unhappy update/once again asking for your prayers

Marsha Mulvey
Marsha Mulvey Member Posts: 597 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
I was recently asked to post how I was doing and promised to do so when I had some answers. Several things have been happening so I'll start with the chest(lung) scan that was ordered because I was having this feeling of not being able to use the oxygen I was breathing in (hard to describe). They feared a possible blood clot(s) in the lungs or pulmonary arteries. This test was alright:) Next I was sent for an echocardiogram to look at the ejection fraction rate (this is what I suspected the problem might be). I decided to stop the Xeloda and Tykerb on my own - something had to change, I couldn't continue like that! Within three days, I realized the "oxygen" thing seemed to be improving.

Then on Monday I had my 3 month scan for the cancer itself. On Friday, I saw my oncologist for the results. I began by telling him that I had "de-medicated" myself a week ago, he said he was glad I did because the ejection fraction rate had dropped from over 55% to just 45% and that it was very probable the Tykerb had caused it. This seems to still be improving some.

Unfortunately, the cancer was not improving over the 2 1/2 months of Xeloda and Tykerb (misery). As you may remember, there are numerous tumors in my liver and progress in either direction is measured by the 2 largest. If we go back to the Jan. scan, Navelbine and Herceptin had shrunk the tumors down to where even the largest were only about half an inch in size. Then the May scan showed that they were on the upswing again and that's when we switched to the newer targeted therapy of Tykerb in conjunction with Xeloda. I have of course continued with the monthly infusions of Zometa to help with the bones. The bone mets have remained stable.

The big, bad, and ugly news is that the tumors in the liver have more than doubled in size since May. One tumor is now 5.8 x 4.2cm and the other is 5 x 4.6cm. They are large enough now that they're trying to come together with the smaller ones which are also advancing in size. Because I had taken myself off Tykerb and Xeloda the week before, I was able on Friday to start my new treatment. I was at OHA for nearly 6 hours. That included my appointment with Dr. S, my monthly Zometa infusion, and my new chemo Abraxane along with Herceptin.

I began writing on this board about 3 months into my journey and you've been with me ever since. Through the highs and lows you've been here encouraging me on. I don't plan on giving up anytime soon, but none of us knows what the future holds. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I do you. I wish you all the best.

Thanks, Marsha
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Comments

  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    #2
    I pray
    for you daily and will continue to do so. I'm so sorry your news isn't what we all were hoping for.

    Sending you positive thoughts and energy.

    xoxo
    Victoria
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #3
    Good to hear from you, Marsha..
    But hate the test results.....never fear, you have our support, encouragement and best wishes...please keep us updated as we truly care...

    I start my ninth day of Xeloda tomorrow...along with my second full week of radiation....2 down, 4 to go....
    Know I keep you in my prayers along with all our pink sisters..
    Best wishes and hugs,
    Nancy
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #4
    Marsha, I am right there
    Marsha, I am right there with you cheering you on and hoping that the Abraxane is the answer. I, too, just started taking Abraxane on Friday for liver mets. This seems to be a very twisted road that we travel and I'm so thankful for all our kindred spirits that can encourage and support us through it. I'm here for you and sending all positives vibes for some healing. Hang in there! (((Hugs)))
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #5
    You are never more than a
    You are never more than a thought away from all of us, and of course you are lifted up in prayer by more than you can possibly imagine. I know you are not giving up, even with the news ( sigh) not as good on all fronts as you would like it to be. Nevertheless, you are t proactive, and taking charge of your own life, and that is an encouragement to us all! We send you courage, strength and every positive thing you can ever need as you make your way through this journey!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
    #6
    chenheart said:

    You are never more than a
    You are never more than a thought away from all of us, and of course you are lifted up in prayer by more than you can possibly imagine. I know you are not giving up, even with the news ( sigh) not as good on all fronts as you would like it to be. Nevertheless, you are t proactive, and taking charge of your own life, and that is an encouragement to us all! We send you courage, strength and every positive thing you can ever need as you make your way through this journey!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    Sending more prayers
    Just wanted to let you know you are in my prayers and thoughts.

    Lots of hugs!

    Debi
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #7
    chenheart said:

    You are never more than a
    You are never more than a thought away from all of us, and of course you are lifted up in prayer by more than you can possibly imagine. I know you are not giving up, even with the news ( sigh) not as good on all fronts as you would like it to be. Nevertheless, you are t proactive, and taking charge of your own life, and that is an encouragement to us all! We send you courage, strength and every positive thing you can ever need as you make your way through this journey!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    Praying for the new treatment
    to be the one that turns this back around for you.
    Dee
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #8
    dyaneb123 said:

    Praying for the new treatment
    to be the one that turns this back around for you.
    Dee

    I hope you can feel us all
    I hope you can feel us all with you. sorry for the test results, but glad you are on a new regime to kill the cancer and giver your heart function a chance to recover
  • gami43
    gami43 Member Posts: 281
    #9
    carkris said:

    I hope you can feel us all
    I hope you can feel us all with you. sorry for the test results, but glad you are on a new regime to kill the cancer and giver your heart function a chance to recover

    So sorry to hear your news.
    So sorry to hear your news. Hope your new tx will be the
    one! Sending you strength,hugs and prayers for A good
    outcome.

    Luv, Teresa
  • Sunrae
    Sunrae Member Posts: 808
    #10
    carkris said:

    I hope you can feel us all
    I hope you can feel us all with you. sorry for the test results, but glad you are on a new regime to kill the cancer and giver your heart function a chance to recover

    Thank you, Marsha, for
    Thank you, Marsha, for letting us know what's going on, even tho the news wasn't what we wanted to hear. My heart goes out to you and everyone who's having to do battle again. Sometimes I wonder why it has to reoccur when we've did everything in our power to kill all those tumors and cells. I watched my mother battle bc three times and each time it just about did her and our family in. Still there are many who have survived and won and living their lives. Don't ever give up or lose hope. I look forward to the day when we won't need these boards, when all cancers will be conquered. Since I'm older it may not happen in my lifetime but I certainly hope and pray that its not too far in the future. Wishing the best for all of you and keeping you in my prayers. Keep posting and know we're here for you.
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #11
    Sunrae said:

    Thank you, Marsha, for
    Thank you, Marsha, for letting us know what's going on, even tho the news wasn't what we wanted to hear. My heart goes out to you and everyone who's having to do battle again. Sometimes I wonder why it has to reoccur when we've did everything in our power to kill all those tumors and cells. I watched my mother battle bc three times and each time it just about did her and our family in. Still there are many who have survived and won and living their lives. Don't ever give up or lose hope. I look forward to the day when we won't need these boards, when all cancers will be conquered. Since I'm older it may not happen in my lifetime but I certainly hope and pray that its not too far in the future. Wishing the best for all of you and keeping you in my prayers. Keep posting and know we're here for you.

    Marsha .. You are so brave and strong .. continuing the
    fight .. exploring options -- brave WARRIOR. I am so PROUD of you!

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, like so many here on our site -- we are here for you anytime of the day -- ready to offer support, a shoulder to lean on, Love and Courage.

    Battle on dear, Marsha.

    Gentle hugs,

    Vicki Sam
  • robang13
    robang13 Member Posts: 333
    #12
    Praying for you Marsha~
    Praying for you Marsha~ Sending out some big hugs your way too~

    Angela
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #13
    robang13 said:

    Praying for you Marsha~
    Praying for you Marsha~ Sending out some big hugs your way too~

    Angela

    Thank you, Marsha
    for remembering to bring us up to date in spite of your last few weeks. You know we all support you, send prayers, hugs, and hope and want to be kept abreast on your progress.
    Love and hope to you all.

    Suzanne
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #14
    robang13 said:

    Praying for you Marsha~
    Praying for you Marsha~ Sending out some big hugs your way too~

    Angela

    Marsha,
    Marsha,
    You are always in my thoughts and prayers.Sorry for the bad news. I am glad that both your doctor and you are very proactive and decisive. I hope new regimen will work and do the job. Wishing you minimal side effects with this new Chemo and fast improvement in tumor size and overall conditions. Please know we do care and always looking forward to see your post.
    Hugs
    New Flower
  • epark
    epark Member Posts: 339
    #15
    New Flower said:

    Marsha,
    Marsha,
    You are always in my thoughts and prayers.Sorry for the bad news. I am glad that both your doctor and you are very proactive and decisive. I hope new regimen will work and do the job. Wishing you minimal side effects with this new Chemo and fast improvement in tumor size and overall conditions. Please know we do care and always looking forward to see your post.
    Hugs
    New Flower

    Marsha
    you are in my prayers...may god put his healing hands on you...
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #16
    Wish you had better news to
    Wish you had better news to share. I'm glad that you are on different meds and pray that they beat the beast back down. You are one strong lady. xoxoxo Lynn
  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    #17
    Sorry those meds didn't work
    Will be praying that the new drug does.

    Your strength is an inspiration to us all, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Jennifer
  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    #18
    grams2jc said:

    Sorry those meds didn't work
    Will be praying that the new drug does.

    Your strength is an inspiration to us all, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Jennifer

    So sorry
    I hope that your new regimen works and works very quickly. My thoughts are with you.

    Strength and hope.

    Best,
    Clementine
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #19
    MAJW said:

    Good to hear from you, Marsha..
    But hate the test results.....never fear, you have our support, encouragement and best wishes...please keep us updated as we truly care...

    I start my ninth day of Xeloda tomorrow...along with my second full week of radiation....2 down, 4 to go....
    Know I keep you in my prayers along with all our pink sisters..
    Best wishes and hugs,
    Nancy

    I am praying for you
    I am praying for you Marsha!


    Hugs, Megan
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #20
    Clementine_P said:

    So sorry
    I hope that your new regimen works and works very quickly. My thoughts are with you.

    Strength and hope.

    Best,
    Clementine

    Praying for you
    Praying for you Marsha.
    Hugs,
    Wanda
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #21
    chenheart said:

    You are never more than a
    You are never more than a thought away from all of us, and of course you are lifted up in prayer by more than you can possibly imagine. I know you are not giving up, even with the news ( sigh) not as good on all fronts as you would like it to be. Nevertheless, you are t proactive, and taking charge of your own life, and that is an encouragement to us all! We send you courage, strength and every positive thing you can ever need as you make your way through this journey!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥

    Marsha, every pink sister
    Marsha, every pink sister here is praying for you.


    ♥ Kristin ♥

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