5 out of 6 treatments down and a heart-to-heart with my doctor
Dr M seemed in an especially good mood today (I was reading on my e-Reader when he walked in and we talked about the technology and discussed books. We are both sci-fi fans.) So I took the opportunity to pose a few questions. What's next, for example.
He said after treatment #6 we do another CT scan, another sonogram, and then we talk. He thinks the results will be good. If that is the case (Dear God, please, PLEASE let that be the case), we can either "wait and watch", or I can do another round of just Taxol - the idea being that it might kill off any rogue cancer cells that are so young and/or small that we can't "see" them via diagnostic tools like scans, etc.
He said I was lucky, in that I had tolerated the treatment very well (save the very first session). Some people, he said, can barely make it thru the initial 6 treatments and he does not push them to do extra chemo that may or may not be helpful. And others just want to stop on general principle. Surprisingly (at least I was surprised), a good number say, "No more. I want my hair back." He does not push them toward the "extra" chemo, either. He is not convinced it "helps you live longer in the end".
Still........I voted early. I voted for the extra round of Taxol. Even if all the tests look like I am dancing my butt off with NED, I still vote for more Taxol - just in case. How many of you would make the same choice?
Comments
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Go Girl
Sounds like you are doing awesome. I was the same way with my first chemo treatment, except for the very first one, I suffered aweful on day 5 for sure. Then after that I sailed through all of them, I use to tell everyone, if it wasn't for the fact I had no hair I would swear I didn't have cancer. I sure wish I could say that now. But I'll kick ****. Forgive me for asking cos I should know, what where you staged at?
I would definately go for the extra, you bet, why not? I would take any measures at all if I felt it would make a difference. You go Girl. And I want to hear only good news! I want to read NED! That would be awesome. Well today (it's early a.m right now) I have an appointment with the renal specialist to find out how my kidney's are doing. I am so scared and nervous to what the outcome is going to be. My whole treatment depends on this! Kidneys bad then no treatments are an option. So talk to the big Guy for me K? Meanwhile I'm rooting for you, stay beautiful and possitive. That is a beautiful picture of you, I'm sure you've been told that a thousand times. Love to you always.
Linda0 -
extra chemo
I'd definitely vote for extra. I had 8 cycles of carbo/taxol and almost no side effects and didn't need any blood boosters. My Japanese doc said that the stats say that it doesn't make a difference whether I had 6 or 8. My US doc tends to keep treating and does over 6 cycles if you can tolerate. Anyway, I'm convinced it is what gave me the 8 month NED, (although of-course I wanted complete NED!)
Sounds like you are doing very well.
You go girl!
Kathleen:)0 -
take the extrakayandok said:extra chemo
I'd definitely vote for extra. I had 8 cycles of carbo/taxol and almost no side effects and didn't need any blood boosters. My Japanese doc said that the stats say that it doesn't make a difference whether I had 6 or 8. My US doc tends to keep treating and does over 6 cycles if you can tolerate. Anyway, I'm convinced it is what gave me the 8 month NED, (although of-course I wanted complete NED!)
Sounds like you are doing very well.
You go girl!
Kathleen:)
My story is almost identical to Kayandok. I had 8 rounds total with no problems or side effects except fatigue. 5 IV carbo/taxol and 3 IP cisplatin/taxol. Again, there is no proof it will add to your life expectancy. I would have stayed on chemo if I was given the option!!! I too had an 8 month remission. I wish you much longer remission!!!0 -
I Didn't
Hi Carlene,
I had 7 rounds of carbo/taxol -- I was supposed to have 8, but the drugs were too much on my body, too much neuropothy and continual blood problems (needing transfusions), as well as my port got infected and I ended up in the hospital. So when my oncologist said she's like me to take another year's worth of Taxol, I said I'd prefer not to. Instead I went on oral chemo Femara. Well, 7 months later I had a recurrence. The Femara didn't work. I wonder if the Taxol would have. That was my one worry about not doing it -- would I later wish I had because I would wonder if things would be different? Well, that's what ended up happening. I think your choice to take the Taxol is good. You won't have to wonder like I do. You'll know you did everything you could.
I'm so glad for your good news!
Marty0 -
Extra Taxol
Hi Hissy,
'Glad you're doing so well. Your post brings up a much debated subject that I was going to post again on-maintenance chemo.
I had 8 rounds of carbo/taxol and my Doc is a believer in maintenance. A recent study by
Dr. Gordon Ruskin(an intersting read) says that it does not prolong life. I did not discuss this study at length with my Doc and chose to do taxol in low doses once a month. It does not bother me, but it would be nice to have a break from the labs, doc visits, etc. BUT, it does keep me close to the doc and make me feel I am doing something.
I know a lot of women opt for doing nothing. My CA125 is at 5 now. I, like everybody also, hope I might be on of the lucky ones that beats this, but we all know the story!
I had to have major bowel reconstruction surgery in November(a major bummer) so my chemo was postponed, 'just started again. I formed scar tissue from my original surgery.
'Wishing my best to you and continuing success at beating this monster. Luv, Froggy(3C, 9/08)0 -
Stagingdorion said:Go Girl
Sounds like you are doing awesome. I was the same way with my first chemo treatment, except for the very first one, I suffered aweful on day 5 for sure. Then after that I sailed through all of them, I use to tell everyone, if it wasn't for the fact I had no hair I would swear I didn't have cancer. I sure wish I could say that now. But I'll kick ****. Forgive me for asking cos I should know, what where you staged at?
I would definately go for the extra, you bet, why not? I would take any measures at all if I felt it would make a difference. You go Girl. And I want to hear only good news! I want to read NED! That would be awesome. Well today (it's early a.m right now) I have an appointment with the renal specialist to find out how my kidney's are doing. I am so scared and nervous to what the outcome is going to be. My whole treatment depends on this! Kidneys bad then no treatments are an option. So talk to the big Guy for me K? Meanwhile I'm rooting for you, stay beautiful and possitive. That is a beautiful picture of you, I'm sure you've been told that a thousand times. Love to you always.
Linda
I was diagnosed Sept 09 at Stage 3c. I had debulking surgery 9/29/09, which included removal of omentum and bowel resection. Though I had lots of complications and did not get to go home for over 2 weeks, I feel 100% better now.0 -
I don't blame you, Nancyunknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
I didn't get to do the IP treatments, much to my dismay. My doctor was afraid I would not tolerate them and did not install the IP port. He now says it doesn't matter - that I got the same results without it, but there's always that nagging little doubt, you know? What if....
I have only had 6 infusions and I don't know how many "extra" Taxol sessions I will have.
Carlene0 -
Single agent taxol had been an EASY chemo for me.Hissy_Fitz said:I don't blame you, Nancy
I didn't get to do the IP treatments, much to my dismay. My doctor was afraid I would not tolerate them and did not install the IP port. He now says it doesn't matter - that I got the same results without it, but there's always that nagging little doubt, you know? What if....
I have only had 6 infusions and I don't know how many "extra" Taxol sessions I will have.
Carlene
I am being treated for my 1st recutrrance and getting WEEKLY taxol at 1/3 the dose I got for my initial diagnosis when I had the 6 rounds of carbo/taxol most of you teal warriors get also initially. The taxol by itself is such an EASY chemo. My only side affects are fatigue as the day wears on and baldness again, none of the nueropathy of bone pain or nausea of the 2-agent carbo/taxol cocktail. I was thrilled to be out of treatment and to travel and LOVE and grow hair for my 5 months of remission. But in retrospect of my fast recurrence, I would have stayed on this easy taxol as a maintenance drug if it was offered. My chemo onc doesn't believe in maintenance chemo except for special cases like Herceptin for HER2+ breast cancer.0 -
I took it
I took a low dose Taxol for 11 times after the initial 8 carbo/taxol. I became resistant to Taxol and probably will not be able to take it again. NED during that time. Then I went on Femara (antiestrogen) to prolong it more. I would do it again because like you, I tolerated it well. Saundra0 -
GREAT NEWS!
That's a super marker number! And it sounds like your doctor and you are being wise by choosing the extra. By the way, you aren't located in Michigan, are you? Sorry if I didn't recall your location from any mention of it in other posts, but I also call my doctor, 'Dr. M'.
Anyway, sendig lots of hugs to all of you (everyone can use hugs now and then!).
Monika0 -
I'm in Texasmopar said:GREAT NEWS!
That's a super marker number! And it sounds like your doctor and you are being wise by choosing the extra. By the way, you aren't located in Michigan, are you? Sorry if I didn't recall your location from any mention of it in other posts, but I also call my doctor, 'Dr. M'.
Anyway, sendig lots of hugs to all of you (everyone can use hugs now and then!).
Monika
I live in one of the bedroom communities between Dallas and Ft Worth.
Carlene0 -
no maintenancelindaprocopio said:Single agent taxol had been an EASY chemo for me.
I am being treated for my 1st recutrrance and getting WEEKLY taxol at 1/3 the dose I got for my initial diagnosis when I had the 6 rounds of carbo/taxol most of you teal warriors get also initially. The taxol by itself is such an EASY chemo. My only side affects are fatigue as the day wears on and baldness again, none of the nueropathy of bone pain or nausea of the 2-agent carbo/taxol cocktail. I was thrilled to be out of treatment and to travel and LOVE and grow hair for my 5 months of remission. But in retrospect of my fast recurrence, I would have stayed on this easy taxol as a maintenance drug if it was offered. My chemo onc doesn't believe in maintenance chemo except for special cases like Herceptin for HER2+ breast cancer.
My oncologist as Memorial Sloan Kettering does not do maintenance either.0 -
SPQ If I Evere Heard One!Hissy_Fitz said:I'm in Texas
I live in one of the bedroom communities between Dallas and Ft Worth.
Carlene
Carlene - have you ever heard of the Sweet Potato Queens? They're a group of women in Mississippi who formed a club (with many local chapters everywhere!). These are true southern belles with balls! You are the epitome of these women (I am a HUGE fan), so if you've never heard of them, go to your local bookstore and find one of their books. Jill Connor Browne is the author, and she is just hysterical - laugh out loud funny!
Your "kick some ****" attitude and your sense of humor is to be celebrated!!
We all need a little SPQ in our lives!0 -
Sweet Potato Queens fanjtotten1 said:SPQ If I Evere Heard One!
Carlene - have you ever heard of the Sweet Potato Queens? They're a group of women in Mississippi who formed a club (with many local chapters everywhere!). These are true southern belles with balls! You are the epitome of these women (I am a HUGE fan), so if you've never heard of them, go to your local bookstore and find one of their books. Jill Connor Browne is the author, and she is just hysterical - laugh out loud funny!
Your "kick some ****" attitude and your sense of humor is to be celebrated!!
We all need a little SPQ in our lives!
I am a fan of these ladies too. I think all of you would get a kick out of reading this book. I loved it and laughter is a great healer. Saundra0 -
More taxol
Good on you girl. I would vote for anything that my doctor considered worthwhile. Go for it and I wish all thre luck in the world. Tina xxx0 -
NEDTina Brown said:More taxol
Good on you girl. I would vote for anything that my doctor considered worthwhile. Go for it and I wish all thre luck in the world. Tina xxx
Hiya ladies.
I have been reading through all of your stories of amazing reslove and determination that give me a much needed boost. However I keep seeing the word NED & am not sure what it means???? Forgive me I am from the UK so it may just be a phrase used in the states.
Love Tin xxx0 -
No evidence of disease. AtTina Brown said:NED
Hiya ladies.
I have been reading through all of your stories of amazing reslove and determination that give me a much needed boost. However I keep seeing the word NED & am not sure what it means???? Forgive me I am from the UK so it may just be a phrase used in the states.
Love Tin xxx
No evidence of disease. At least thats why I take it to mean. I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.0 -
Taxol as maintenancefroggy1 said:Extra Taxol
Hi Hissy,
'Glad you're doing so well. Your post brings up a much debated subject that I was going to post again on-maintenance chemo.
I had 8 rounds of carbo/taxol and my Doc is a believer in maintenance. A recent study by
Dr. Gordon Ruskin(an intersting read) says that it does not prolong life. I did not discuss this study at length with my Doc and chose to do taxol in low doses once a month. It does not bother me, but it would be nice to have a break from the labs, doc visits, etc. BUT, it does keep me close to the doc and make me feel I am doing something.
I know a lot of women opt for doing nothing. My CA125 is at 5 now. I, like everybody also, hope I might be on of the lucky ones that beats this, but we all know the story!
I had to have major bowel reconstruction surgery in November(a major bummer) so my chemo was postponed, 'just started again. I formed scar tissue from my original surgery.
'Wishing my best to you and continuing success at beating this monster. Luv, Froggy(3C, 9/08)
My doctor told me the same thing.....Taxol "maintenance" will not prolong my life. It might, however, push back the dreaded recurrance. He thinks it hold the cancer at bay, at least for a while.0
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