Surprise this week!

chicoturner
chicoturner Member Posts: 282
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well after posting last week saying my scans showed the same as the previous ones, I got several encouraging words from friends here about being happy about being the same and the tumors not growing! Thank you, I whole heartly agreed! Then I had an appt. with my onc. He said he wanted me off of all of my drugs as I needed a rest. I have been on ironotecan and avastin for just over 1 year. Very few changes except at the beginning. He said (and I guess it's true) that the chemo just isn't working and the side affects are making me sicker each time. He wants me to rest. There are no more choices left for him to treat me with as I have the mutated gene. He is calling UCSF as he felt that I could be offered more options there. I was not expecting that conversation! I guess I knew it would come someday, but I was happy with no growth! Later in the evening I was talking with my son (he's 32) and he is usually pretty emotional about my health, so I dreaded the whole conversation. He listened to me and said..." Wow, that's great news! Now you can move to the major league where they can treat you with newer meds and have more options. You are still healthy and the cancer hasn't shown growth! You'er in a great position Mom!" Well, what an attitude change I had! I quickly got over my pity party and moved into "lucky me" mode! It's funny how a different way of looking at things can change everything! thanks for letting me ramble, but, maybe someone else out there will be encouraged by looking at a situation a little differently. Thanks again, Jean

Comments

  • RickMurtagh
    RickMurtagh Member Posts: 587 Member
    #2
    the kids
    I have found my three children to be all over the place on talking about my cancer. My youngest (24), and most invincible, listens mostly. My daughter (26), the nurturing encourager, does not like to talk about it much. She gets very emotionally involved. My oldest son (28), the wisest person I know, encourages, encourages, encourages and adds a small bit of genuine empathy at just the right moments.

    I am glad you son has had an opportunity to help you through the pity party! Children can be such a blessing, even the grown ones.
  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #3
    More options
    Jean said: Then I had an appt. with my onc. He said he wanted me off of all of my drugs as I needed a rest. I have been on ironotecan and avastin for just over 1 year. Very few changes except at the beginning. He said (and I guess it's true) that the chemo just isn't working and the side affects are making me sicker each time. He wants me to rest. There are no more choices left for him to treat me with as I have the mutated gene.

    Hi Jean, Actually there is a study underway that uses a second chemo along with Erbitux and it's been shown to work on KRAS mutants. Next, look at Peter's thread about trials and Lisa42's posts. There's a LOT more out there than the chemo you've listed and still plenty of help available.

    I love your son's attitude!
  • lcarper2
    lcarper2 Member Posts: 635 Member
    #4
    dianetavegia said:

    More options
    Jean said: Then I had an appt. with my onc. He said he wanted me off of all of my drugs as I needed a rest. I have been on ironotecan and avastin for just over 1 year. Very few changes except at the beginning. He said (and I guess it's true) that the chemo just isn't working and the side affects are making me sicker each time. He wants me to rest. There are no more choices left for him to treat me with as I have the mutated gene.

    Hi Jean, Actually there is a study underway that uses a second chemo along with Erbitux and it's been shown to work on KRAS mutants. Next, look at Peter's thread about trials and Lisa42's posts. There's a LOT more out there than the chemo you've listed and still plenty of help available.

    I love your son's attitude!

    more options
    Glad there is more out there for you to try. My 24 yr old daughter won't talk about my having cancer. My 29 yr old son has been my rock calls me 3 x aday to see how I am doing he works for the railroad and when I 1st got cancer right after my surgery he came to see me and told me he was going to tell his boss not to send him more than 10 hrs away from home. I thought how neat that after we raised them and wondered if we did everything right , they say something like that...anyway Jean I am praying for you...
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #5
    You have a wonderful, smart
    You have a wonderful, smart son! Congratulations on raising such a success! Good luck with your next steps.
  • sfmarie
    sfmarie Member Posts: 602
    #6
    Jean
    I went to a conference in October last year at UCSF and met their whole team. They seem to be soo knowledgeable and I particularly liked the female colorectal surgeon. Wicked smart and so down to earth. I am sure you will get GREAT care there. I do think there are alot more options out there and it is frustrating not all oncs. are up to speed on them. Best of luck and I love how you just stopped your pity party-that is not easy to do. I live nearby so if you do go to UCSF do let me know. Prayers for you, Marie

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