes, said the nurse.

We spent some time talking as she tried to console me. I asked how long do I have … she said the Onc would come in to talk to me about that. My mind was racing now, how am I’m going to tell D, my family.

Then the Onc came me. First he said the CT scan was really good. The tumors on the liver are smaller and looking great. But the liver function numbers are not great. He said, I’m thinking the reason your liver function numbers are up is because you may have a plugged bile duct in and around your liver. And your coughing is likely because you have a swollen belly which is putting pressure on your lungs which already have fluid around your lungs and are making you cough.

So what is the plan … drain the fluid around the lungs, drain fluid from the abdomen and try and find a plugged bile duct and then unplug it.

In the end, I walked out not having much solid information except that tomorrow morning at 8:00am I have to be at the clinic for one of these procedures.

26 comments:

Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer said...

I am hoping that they can unclog that bile duct and get your liver function numbers closer to normal. Hopefully they could put you back on the drug that seemed to shrink your tumors. It must be so scary to have to deal with this. I don't know if I would have the strength.

Debby said...

I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry. Maybe there is another trial going on that you can be enrolled in?

Anonymous said...

Daria - I don't know what to say other than that they clearly are not giving up yet, so don't you give up either (I know that you aren't). It sounds - well - hopeful that they can maybe drain some fluid and get you back on track.
Sending prayers your way.

Bernie said...

Oh sweetie I am so sorry, you are fighting this horrible disease so very hard, I HATE cancer with a passion. Am praying for you my friend...:-)Hugs

OCWarrior1026 said...

Be strong, Daria. Your incredible strength continues to inspire me. I'll keep you in my prayers. Take care of yourself.

Andy said...

Wishing you the best of luck. Having been in a bad situation myself and coming through it I truly appreciate how you must be feeling

Caroline said...

Good luck! And big hugs.

The Dirty Pink Underbelly said...

Oh, Daria. Hang in there. It's ok to cry at the oncologist's office. I cry almost every time I am there. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you face these procedures. Sending you peace and comfort.

Joanie said...

I'm saying lots of prayers for you, Daria. I hope these procedures will put you back in the right direction.

Glenn said...

Dariiiiaaaa....try not to put the cart before the horse you have to know that better then most. Not all hope is lost, as a matter of fact thankfully the ONC caught the fact there is a problem before problems became worse. What I think is exciting is the news about the tumors...how fantastic is that!!! I know you're not in an easy position wanting answers to questions however the biggest key you already have and that's to remain positive. You so completely still have hope and a few months ago you didn't think you had any. You've made so much progress and deserve so much for how far you have come but you HAVE made progress girl. I can't stop thinking about the news of those tumors. The rest honey take it day by day, minute by minute but you are still ahead. I'm sure you must be tired and I know I tend to go hard on myself when I'm like that too. I wish I could give you a big hug....you have to know that you're still in the winners circle with a huge hope factor what many do not have. Shake it off Daria I know you can....big hugs to you and sending the good vibrations!!!!

Janine said...

Praying for you Daria. I know it must be very difficult for you to be off the study.

Joanna said...

I am so hoping that there will be good news around the corner and that the procedures will get your liver functioning properly. And I hope the procedures work quickly so you can stay in the trial. I know this has been a hard day.

Jill said...

Daria this is such a sad post to read. I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You have been through so much. I know you will keep us informed on how your treatment goes tomorrow.
Sending gentle hugs Daria.

Beth said...

I'm so sorry Daria! I wish you didn't have to go through this. I wish cancer didn't exist. :( You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hope they can find a new treatment that will work for you. xoxo

Daria said...

Thank you everyone for you kind comments ... there may be a trickle of hope. I saw the Onc today and he removed 750 ml of fluid from around my chest, 850 ml from my groin area and Monday I have an appointment with a gastrologist to see if I have any blockages around my liver ... bile duct, fluid, bowel, or whatever.

Today the Onc said we are no off the study just yet ... not until I find out what's wrong.

WhiteStone said...

Sending hugs and saying prayers.
I'm glad they've drained some fluid for you and praying they can take care of the liver problem.
Bless you, My friend.

Anonymous said...

you are in my prayers

Tina said...

Daria--so sorry to hear of more bad news--but glad there is still some hope for the study! Thank you for sharing with us all you are going through. You are a strong woman--although I'm sure you don't always feel that way!
Sending prayers and hugs from Minnesota!

Sami said...

Happy to hear the update Daria. Thinking of you & sending my positive thoughts your way. xo

Karen said...

Sending prayers to you, Daria. You are so strong and brave. Thank you for inspiring us all. And best of luck to you as you go through these procedures.

Dee said...

Daria, I know it's hard, but try to remember to live in the moment. The fluid was drained - that's one step. Hopefully that will make you feel overall better. Then see what the gastrologist says.

Sending you strength and positive energy.

Nancy K. said...

Oh Daria, that's awesome news! Hopefully, you'll be feeling better and resting better with that fluid removed. I pray that stops the coughing! Hang in there sweetie ~ you've got a lot of people pulling for you!

Eileen said...

Oh, darling girl, I am so sorry that you are going through all this. I will keep my fingers crossed that the blockage will be found and dealt with, and that you will be able to continue on the trial.

This monster is just so damned unfair!! Thank you, though, for being so honest about your journey - you are an inspiration.

xoxoxoxox

gillian said...

Praying for you, Daria. Glad to read your comment now that you are not off the study just yet..... hopefully they will sort out the problem. But I agree with what others are saying: you are very strong, Daria, and you are in our thoughts. Lots of love

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you Daria and sending much love and many hugs. Glad to hear they are getting things sorted for you. Good news about the tumor shrinkage...one foot in front of the other... and we are all walking it beside you as much as possible. Thank you for sharing your journey...you inspire me. Hugs, Tracy

Diane said...

I just came over from Deena's post on FB. Your post is heartbreaking. I'll pray. Diane