Cat Scan results:-(

goldfinch

Had my cat scan on tuesday after 2 rounds of the folfiri. Lesions (I have about 5 of them) look "a little bigger". Oncologist wants to review the scan with his favorite radiologist to determine if they have actually grown, but I'm likely to be changing chemo protocols to oxaliplatin. I'm a bit bummed to say the least. Means I'll be going through chemo for another year (assuming the new protocol works), at least. I'm so tired of this! I've also decided to get a port. I'm a nurse. I know how much easier they make things, but I've held out because it's just another reminder of what I'm going through, but it took 8 sticks for them to get the IV into me for the Cat Scan. I guess it's past time for one.
Just wanted to vent and update you all. Thanks for the chance to do that.
Mary

taraHK

Hi Mary,
Sorry to hear this (altho let's see what your oncologist has to say?) -- and about the prospect of another year of chemo. I understand what you are saying about the port. Last time I had chemo, I didn't -- but if I have chemo again, I wd strongly consider that. Yesterday before my bronchoscopy they had to take blood and the nurse missed my vein. What a way to start the day.....
Please keep us updated. Thinking of you and sending best wishes your way.
Tara

Moesimo

Mary,

My heart is aching for you right now. I can only imagine what you are going through. I hope that they can find a treatment that zaps those tumors and doesn't have alot of side affects.

I think of you often and am sending good thoughts your way.

Maureen

kerry

Hi Mary,

When I had my recurrance the onc. put me on Oxaliplatin and Xeloda and I responded quickly to that combo - I hope you do also. I tolerated it well (with some adjustments).

Let us know how you do!

Also, I had a port put in, taken out, put in again and taken out again. That was a hastle but it sure made taking chemo a lot easier than getting stuck each time.

Best of luck to you and many prayers and blessings.

Kerry

kangatoo

kerry said:

Hi Mary,

When I had my recurrance the onc. put me on Oxaliplatin and Xeloda and I responded quickly to that combo - I hope you do also. I tolerated it well (with some adjustments).

Let us know how you do!

Also, I had a port put in, taken out, put in again and taken out again. That was a hastle but it sure made taking chemo a lot easier than getting stuck each time.

Best of luck to you and many prayers and blessings.

Kerry

Hiya Mary...all the best from oz sweetie. You must have an incredible amount of courage and strength Mary!!I only did chemo for 6 months and boy, what a wimp I turned out to be. The last 2 months was really crappy and I was all in....at 4 months I was ready to chuck it in!!You have got a lot of courage Mary.....I feel for you big time..hang in there!
As for the port, I would have loved one but they refused to give me one.don't know why...think it was due to being so far from hospital and they were worried about infection. I got stuck in the hand 5 days straight every 3 weeks for 6 months. In the finish the arm/hand veins all collapsed then turned black!!!.....oh for a port!!
We wish you well Mary..........luv n huggs, kanga n Jen

Btrcup

Mary, sorry to hear your news. You will remain in our prayers.

Linda (Baltimore)

Shandle

Hi Mary, Try to stay strong. My Onc put me on a combo of Oxilaplatin and Xeloda. Strong stuff, but it worked. I was on it for 10 months! Now.. still waiting to hear about the next plan to take care of the lung. ?? Who knows. I had the port put in when I had colon surgery, and I'm so happy I did. Chemo drugs today are too toxic on the veins. Considering how much I get stuck doing labs, my veins are still in good shape. We're all here for you Mary. Hang in there! Hugggs ~ Wanda

jsabol

Hi Mary,
Sorry for this news, but hoping the new combo does the trick. I had my port put in after 1 course (out of 4) and was sooooo glad; my first onc felt I had great veins, and no need for a port. After 6 treatments, my veins were shot, my hands purple; the proceedure went fine and I loved the port...the infusion went so much faster, my veins weren't screaming. Had all my onc office blood draws from it, too.
Good luck with this next step. You are in my prayers. Judy

tkd3g

Hi Mary.

This stuff sure does suck. So sorry to hear you may have to do chemo again. But, in the long run, if that's what you need to get better...you do it.

I had a port placed before I started any treatments. Best thing. I see so many people having trouble with their veins. I'm done with my treatments, but I'm keeping the port. I want to go a year and make sure I don't need to use it again.

All my love,

Barb

CAMaura

Hi Mary.

Another hug and lots of prayers coming your way....
Try to stay strong and fight this thing.Oxaliplatin is doable.....can't believe I am actually saying something somewhat good about chemo! The port will really ease your mind - and veins; my surgeon wanted to spare me, but I am so glad that I have it.

Best wishes and do take care.

Cheers,
Maura

rejoyous

Hi Mary,

Good luck with this next round. Sorry you have to trudge on, but at least you're able to take action. I know what you mean about the port being a reminder, but it does make everything easier. And I really celebrated when I got my port taken out--it's sort of the flip side to having it in--the removal is a concrete reminder that this stage is over.

Anyway, we're thinking of you.