HAI THERAPY

I am meeting with Dr. Nancy Kemeny on 10/03/2012 to discuss the pump. I've heard some good things and need some inspiring words to launch into her care. Can anyone be a bright light in my fight against the mets in my liver. I am clean everywhere else and I understand from my onc at the HUP in Phila. that I am a good candidate.

Comments

  • Cathleen Mary
    Cathleen Mary Member Posts: 827 Member
    I am glad that you found

    I am glad that you found your way to the forum. Sorry you need to be here. I have no experience with HAI therapy but I am sure there are others here that do. I have found people to be generous about sharing experience and a wonderful source of support. This is a journey with many ups and downs but you can do it.
    Please let us know how you make out.

    Cathleen Mary
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Dr Kemeny & the HAI Pump
    Welcome Nelly, sorry you're here but glad you're HERE...
    I've been under Dr. Kemenys care shortly after I was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer back in Feb 2004. I too was a good candidate for the HAI pump. After six months of chemo (FOLFOX with Avastin) to shrink a large liver tumor on my hepatic artery, I had my resections done (small section of my colon removed and about 60-70% of my liver resected) and the HAI pump installed. I did six months of the HAI pump along with systemic chemo.

    I've had no issues with my liver or colon since.
    I've been dealing with lung mets since the resections but as far as my liver being clear, all is well...

    Personally, I have the highest respect and confidence in Dr. Kemeny and her team. Some folks find her "to the point" approach to be a slight turnoff. I'm not looking for Warm & Fuzzy, I'm looking for Smart & Experienced. The nurses provide the Warm & Fuzzies :-)

    I've met many people at her office over my 8+ years who have done very well under her care. Obviously, results always vary and no two cases are alike. There's no one size fits all with cancer.

    I still have my pump inside, once it's removed it can't be put back in due to scar tissue that the procedure leaves. It's no big deal (to me at least) to have it inside. IF I need it, it's there. Every eight weeks it gets filled with an inert lubricant to keep it ready to go if needed.

    I found a link to a Dr. Kemeny HAI Pump Video that may be helpful.
    Personally, I think you're making a very wise choice. What one does first can make all of the difference in your outcome. I hope this is helpful, PM me if you have questions, I'll help however I can!
    -phil
  • NELLYK01
    NELLYK01 Member Posts: 3
    PhillieG said:

    Dr Kemeny & the HAI Pump
    Welcome Nelly, sorry you're here but glad you're HERE...
    I've been under Dr. Kemenys care shortly after I was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer back in Feb 2004. I too was a good candidate for the HAI pump. After six months of chemo (FOLFOX with Avastin) to shrink a large liver tumor on my hepatic artery, I had my resections done (small section of my colon removed and about 60-70% of my liver resected) and the HAI pump installed. I did six months of the HAI pump along with systemic chemo.

    I've had no issues with my liver or colon since.
    I've been dealing with lung mets since the resections but as far as my liver being clear, all is well...

    Personally, I have the highest respect and confidence in Dr. Kemeny and her team. Some folks find her "to the point" approach to be a slight turnoff. I'm not looking for Warm & Fuzzy, I'm looking for Smart & Experienced. The nurses provide the Warm & Fuzzies :-)

    I've met many people at her office over my 8+ years who have done very well under her care. Obviously, results always vary and no two cases are alike. There's no one size fits all with cancer.

    I still have my pump inside, once it's removed it can't be put back in due to scar tissue that the procedure leaves. It's no big deal (to me at least) to have it inside. IF I need it, it's there. Every eight weeks it gets filled with an inert lubricant to keep it ready to go if needed.

    I found a link to a Dr. Kemeny HAI Pump Video that may be helpful.
    Personally, I think you're making a very wise choice. What one does first can make all of the difference in your outcome. I hope this is helpful, PM me if you have questions, I'll help however I can!
    -phil

    HAI pump
    Thanks for your repy. I feel so much more optimistic after reading your story. I had a colon resection 7/30/201. Right now I feel great going into Kemeny's office tomorrow. This is a clinical trial to use both the pump and systemic together. only have mets in my liver which is one of the requirements of the trial. This has been one emotional roller coaster but I am prepared to fight to the new begining. I hope Ms. Personality (lol) can do her thing. I've researched and found that she was the best! I don't care about her sense of humor as long as I can maintain mine. Did you have lung mets when you started or did they occur during the treatment?
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    NELLYK01 said:

    HAI pump
    Thanks for your repy. I feel so much more optimistic after reading your story. I had a colon resection 7/30/201. Right now I feel great going into Kemeny's office tomorrow. This is a clinical trial to use both the pump and systemic together. only have mets in my liver which is one of the requirements of the trial. This has been one emotional roller coaster but I am prepared to fight to the new begining. I hope Ms. Personality (lol) can do her thing. I've researched and found that she was the best! I don't care about her sense of humor as long as I can maintain mine. Did you have lung mets when you started or did they occur during the treatment?

    HAI
    I had systemic too. I also had lung mets at the get go...
    I really like her. I've known her for over 8 1/2 years!
    Can't beat that...
    Good luck tomorrow.
    -phil
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Nelly
    Hope things go very well today...
    -p