my scan results after 9 weeks of Dr. Cantrell's treatment

Sundanceh said:

Thanks for being you...
Well, that's not the news I know you wanted to hear. I can't put any kind of spin on this one, 'cause I ready what you wrote and understand enough.

I wish Cantrell's program had worked for you - I applaud you for your willingness to reach out and tackle something new and on the forefront. That's what makes you Lisa. Everyone here sure does appreciate what you have done and who you are.

You remind me of myself sometimes in how you can deliver bad news in one sentence and then in the next sentence let everyone know it is ok and that you have a new plan. This lets everyone know not to worry, it's all under control and you'll keep everyone posted.

I think we both use that as a shield to bolster our inner-self, so we can keep ourselves strong and not show anyone that we are concerned...I know you are scared Lisa, and I'm scared with you. I like the others have followed your story and I think you have handled yourself with the Grace and Dignity that all of us want to live our life with.

As I've mentioned before, you are a light that everyone gravitates towards and folks are looking to you for hope - and you have provided that and so much more.

I admire you and your fighting spirit! I await what the next step(s) will be for you. You deserve all the good things that life can offer us. Congrats on your daughter's birthday and your wonderful day - that's in the record books now and the Memory Remains - nothing can take that from you.

All my best - Craig

to Craig
Hi Craig,

Thanks for your comments. You mentioned how I've delivered bad news in one sentence, then in the next tell how it's going to be ok. I guess that's been how I've been approaching it. I remember when I had my first recurrence (almost a year to the day after my original dx)... my biggest worry that I first had was that I didn't want anyone to know because they'd be discouraged. Obviously, my thoughts moved on fairly quickly to getting going on treatment.
Like you mentioned also- the Memory Remains. I do think a lot about how I interact with my husband and kids- more now than ever. If I don't make it, I want the memories to be good ones. (Not always easy though, as I just yelled at my 14 yr old daughter quite angrily for leaving a big mess. But, such is life, right?)

Hugs to you,
Lisa

linandtom said:

Your report
When we receive a report that is not the best of news we give thanks that we did not continue it for a longer period of time and waste time needed to move on to something else. Tom is also KRAS mutated. They are having some really good results with the MEK Inhibitors. The one he is on now is very potent as you well know. But since they have lowered the dose he has done much better. The good news is it is given by pill so no being hooked up to IV! And we don't have to go back to clinic for 3 weeks! He takes the pills twice a day. Scans are scheduled for March 1 with seeing doctor for results on March 3. If we don't see good results we will stop and move on to something else. Tom had great results on Folfiri with Avastin. We feel we will go back to this regimen and stop all clinical trials. This trial is our 3rd clinical trial and nothing has worked. I'm telling you this Lisa to say search, search and search again for all info you can find on the clinical trials you consider. If we had it to do over again....I don't think we would have gone with any of these from what we know now. We are trying to trust and be open to this trial working but it gets harder each day. The calm, peace, you felt yesterday, came from your God above. As I know you strong faith and in times like these it can only come from Him. Blessings to you today and as you search for your next steps.

linandtom
Hi Linda,

Thanks for the comments and encouragement. Dr. Lenz said there is a clinical trial at USC for PARB inhibitors, but I've not heard about MEK inhibitors except for what you have talked about. I will google it and talk to my oncologist about it Monday.
I will look forward to hearing how Tom's scan comes out on March 1st. There's always lots of drama and waiting for results going on around here!

Onward and forward,
Lisa

Everyone- Thanks for the support and comments!
Thanks, everyone for the support and encouragement! As I've said so many times before, you guys are wonderful! I started to address people's individual comments, but then my phone rang, and several other distractions came up- so I'm addressing the rest of you here. My heart is warmed every time I read any of these words from you all! As my kids say, I'm "addicted" to this board of supportive friends!
I will be okay and I will keep pushing on! I'll keep in touch after my appts with my oncologist and Dr. Lenz. I got an email this a.m. from Dr. Lenz saying that if he can get all of my records today, then he can get me an appt. this coming Thursday (moved up from March 15- I was originally told that was the first available appt, when I called a few days ago to set an appt up). I've been busy scanning and emailing stuff, as well as following up w/ two Dr's offices to make sure they send all the needed info.

Hugs to you all as we're in this together-
Lisa

**Edit: I just got a phone call from Dr. Lenz's assistant- I now have an appt. this Thursday at 3:30. It will be a long day & I'll probably get home pretty late, but I'm looking forward to meeting with Dr. Lenz.