Update from IV-ville: Radiation WORKS

derMaus
derMaus Member Posts: 558 Member
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

I'm super tired but wanted to check in and thank you again for your many kind messages.  Unless I'm in the hospital or my computer's busted, I do check in every day - usually several times a day - but haven't had the energy to post just yet. Like Donna Faye and, I imagine, many others, I always check our regulars for the 'last online' date even if I'm not posting myself. I'm so glad they have that feature; it helps me feel connected even when I'm not fully participating.

I'm doing really well compared to last posting. In addition to God - obvsly - I give the credit for that to timely radiation. Because the new tumor is in an area that hadn't been treated before, they were able to zap it and I've gotten a huge amount of pain relief. THANK GOD! I'm to complete this week @ 17 cycles, then "rest" (WTF? Like a roast coming out of the oven?), then have a CT scan the next week...but I can already tell you what it will show: substantial shrinkage, as confirmed by my radiation onc's palpitation of my pelvis ("Definitely smaller!") and my own pain levels. While I continue with the Fentanyl patch, I haven't taken any prescription pain meds for over a week and, best of all, have been able to forego my daily morphine shot prior to treatment. Yay!!!  

I also started Keytruda on May 29th and that may well be contributing to the shrinkage, but I doubt it's having so much effect so quickly. In fact I'm starting to get a few side effects, nothing dramatic, but that's a whole 'nother posting. Meanwhile I wanted to mention the radiation link here, because I know how much we all struggle with the decision to have/not have it. I also know the side effects that plague some of our members, and wince every time I think about CheeseQueen57's godforsaken kidney stent. BUT, for me in this circumstance, the benefits are worth it... thus far. So far. Cross your fingers and keep on praying, as they say.  More later, love to you all, derMaus (aka Bobbi)

Comments

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member
    #2
    So good to hear from you!

    I was getting worried. So glad you are experiencing positive effects And coming out of the dark place. Keep us posted. We’re all with you!

  • oldbeauty
    oldbeauty Member Posts: 366 Member
    #3
    Fantastic!

    der Maus (Bobbi), I'm so happy to hear the radiation is working for you--both the tumor shrinkage and the pain relief.  I know many have worries about radiation, but when you need it....I, myself, have had good results two times and I would go for it a third time if necessary.  Please get your rest and recuperate.  Many positive thoughts flying your way.  Good news!  Best wishes, Oldbeauty

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,360 Member
    #4
    B, love to hear this. 

    B, love to hear this.  Continued prayers and hugs to you my friend.

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    #5
    Hey Bobbi, Great to hear such

    Hey Bobbi, Great to hear such positive news from you. Glad to hear your pain is better. What a journey and what a strong "competitor" you are. Praying that you win and dance with NED very soon. Such a hard road and yet.... You found a way to post and make me laugh this morning. If roasting in the oven works - yippie!!!! 

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Donna Faye
    Donna Faye Member Posts: 427 Member
    #6
    Was really getting worried - glad better news!

    Bobbi, have been checking 2 or 3 times a day hoping to hear from you. So glad things are better - radiation can be a booger but when it helps, we deal with it. So glad the pain is less as that can often overrule everything else. Keep strong and keep getting better. BIG HUG!  DF

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,678 Member
    edited July 2018 #7
    Whew!

    What a relief. Keep heading the same direction. 

    You always make me laugh. Love the resting roast analogy. Did you share that with the medical staff?

  • derMaus
    derMaus Member Posts: 558 Member
    #8
    CheeseQueen57 said:

    So good to hear from you!

    I was getting worried. So glad you are experiencing positive effects And coming out of the dark place. Keep us posted. We’re all with you!

    Since you mention it...

    Since you mention it...I know exactly what you're talking about with the dark place, but a small part of me finds it comforting to have been there...kind of a preview of coming attractions, so to speak. I felt I could just glide away - not in a giving up way but in a surrendering type way. My whole life I've been a fighter and it was a blessing, in a way, to know that even I have a place where I can say "enough". Does that make sense? xxoo B

  • Wannabeatit
    Wannabeatit Member Posts: 100 Member
    #9
    Dark place

    I know exactly what you mean about the dark place being a little peaceful. It’s hard to explain but I have always felt if you need to go there it can be a good thing. Somehow it makes me feel more powerful coming out the other side. You just have to tell yourself not to stay there too long. I am so glad you are getting some pain relief Bobbi. It makes such a huge difference! Wishing you the best of luck on your CT.

  • Armywife
    Armywife Member Posts: 451 Member
    #10
    You Rock!

    What a wonderful way to start the day - hearing from you!  Always eager to hear your adventures, perspectives and knowledge - you have done this thing so well.  Thank you for updating us!  

  • Northwoodsgirl
    Northwoodsgirl Member Posts: 571
    #11
    Good news!

    Oh Bobbie, that is such wonderful news!!! I too have been thinking about you and hoping the treatments were shrinking the cancer. Thank you too for mentioning about your experience with the dark side of fighting cancer. No one will completely understand unless they have been in the valley of darkness. Valleys do have light at both ends. Again, I am so happy the radiation has helped and am hopeful the Keytruda will too. ((Hug))

    Lori

  • sissa60
    sissa60 Member Posts: 27
    #12
    96

    Congratulation. So Glad things look positive and promising.  Our prayers are with you and waiting hope we will here good news after CT next week.

  • Armywife
    Armywife Member Posts: 451 Member
    #13
    Also

    Cannot wait to hear the keytruda post!  Keytruda and radiation are up next for me if/when I have recurrence.  Can never emphasize too much how much I appreciate your trailblazing on this.

  • MoeKay
    MoeKay Member Posts: 477 Member
    #14
    Great News

    So glad to hear that you're doing and feeling so much better, thanks to the radiation and possibly the Keytruda.  I hope that the good news keeps on coming for you!  Wishing you all the best. 

  • EZLiving66
    EZLiving66 Member Posts: 1,482 Member
    #15
    I am so glad this is working

    I am so glad this is working for you!!!!  *~8~*  That's me in my cheerleader outfit cheering you on!!!  Just wonderful, wonderful news, Bobbi!!!!

    Love,

    Eldri

  • rcdeman
    rcdeman Member Posts: 263 Member
    #16
    So happy to hear from you,

    So happy to hear from you, Bobbi. I'm glad the radiation is working on shrinking that tumor that's been ailing you. Praying that Keytruda will be the path to remission. Talking about Keytruda, I only just discovered that I actually know (as an acquaitance) one of the doctors who were involved with the original clinical trials. Interesting!

    Hope to hear from you again soon!
    Rebecca

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member
    #17
    Great news that radiation is

    Great news that radiation is working:)

  • MrsBerry
    MrsBerry Member Posts: 102 Member
    #18
    So happy this Is working for

    So happy this Is working for you! 

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    #19
    Bobbi, your news is music to my ear!

    I don’t post as often as I use to, but I try to check in to see how everyone is doing. I have followed your treatment and have prayed that you would respond well. There is nothing worse than chronic, unremitting pain. I understand the dark place you speak of. Strangely, in my darkest moments with my cancer diagnosis, I found comfort in letting go. I refused to hear anything that would upset, sadden or enrage me- including you may have guessed - listening to the news. I felt like I was on Mars watching activities on Earth through a telescope. I have since returned to engaging in life, with all its trials and tribulations.  But, you know what?  By letting go, I found the courage and strength to keep hanging on.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cathy

     

     

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