Thursday, August 12, 2010

Oncologist Visit and Scan Results

First thing this morning I went in for blood work in anticipation of chemo tomorrow. A short time later, I went in to see the Onc to go over the results of last week’s CT and PET scans. So the news is bad … the tumors on my liver have grown larger. Also, there’s a small spot on my spine that wasn’t there before. That needs to be watched. As of today, we are going to stop the Vinorelbine treatments as they are not effective.

So what’s next? The Onc said, we have run out of proven chemotherapy options. We are now going to look at phase one clinical trials. As per Wikipedia … Phase I trials are the first stage of testing in human subjects. And the good news is … there is one trial available that I can try. I’ll find out in a few weeks whether I qualify and get accepted.

How do I feel about all this? I’m thrilled because I’ve dodged the ‘ok doc, how much time do I have left?’ conversation for at least another 4 weeks. 

I’m not ready to give up. I want to keep up my fight

15 comments:

Julie Goodale said...

Oh, so sorry the scan news wasn't better!!! But I am glad that there's the possibility of a trial.
I'm a fan of taking part in trials when possible - there's the hope that they might actually help, & I also like the idea that even if it doesn't help me, it might help someone else in the future.
Anyhow, sending you good thoughts.

Teresa said...

Your attitude is amazing. Well done. I'll keep thinking good thoughts for you.

Whidbey Woman said...

Daria, We are also had bad news from Ron's latest PET scan. We are leaving in a few minutes to go to a regional cancer center for a second opinion and to explore clinical trials. I read your post to Ron and when I came to the last sentence, he said "Right on. You go, girl. A positive attitude helps alot." Its a battle, but we must keep fighting. Peace.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh hon...I am so sorry to hear this. I am happy that there may be another option for you..you keep on fighting Daria..and I will keep sending healing to you!! Sending great big gentle hugs to you!!!
Breathe and hang in there hon, Sarah

Violet said...

So sorry to hear that your news was bad, and best of luck with getting a place on the trial. And congrats on your fantastic attitude, I know you don't need a random internet stranger to tell you this, but do not give up! :)

Nic N said...

Looks like you're going to have tons of supporters in your continued fight, myself included. I'm sorry that the scan results were not more optimistic, but MY optimism remains that there will be something that is going to work for you. I can see that YOUR optimism hasn't been diminished, either, and I am so happy for that.

<3 Fight the good fight--you are so inspiring. Cliche, I know, but true nonetheless.

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

Your onc won't be able to give an answer to your question. He can say that women in your position statistically have survived so long but the stats keep changing and everyone is so different.
But I am so sorry that this chemo didn't work for you and I can't imagine what you must be feeling because that's what us early stage people fear the most, progressing to stage 4.
But I hope he will find a good trial for you to be accepted and you keep up the good fight.

Suzanne Di Silvestri said...

Never give up! Every year you hold on is another year of research and new drugs! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Daria, I love and admire your spirit. You give me courage and strength - thank you for that.

I am sorry to hear that the tumors are growing, but thrilled that you may get accepted for the clinical trial. I have my fingers crossed for you!
xoxoxo

Bernie said...

Cancer sucks!!!! I am so sorry that the news was what it was.
I love that your not giving up and keep looking for "what's next" you are so special.
Good Luck sweetie, let's hope you get accepted and then receive the real deal......keeping you in my heart and prayers always....:-)Hugs

joanlil said...

OH, Daria, I am so sorry. I restarted chemo today and I am not looking forward to the next fortnight, but I'm not giving up either.

Karen said...

I am so sorry that you got bad news. You have helped me so much, and you are in my thoughts.

Elayne said...

Keep Fighting Daria!! Prayers and thoughts are with you my friend!

gillian said...

Yes, you keep up the fight. Here's to your qualifying for the trial. Lots of love

Anonymous said...

If there is a trial I'd be 1st in line, your amazing.