PET scan results

cookingirl
cookingirl Member Posts: 183 Member
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
Hi all - after 11 months of chemo, we held our breath from PET scan last Friday until getting results yesterday. Though it's a partial remission (don't think it's in the cards for me to ever reach a full one), many good things happened this time which we're so thankful for! My large abdominal mass tumor is reduced in size this Jan. from 5.8 x 2.7 cm to 3.8 x 2.2. Was 15 cm when we started two different chemos June, 2010 so that'a a blessing. Best of all, my SUV value was 15 on last PET in Jan and is now 3.5 - great difference! Finally, there is no evidence of metastatic disease or additional malignancy AND the activity within the bone marrow on prior scan has greatly improved. There is no abnormal bone marrow activity on the current study. We were very excited to hear such good news - makes the Treanda which was brutal for me worth all the suffering.

My Oncologist had planned to do a two year Rituxan maintance every 3 months to keep me in remission longer than the 9.2 months Treanda normally produces. Since I didn't reach a full one, he suggests I return to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for a second opinion in late June. I'm a firm believer in prayer and know the hundreds being offered for me got me to this point, along with the medications. There's always a next step around the corner so must find out what that will be. Fran

Comments

  • Michele23
    Michele23 Member Posts: 168
    #2
    Great news
    Really happy for you.Can't believe how some get little reaction from this drug and then I have a fullblown reaction.Like my immune system said NO WAY but the drug did take my nodes down after just 4 treatments so we'll see how long this works since onc stopped the treatments.Faith and prayer all the way.Blessing,Michele Dx95 FNHL3
  • vinny59
    vinny59 Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #3
    Nice
    Very nice to hear Fran, I will keep the positive thoughts coming your way! Vinny
  • miss maggie
    miss maggie Member Posts: 929
    #4
    Such a blessing
    Dear Fran,

    I am so excited and happy for you about the pet scan results. What a great way of
    starting my day. I am sorry for all you went through, but the results were well
    worth it.

    I wish you well the the Rituxan treatment. God Bless Love maggie
  • JoanieP
    JoanieP Member Posts: 573
    #5
    Fran
    I, like you was praying for a full remission but there are so many positive results that happened to you. The rituxin will be a cake walk compared to what you have been through. I do have achy joints but the 1500 glucosomine my ONC reccommended is helping. MY husband has shingles so I am doing the 5 hour cleaning routine to get the boat ready for charters. He is feeling so tired so the house is a mess but you know I have learned it doesn't matter. I hope you will be able to go on the trip you planned this summer. Take care and may God continue to bless you daily. If you go to Moffit this summer, let me know. If I am not on vacation I will drive over to meet you. Hugs Joanie
  • CountryGal7557
    CountryGal7557 Member Posts: 164 Member
    #6
    so so happy for you
    Fran, I am so very happy for you! This is such wonderful news!! Congrats! Hugs! Janelle
  • allmost60
    allmost60 Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    #7
    Happy!
    Hi Fran,
    I'm so happy your tumors have continued to shrink. Looks like all of our prayers paid off. I get Rituxan every other month, and so far the only thing I'm not pleased about is my lack of energy and achey joints. Yesterday when I went in for my monthly port flush I asked the chemo nurse if it is common to still have low energy this long after finishing chemo..(Dec). She said each person is different, but yes, it's not uncommon, and in some cases she has delt with, she's seen people with low energy up to a year after finishing their chemo. So, I've decided to just quit worrying about it and take each day as it comes. Please share with us what the doctor has to say after you go for your second opinion in June. In the meantime, enjoy life and live each day as stress free and peaceful, as possible.
    Much love...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)
  • COBRA666
    COBRA666 Member Posts: 2,401 Member
    #8
    allmost60 said:

    Happy!
    Hi Fran,
    I'm so happy your tumors have continued to shrink. Looks like all of our prayers paid off. I get Rituxan every other month, and so far the only thing I'm not pleased about is my lack of energy and achey joints. Yesterday when I went in for my monthly port flush I asked the chemo nurse if it is common to still have low energy this long after finishing chemo..(Dec). She said each person is different, but yes, it's not uncommon, and in some cases she has delt with, she's seen people with low energy up to a year after finishing their chemo. So, I've decided to just quit worrying about it and take each day as it comes. Please share with us what the doctor has to say after you go for your second opinion in June. In the meantime, enjoy life and live each day as stress free and peaceful, as possible.
    Much love...Sue (FNHL-2-3A-6/10)

    Great News
    Fran,
    it is great to hear that all the numbers are going down.I know you wanted so much for the full remission and we did as well. I have heard the maintenance therapy continues to lower the numbers. The chemo continues to work even after you stop treatments too. We all think of you and we keep our fingers crossd. John(FNL-1-4A-5/10)
  • cookingirl
    cookingirl Member Posts: 183 Member
    #9
    COBRA666 said:

    Great News
    Fran,
    it is great to hear that all the numbers are going down.I know you wanted so much for the full remission and we did as well. I have heard the maintenance therapy continues to lower the numbers. The chemo continues to work even after you stop treatments too. We all think of you and we keep our fingers crossd. John(FNL-1-4A-5/10)

    Thanks for your positive comments...
    Thanks to each of you for writing - know what struggles you've all had too and so nice to know we're here for each other. My Oncologist also told me, John, that the chemo will continue to work for 6 months so that was good to know and hopefully the maintenance will as well.

    Joanie - so sorry to hear your hubby has shingles - that's painful, I hear! Wish you had help getting your boat ready! I will definately call you if I get to Tampa before you return to school - would love to meet you! Fondly, Fran
  • JoanieP
    JoanieP Member Posts: 573
    #10
    cookingirl said:

    Thanks for your positive comments...
    Thanks to each of you for writing - know what struggles you've all had too and so nice to know we're here for each other. My Oncologist also told me, John, that the chemo will continue to work for 6 months so that was good to know and hopefully the maintenance will as well.

    Joanie - so sorry to hear your hubby has shingles - that's painful, I hear! Wish you had help getting your boat ready! I will definately call you if I get to Tampa before you return to school - would love to meet you! Fondly, Fran

    Great
    Hi Fran ,
    We've had 3 charters in 10 days.. That never happens. John fainted on the boat on the charter this Sunday night. It freaked me out. He went to the Dr and he is fine. It was very hot before we left the dock and he hadn't eaten . Hey all this boat scubbing I get to eat a cookie or two:) Can't wait to meet you:)
  • Michele23
    Michele23 Member Posts: 168
    #11
    JoanieP said:

    Great
    Hi Fran ,
    We've had 3 charters in 10 days.. That never happens. John fainted on the boat on the charter this Sunday night. It freaked me out. He went to the Dr and he is fine. It was very hot before we left the dock and he hadn't eaten . Hey all this boat scubbing I get to eat a cookie or two:) Can't wait to meet you:)

    Good report
    Fran,The report may not be everything you wanted but it's still a good report.Fly with it,keep your positive attitude.Be good to yourself.Take care,Michele Dx95 FNHL3
  • onlytoday
    onlytoday Member Posts: 609 Member
    #12
    Great!
    Fran,
    So happy to hear your great news! Glad that you got great results after having such a difficult time with the Treanda.

    I am a firm believer in prayer as well. You are in mine. :)

    Love,
    Donna

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