Scan results -- good news! Chemo working!

taraHK
taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I know there have been some not-so-good scan results recently. My heart goes out to all. But I hope/know you will welcome my GOOD NEWS results.

I was diagnosed with multiple bone mets a few months ago. Started a new chemo regime (XELIRI). Had a PET scan after 4 cycles. The chemo is working!!! Every met has shrunk, and metabolic uptake has decreased. Yea!! I was so stressed while waiting for the results, I could hardly talk (very unusual for me!). I'm so relieved this cocktail is working -- coz I didn't have a whole lot of options left. Side effects have been very manageable.

This is my 5th time on chemo. But, 7.5 years since my first diagnosis (Stage III rectal) -- and I'm still ticking! And kicking!

Tara
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Comments

  • ktlcs
    ktlcs Member Posts: 358
    Wonderful News!
    Congratulations on your good news. Keep up the good fight

    K
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Awesome!
    I am so happy for you, Tara! You are an inspiration to us all, dealing (+ healing) with this for 7 1/2 years. Keep on inspiring us.
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    AnneCan said:

    Awesome!
    I am so happy for you, Tara! You are an inspiration to us all, dealing (+ healing) with this for 7 1/2 years. Keep on inspiring us.

    YIPPIE!!!
    Go Tara...Go Tara..uh huh a...uh huh a....you go girl!!

    Jennie
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375
    Awwwright Tara!!
    Now isn't that just a great way to kick off a weekend, eh?? :D

    I'm happy for you!!!! :):):)

    Cheryl
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    so glad to hear it!
    Tara,

    I'm so very glad to hear your news- yay!!!!
    What's the old Timex commercial... "it takes a licking and keeps on ticking"!

    Great news!

    God bless,
    Lisa
  • zenmonk
    zenmonk Member Posts: 198
    nice work
    I read your about me page and it looks like you have been to hell and back a few times. What an incredible story of courage and strength, one that I think we can all be inspired by. I am always very curious about the survivors and what they do to win this battle. It seems that its usually a combination of things and much like opening a lock if you get the right combo it works. With that being said if you had to choose the most important thing in your survivorship I wonder what it would be....
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    Great!
    So glad you shared your good news with us. It is always a lift to hear that someone is having success.

    Unfortunately the scales have been leaning heavily on the 'no so good news' lately. Thanks for helping to put some on the other side!

    May you have continued improvement on this treatment.

    Marie
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Awesome
    So glad that you are getting some good results with this.

    Kim
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    zenmonk said:

    nice work
    I read your about me page and it looks like you have been to hell and back a few times. What an incredible story of courage and strength, one that I think we can all be inspired by. I am always very curious about the survivors and what they do to win this battle. It seems that its usually a combination of things and much like opening a lock if you get the right combo it works. With that being said if you had to choose the most important thing in your survivorship I wonder what it would be....

    thanks
    Thanks for your kind words. I haven't updated my 'me page' for a while (I've had 3 lung mets, at 3 different times -- then these bone mets. But LOOOONG and lovely periods of NED between (I seem to be on a 2 year cycle!).

    I loved your question about what do I consider the most important thing to my survivorship. The motivation of staying alive for my kids, and a very determined (stubborn?!) attitude have certainly all been invaluable.

    But I have to say the most important thing for me has probably been teaming up with a wonderful oncologist. He is very wise and knowledgeable -- but also treats me as an equal partner. He recognized early on what I need to get through (I'm a research, evidence-based nerd, and want to try the most aggressive approach I can reasonably tolerate). I feel that he listens to me and that we are a team. That has helped me immeasurably. I need to feel that I am taking an active, if not leading, role in my treatment decisions, and he has given me the security (through his solid background and vast experience and up-to-date research) and courtesy to do so.

    I'd love to hear others' views on this topic....

    Wishing you all the best

    Tara
  • sasjourney
    sasjourney Member Posts: 395 Member
    Great News!
    It is so great to hear that chemo is working and you are doing well. Keep on fighting and you will win this battle.

    Take care,
    Sara
  • Kathryn_in_MN
    Kathryn_in_MN Member Posts: 1,252 Member
    Great news!
    Very good to hear!
  • Crow71
    Crow71 Member Posts: 679 Member
    taraHK said:

    thanks
    Thanks for your kind words. I haven't updated my 'me page' for a while (I've had 3 lung mets, at 3 different times -- then these bone mets. But LOOOONG and lovely periods of NED between (I seem to be on a 2 year cycle!).

    I loved your question about what do I consider the most important thing to my survivorship. The motivation of staying alive for my kids, and a very determined (stubborn?!) attitude have certainly all been invaluable.

    But I have to say the most important thing for me has probably been teaming up with a wonderful oncologist. He is very wise and knowledgeable -- but also treats me as an equal partner. He recognized early on what I need to get through (I'm a research, evidence-based nerd, and want to try the most aggressive approach I can reasonably tolerate). I feel that he listens to me and that we are a team. That has helped me immeasurably. I need to feel that I am taking an active, if not leading, role in my treatment decisions, and he has given me the security (through his solid background and vast experience and up-to-date research) and courtesy to do so.

    I'd love to hear others' views on this topic....

    Wishing you all the best

    Tara

    Hey Tara - Thanks for
    Hey Tara - Thanks for sharing your good scan results. Love to hear it. I had a bad scan this week, but I know I'll good scans once I start chemo again.

    Your relationship with your oncologist sounds great. I also appreciate how my oncologist listens to me and pays close attention to how I am feeling. I'm not as active, or perhaps proactive, as you are as far as understanding the evidence and research. That's something I'm looking to change as my focus moves from cure to management. I'm not giving up on a cure, but I think I need an attitude like yours in order to properly manage this crap. In other words, I need a little more brains to go along with my fight. Does that make sense?

    I'm also fighting to stay alive for my kids - and my wife.

    Update your 'my page' when you get a chance. I'd love to hear your whole story.

    Take care - Roger
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member

    Great news!
    Very good to hear!

    Kick Azz News !!!!!
    I like it when a plan comes together........good for you sweetheart, good for you !!! Love ya, Buzz
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Woohoo!
    Lovely news! It's about time we got some positive news in this room! I'm so happy for you!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    Rah, Rah, Shish Com Bah!!!
    Old cheerleader lead on there. You GO Girl!!!!
  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    WOOOHOOOO!!!
    Kara,

    WOOOOHOOO!! I do not go on this site too often, but am SOOOOO glad I checked in today. I am so happy for you. If anyone caN KICK THIS CANCERS BUTT, IT IS YOU. HANG IN THERE AND KEEP ON FIGHTING.

    Now, go out and celebrate.

    Can you see me smiling!!!!!!

    Maureen
  • dorookie
    dorookie Member Posts: 1,731 Member
    Great News
    I am so happy for you...keep up the great work..praying for you....

    HUGS
    Beth
  • Erinb
    Erinb Member Posts: 293
    Yeah! I am glad the chemo is
    Yeah! I am glad the chemo is working for you!
  • Sonia32
    Sonia32 Member Posts: 1,071 Member
    great news tara
    l hope your treatment continues to go well & as with everyone on this board you inspire us for fighting for so long hugs
  • HollyID
    HollyID Member Posts: 946 Member
    We so love good news!!
    Yours is excellent!! Congrats on the PETS!