Lou Ann update

Lou Ann M
Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member

In the last week I have had a CT Scan, Angiogram, appointment with my Gyn-Onc, and today with my Onc.  CT Scan showed only shrinkage and no new growth.  The Avastin was working.  Angiogram showed nothing wrong with my arteries.  Doctors all agree the the heart attack was caused by a blood clot that got loose in my heart and has since dissolved also a pumping malfunction all caused by the Avastin.  Everyone is sure I can't go back to the Avastin. Darn it.  My Gyn-Onc says I look good in his area of expertise and agrees with my Onc. My Onc is trying to get me on something called Keytruda. We filled out the papers today to get a compassionate approval.  It seems to be similar to Opdivo.

This heart attack has zapped the little bit of energy that I had.  Two of the medicines that the hospital put me on have been dropped because my arteries  were not clogged at all, and that is helping a little.  Sometimes my head is so tired that reading is a problem.  I have not been able to read as many posts as I would have liked or posted much.

i need to say welcome to all the new members of this club and let you know that I am praying for you.

Hugs and prayers to all, Lou Ann

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Comments

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    edited June 2016 #2
    Lou Ann, Thanks for taking

    Lou Ann, Thanks for taking the time to update us. So sorry about the heart impacts. Sure sounds like Avastin was working well for you. On a good news note... shrinkage and nothing new! Woo Hoo! I'm praying for you that you can get on the Keytruda asap and that it is the final magic formula for you.

    I hope you are able to build your strength up and can have some really good days before you start the next steps.

    Take care of yourself my friend. Hug your puppy and your hubby!

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • brissance
    brissance Member Posts: 192
    Prayers

    God bless you..  it is so difficult to handle all this stuff, especially when you feel yukky..  I am sure when they get your energy back you will be back in the battle ready to leap some more tall buildings.  You have done it before and you will do it again.  Just be good to yourself and realize you have a lot of us saying our prayers for you and Keytruda.  I firmly believe in their healing powers and you will definitely be in my prayers.

  • EZLiving66
    EZLiving66 Member Posts: 1,482 Member
    edited June 2016 #4
    I'm so sorry you can't

    I'm so sorry you can't continue on the Avastin but glad that it worked while you took it.  Don't worry about not being able to answer posts; we're just happy you're doing good although very tired.  (((Lou Ann)))

    Love,

    Eldri

  • Editgrl
    Editgrl Member Posts: 903 Member

    Rest and build your strength up.  And good news on the no new growth.  Your doctors are always looking out for you and finding options.  That's wonderful.  Maybe Keytruda will be the magic bullet.

    Hugs,

    Chris

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    edited June 2016 #6
    Hang in there Lou Ann

    There are so many options these days. Keep the faith that one will work for you. We're all behind you!

  • Good to hear from you

    You are such a warrior.  I too am glad that the Avastin worked to shrink the tumors, it shows that you can be treated.  Now onward with the next treatment so you can continue on your way to health.  Hugs Nancy

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,353 Member
    edited June 2016 #8
    Lou Ann, good to hear from

    Lou Ann, good to hear from you.  Please take care of yourself right now.

  • EZLiving66
    EZLiving66 Member Posts: 1,482 Member
    How are you doing, Lou Ann??

    How are you doing, Lou Ann??  I've been worried about you.  (((Lou Ann)))

    Love,

    Eldri

  • CindylovesMike
    CindylovesMike Member Posts: 50
    Prayers

    for you Lou Ann. sending you lots of love and hugs.

    Cindy

  • Red Corvette
    Red Corvette Member Posts: 114 Member
    Lou Ann

    You are fierce. Thank you for letting us know about you. You are most definitely in our prayers and know that you will get stronger soon.

    Red

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    Thanks to all of you

    I am starting to get some of my strength back, but still get tired easily. I still have no appitite and my nueropathy has gotten worse for some reason.  I am trying to make good use of my 5 week chemo vacation.  Last weekend we made it to Twin Falls, ID to see all four of our great grand babies.  What a treat.  This coming week we are going to try to make it to Seattle to see three of our kids. If I am still upto it we are going to head down to Seaside, OR for a couple of days and watch the ocean.  I just heard on Monday that I was approved by Merck for Keytruda and my doctor's office called today to say that they are reviewing it tomorro.  I will start infusions on the 11th of July.  I really feel like I am starting all over with no idea what to expect and a little scared after the heart attack from the Avastin.

    my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  Love, Lou Ann

  • joannewtta
    joannewtta Member Posts: 43
    Pacific NW

    I didn't realize you live somewhere in the Pacific NW. I'm in Vancouver, Wa. Not BC and not DC

    Joanne

  • Editgrl
    Editgrl Member Posts: 903 Member
    So glad to hear from you!

    How great that you were able to see all of your grandkids!  Indeed you are taking advantage of the chemo vacation.  I'm sorry that your neuropathy is worse, but it's promising that your strength is coming back.  Sending all good thoughts to you for the rest of your vacation and for the new chemo.

    Chris

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member

    Pacific NW

    I didn't realize you live somewhere in the Pacific NW. I'm in Vancouver, Wa. Not BC and not DC

    Joanne

    Beautiful Northwest

    I live in South western Montana and have kids in Monroe and Everrett, WA and Boise, ID. Also one in Alabama.  We have been through Vancover.  Beautiful area

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member
    Sending good thoughts! I hope

    Sending good thoughts! I hope you enjoy your chemo vacation!

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    edited June 2016 #17
    Positive vibes

    All good thought. And vibes sent your way. 

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    Good for you LouAnn!

    Thanks for taking time to let us know how you are doing. So glad to see you taking advantage of your chemo vacation. You deserve the healing time with your family.  Did you take you little doggie on your trips? :-)

    I don't blame you for being a bit afraid of starting up again after your last experience. You have great doctors watching over you and hopefully this next treatment will be much kinder to your body. And, that it will get rid of ALL of the darn cancer cells!

    Continue your wonderful vacation and come back strong.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Charissa
    Charissa Member Posts: 129 Member
    Thank you, Lou Ann, for

    Thank you, Lou Ann, for posting this information. It is valuable to others that may experience some of the same side effects. I am so glad they approved the new drug in place of the Avastin. Now, let's just pray it has the same, or better yet, is more effective then Avastin. Try to rest and take care of yourself. That is one area I was poor in. I always tended to everyone else's needs and put mine on the back burner. I quickly learned, I'm not invincible and if I don't care for myself I wont be here to care for my family. Blessings with love and hugs.

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    Charissa said:

    Thank you, Lou Ann, for

    Thank you, Lou Ann, for posting this information. It is valuable to others that may experience some of the same side effects. I am so glad they approved the new drug in place of the Avastin. Now, let's just pray it has the same, or better yet, is more effective then Avastin. Try to rest and take care of yourself. That is one area I was poor in. I always tended to everyone else's needs and put mine on the back burner. I quickly learned, I'm not invincible and if I don't care for myself I wont be here to care for my family. Blessings with love and hugs.

    Well said, Charissa

    Well said, Charissa. The analogy I like to use is that there is a reason that the airlines have you put your oxygen mask on before helping others with theirs. Kim 

  • janaes
    janaes Member Posts: 799 Member
    edited July 2016 #21
    Charssa, I really loved how

    Charssa, I really loved how you said that.  I too used to put others first and forgot myself. I yell way to much if I dont take care of myself.  That is why I love this forum because I can work on myself here and then beable to work on my kids when i get the help i need.