little good news

jana11

Hi everyone... just wanted to share with you that my onc looked at the xray with me. My tumor in the right lung has faded some with only 2 wks of treatments.... thank god. I was so scared the chemo wouldn't work and I would have to wait for new drugs. WHEW!!!

Unfortunately, I can't start avastin afterall. I had a TIA (ministroke) last week when the visual field in my right eye was gone in the right lower corner for about 10 minutes. UGH. My husband is a retina specialist, and he checked me out... it was OK. I had skipped my lovenox (blood thinner) injection for 1 night - I was just so tired... I feel asleep. Won't do that again.

But my onc said he is not going anywhere near avastin with me. So far so good.

I am doing OK with the chemo. Makes me very tired for about 3 days, then I feel OK for about 4 days. I am getting a portacath put in next Friday because my veins are so terrible. I am sad to need it.

That is all for now. I wish everyone NED, clean scans, and cancer free life. I am just trying to get there myself.

Be well, jana

StacyGleaso

Jana,

Thanks for sharing your good news. Baby steps are better than no steps at all, right?!??! I still have my port a cath, and plan to get it removed on my 5 yr clear anniversary. I've been done with chemo since July 2002, and except for having to get it flushed every 4 months, it's not a problem. I know you are one wise cookie, though, and know it will totally help in the long run.

Keep up the progress!

Stacy

rthornton

I'm glad to hear even a little good news about your treatment! How convenient that your husband was able to check on your retina. Chemo is the same with me. I just was released from the hospital late last night (cycle 8 of 12), and today and tomorrow will be rest days. Then Monday it's back to the real world. The port is a good thing to have. It's very convenient, but I agree with you. It's not fun being in a situation where a chemotherapy port is convenient.

As always, I wish you the best. You're the greatest!

Rodney

kerry

Jana,

I am so glad to have some good news. The portacath will be just fine. I remember when we talked about your "pickline" vs a portacath. I think if I have to go back on the intraveneous chemo again I will want another port, it is so easy to access and easy on the veins.

See you soon. I will be in Houston Oct. 30 - I'll bring some photos for you from the Colon Palooza.

Take care.

Kerry

taraHK

Hi Jana,
I am SO pleased to hear that the tumor is responding already! That is excellent news.
Scary about the TIA! Glad that has resolved now.
I went through almost 'mourning' when i needed a central line installed (in my case a Hickman). But, I am so very grateful to have it now. And, it has not been as tough an adjustment as I thought. My veins were just screaming -- it wasn't an option for me. Hope that goes ok.
All the best,
Tara

Moesimo

Jana,
Your courage amazes me. You are one strong lady. I am glad that the chemo is working. You are in my thoughts and I pray that you will continue to do well.
I can't believe that you don't have a port. I wouldn't let them give me chemo without a picc line. I didn't want to be tortured all the time while they were searching for a vein.

Maureen

goldfinch

jana,
so good to hear good news. regarding the central line...i resisted for the longest time because it would just be one more reminder of what i was dealing with, but when it took 8 needle sticks (ok, it's true, i actually forget the exact number...it was probably 6, but still way too many) to get the line in for one of my cat scans i felt like it was time. i've never regretted it, though i do which i had done it sooner!
Mary

crazylady

Hi Jana,
I'm so glad that you had good news! I can fully relate to wanting to have a cancer free life. Keep fighting!
Jamie

kangatoo

crazylady said:

Hi Jana,
I'm so glad that you had good news! I can fully relate to wanting to have a cancer free life. Keep fighting!
Jamie

NED is waiting for you Jana...sooner or later..but we hope sooner gal.
Port? pic line? geeez...my clinic gals I think enjoyed sticking me every day!
No wonder they were smiling...using me as their own personal pincushion! Hey Jana..metinks that in oz there must have been a shortage of ports when I had my chemo. Either that or they could not find any guinea pigs for the new clinic nurses to practice on...they picked me!
Sorry sweetie..I digress...you keep workin at it Jana. One day your courage is going to beat tha hell out of "mr C"!
Huggs always, Ross n Jen

rdy2shop

Jana,
I'm glad you are getting good results with your chemo. I've thought alot about you. Did you read the article in today's paper (Sun Oct 22) about the new radiation treatments that will begin in the new center next spring. I think its under MD Anderson's name but they're actually other big wigs that own it. I thought it was interesting. Anything to give more people more hope and better treatment. Take care of your self.

Elaine