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Hello my friends! A lot has been going on so I wanted to post a quick update. I've been having bad lower back pain for the last month or so. I thought it was my usual sciatica. I was wrong. This week I saw my radiation onc about CyberKnife for the new mets, but he said no. The mass is too large (now 14 cm) to be Knifed AND that it's pressing on my nerves, thus the pain. WTF. I've never had any direct pain from my cancer but, boy, now I've met it and it's NOT fun. I have opids but they aren't all I was led to believe from the news reports. That's the bad news. The good news - yes, there is some - is that the tumor is down in the pelvic girdle and completely contained. Contrary to previous opinion, the retroperitoneal mets were all wiped out by CyberKnife, not even a spot left. And, the new mets are moving downwards rather up and out which, at least, keeps me in the 'locoregional recurrence' category with a slightly better prognosis.
Dr. CyberKnife wants surgery ASAP to remove the problem. My regular oncologist concurrs. I have a consult Tuesday with the doc who did the original hysterectomy. I didn't like her but she's already been in there once and knows the terrain. Per my oncologist, if this mass can be removed surgically - which seems quite likely - I could reach the ever-elusive NED status. I probably sound crazy to be excited about MORE surgery, but the possibility of just cutting this crap out of me is very, very appealing (not to mention getting rid of the pain...). I'll post next week after my surgeon's appointment but wanted to let you know my sorta, kinda, squint-sideways-and-you-might-see-it good news. Happy Friday! B
Comments
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Boy oh boy!
"Per my oncologist, if this mass can be removed surgically - which seems quite likely - I could reach the ever-elusive NED status." That put a smile on my face. So sorry that you are experiencing pain. I am glad your surgeon wants to move quickly. Looking forward to getting your good news next week.
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I'd take surgery over chemo any day!
So sorry you are in pain. Have they tried a fentynal (sp?) patch on you? That was the most effective pain relief I got overseas when my recurrence tumor was pressing on my ilio-psoas nerve and causing brutal pain before radiation shrank the tumor. O/w, very relieved to see that your docs believe they can get the bugger all out. You'll be dancing with NED for Independence Day! Best wishes, Oldbeauty
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Praying for quick relief
Oh DerMaus
so sorry to hear you are in pain. That’s not fun at all! I’m with you with having the surgery to remove that. That should relieve your pai and put you back into NED. Nobody wants more surgery but if it gets it out and stops the pain then go for it! Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery and NED status!
hugs!!!!
Kathy
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The good
Praying that the good outweighs the bad here - very sorry for your pain, but thrilled to know the cyberknife works and that surgery can knock out the rest. Look forward to hearing more when you know more! (And I didn't like my surgeon either at first - honestly because I didn't think she liked me, but we grew on each other!)
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I hadn't though about askingoldbeauty said:I'd take surgery over chemo any day!
So sorry you are in pain. Have they tried a fentynal (sp?) patch on you? That was the most effective pain relief I got overseas when my recurrence tumor was pressing on my ilio-psoas nerve and causing brutal pain before radiation shrank the tumor. O/w, very relieved to see that your docs believe they can get the bugger all out. You'll be dancing with NED for Independence Day! Best wishes, Oldbeauty
I hadn't though about asking for a patch, good idea! Thank you.
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Oh DerMaus! That IS good news
Oh DerMaus! That IS good news....even without squinting sideways!
Haaaaahaaaa! I'm so sorry you're having to endure the pain, but it is a sign that says something is wrong. I hope you're feeling better today, and I hope you're a good candidate for the surgery...SOON!Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and journey with us. I'm going to be praying for you. Please keep us updated.
Sincerely,
Stacey
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