Scan Results
eric38
Member Posts: 583
My scan results were surprising and very disappointing. The oncologist was even surprised. We both expected good results and that was not the case. I am showing new activity in my liver and rectum along with recurrent activity in the pelvis and abdomen. The Doc said he was more concerned about the liver involvement than anything. The bright side is he thinks if he puts me back on the first treatment he had me on that there is a 75 - 80% chance of putting me back into remission. He said that he was more worried about was going to happen in the long term. It seems as though he believes that if he puts me on the old treatment and he is successful, that when it returns again, which he believes it will, that we will be out of options for conventional treatment and on to experimental treatments. He pretty much said he is just trying to buy time until something new comes out. The activity on the pet scan was moderate as opposed to high so at least I have that to be thankful for. I have to go back on erbitux. I hate that crap! So, it`s back to scaring small children and making jokes about the monster rash. The news is bad, but it could be worse. My Doc didn`t tell me to go home and prepare myself or anything. I`m still keeping a positive attitude but wondering if I am like a captain trying to hold onto a sinking ship. I am not out of options, but the options are thinning out. I`m still going to take this time to explore other options and get some opinions from other doctors. It`s not hopeless, just another obstacle to overcome. I`m not overcome with cancer and I Ain`t dead yet.
Eric
Eric
0
Comments
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Eric
Not the best news but at least you have options available still. I do not think you were her when Jana was here. She was one of the greatest people that I never had the pleasure of meeting but boy could she come up with a statement that would stop me in my tracks. We would email each other from time to time and once i was complaining about the side effects of something or about a surgery and all she has to say was "at least you have options open, I have none". She passed away maybe a year ago or so but she was right. Having options is 100% better than having no options. You and I are in similar boats Eric, I'm not getting cured anytime soon if I am at all. Your's is more urgent though but it's not a contest. My point? You have options. Maybe your Onc doesn't want to use them now but if not now, when? He's got the right idea I think, it's often about buying time until the next thing comes along.
I'm surprised that the erbitux didn't level off. I have been on that stuff over 3 years, I'm back on a double dose every other week and the rash is not bad at all. You did just remind me though of one time when I had it bad, it was a VERY hot summer day and some kids were selling lemonade. I always make a point of stopping and buying lemonade when I see kids selling it. I looked like I was rubbed with a wire brush and this one little girl's jaw dropped when she saw me. The other kids tried not to look me in the eye but that one was terrified. It was worth the $0.50.
Captain Eric, help is on the way. You're not on the Titanic.
-phil0 -
Eric
I am sorry to read about this latest setback. My sister is also back on Erbitux, after Avastin. You seem to have similar "activity" in the abdomen and liver. She had another blockage when they tried for the liver resection a few weeks ago, so at least they were able to catch that. Do you know if you have the BRF mutation? Did you read about the new drug that is working wonders on some melanoma and that it could also work wonder for select colon cancer patients? Also-could you be a candidate for SIR Spheres or Cyberknife/Novalis for your liver mets? You are such a fighter, Fight On!0 -
Eric
Sorry to hear about the disappointing scan. I know what you mean about being surprised, I think that is one of the hardest things about this disease. You are great to know that you have options. I know we are all hoping and praying that the clinical trials can offer hope and sure to many here. I holding you up in positive thoughts and prayer.
Aloha,
Kathleen0 -
Sweet friend
Gosh I'm sorry to hear this news, Eric, but glad you have a plan for now. I'll be praying for you!
Diane0 -
Eric
Well that just stinks especially going back on a drug that you just hate. I'm sorry my friend. The Colon Cancer Alliance on 3/3 at 8:p.m. is having a doctor on from Sloan and the subject will be dermatologic care during cancer treatment. Why don't you check that out, he may have some answers for the rash that you don't know about. Long shot I know, but worth checking out. Go their web site and you can learn about it. Take care - Tina and George0 -
Eric
Eric
You've got a wealth of supporters...your story inspires many people...fight on!
I'm sorry this was the news today - I'm sure a 2nd opinion will give you a better feel of where you are at. If you do MD, that's good, I've heard good things there. Probably better than the 2 you and I go to now, although there are both fine hospitals. I've done Baylor and UTSW and Charter in FTW for my big surgeries.
You've fought a long, hard fight and wish you could get a little more time to rest up, but Cancer never rests or sleeps, does it?
Across Town
-Craig0 -
EricSundanceh said:Eric
Eric
You've got a wealth of supporters...your story inspires many people...fight on!
I'm sorry this was the news today - I'm sure a 2nd opinion will give you a better feel of where you are at. If you do MD, that's good, I've heard good things there. Probably better than the 2 you and I go to now, although there are both fine hospitals. I've done Baylor and UTSW and Charter in FTW for my big surgeries.
You've fought a long, hard fight and wish you could get a little more time to rest up, but Cancer never rests or sleeps, does it?
Across Town
-Craig
I have found your story
Eric
I have found your story very inspiring. You are very strong and funny. I am sorry that you didn't get good results, but I am glad that you have a new plan. You will be in my prayers.
Brneda0 -
Oh Eric
Eric,
Man, I'm bummed along with you to hear your scan news. Crap! I'm kind of right there with you right now. I'm out of conventional options and about to start something else. Actually, it sounds like you're not out of all conventional options yet, as you're still able to take Erbitux. I know that stuff is pretty nasty and is a big disappointment to think about taking it and dealing with the side effects of it again. But, it's what you need to do and it's good that you still have options.
I'm curious if your onc had been checking your CEA, or if that hasn't been a reliable predictor for you. It is reliable for me and has definitely been going up. Mine was at 38 in December and was 122 4 weeks ago (don't even want to know what it is now, as I'm still waiting to get started on something).
Well, even though it may not seem like it at the moment, you will get over the shock and initial disappointment and get into fighting mode again! That's what it takes to beat the cancer down.
You take care of yourself and any time I find myself feeling down about my situation, I'll remember to say an extra prayer for you too (for your onc to get a good treatment started and for your spirit and emotional wellbeing through this all).
Lisa0 -
Oh, dear.
Oh, Eric.
I'm really, really sorry you had such disappointing results. I just didn't want to hear anything but good news for you.
At least you do still have options, and you have the greatest attitude.
Praying for a perfect answer for you soon.
*hugs*
Gail0 -
MAN!!!!tootsie1 said:Oh, dear.
Oh, Eric.
I'm really, really sorry you had such disappointing results. I just didn't want to hear anything but good news for you.
At least you do still have options, and you have the greatest attitude.
Praying for a perfect answer for you soon.
*hugs*
Gail
What the heck????? That news just friggin sucks! Dude..... I know it's a major disappointment but like you said.... it's just another "phase" to get thru. You have sooooo many options out there. AND...... you are still going to be my Palooza Buddy!!!!! We may or may not get to "get our drink on" at the event.... time will tell. OHHHH... come here.....HUGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! There...feel a little better? I will give ya one for real when we meet again in Texas.... take care til then.....
JEN0 -
Many Thanksidlehunters said:MAN!!!!
What the heck????? That news just friggin sucks! Dude..... I know it's a major disappointment but like you said.... it's just another "phase" to get thru. You have sooooo many options out there. AND...... you are still going to be my Palooza Buddy!!!!! We may or may not get to "get our drink on" at the event.... time will tell. OHHHH... come here.....HUGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! There...feel a little better? I will give ya one for real when we meet again in Texas.... take care til then.....
JEN
Your prayers and support mean alot. I`m glad to know that I am an inspiration to some. There`s no greater joy in life than being able to contribute something goood to other peoples lives. In the end, that`s what it is all about. We are all in this life together.
Eric0 -
Keeping you in my prayerseric38 said:Many Thanks
Your prayers and support mean alot. I`m glad to know that I am an inspiration to some. There`s no greater joy in life than being able to contribute something goood to other peoples lives. In the end, that`s what it is all about. We are all in this life together.
Eric
So sorry to hear this news, take time to work through it and then come back fighting. You can do it, I believe in you..
*HUGS
Beth0 -
Scans
Eric, I know how hard it is to get unexpected news. I'm happy that he had a plan already in mind though. Take some deep breaths and know that so many people are praying and supporting you. the shock will wear down and you will keep fighting. Jean0 -
Awwww...chicoturner said:Scans
Eric, I know how hard it is to get unexpected news. I'm happy that he had a plan already in mind though. Take some deep breaths and know that so many people are praying and supporting you. the shock will wear down and you will keep fighting. Jean
Big Hugss to you sweety, I know how much of a pain chemo tends to be, but it's also there to get us better hopefully in the long run, and just to keep up that fighting spirit, another knockdown, another rebounce dude, that's all, you been fighting this for awhile now, as I, and we will get to NED and stay there one of these days! Just enjoy life baby, and roll with what it offers you, we're all here for you!
Hugsss!
~Donna0
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