Stage IV Good News

Today was the day I met with my oncologist to receive the results of my three-year scan. Everything was clear.

I said to my doctor that I knew I wasn't out of the woods yet but I was so happy. Her response to me was, "I think you're out of the woods but there could be a few trees here and there." Ok, I will take it. I also told her I could hug her, that I was so grateful for her. Her response was a smile and a "no hugs so I don't catch your virus." (I had a stomach virus over weekend.) Those that have met her can appreciate her response.

Three years ago on 2/20/09 I had a colon resection, liver resection and HAI pump implantation. I have had an amazing medical team of my oncologist (and her staff), my liver surgeon and my colon surgeon. I thank God that He gave them the intelligence and skills that brought me to this point.

Another doctor at a another hospital had told me I was not then and would not ever be operable when I presented with disease. He told me to expect to live 22-24 months. He told me that my current oncologist was a dinosaur and used out-dated technologies (HAI pump). He said it would be a waste of time to get a second opinion from MSK. Had I listened to him I don't know where I would be today.

While at the clinic today I met up with an old friend. This friend had an HAI pump implanted the same week I had my liver resection so we were near each other in the hospital ward. Let me tell you more about this man.

When diagnosed he had over 40 mets across his liver. His local hospital opened him up to do liver surgery and closed him up again telling him he would never be operable. He had already done a year of systemic chemo. While in the waiting room his wife picked up a pamphlet detailing HAI therapy at MSK. She brought it to her doctor's attention. He told her that putting in the pump would kill my friend and wouldn't it be better for him to die home in Ohio than in NYC away from his children. The doctor said to them, "Be happy with the extra year you have been given." It was fate or divine intervention that brought that pamphlet to the wife's attention, but she got her husband on a plane and to NYC to our oncologist.

After 5 months of the HAI pump treatment this man had a liver resection. All traces of those 40 mets were removed. He got his scan results today. 2 1/2 years NED and off chemo 2 years. I cry tears of joy for my friend. It was so great to get my good news and share his as well. Another man in the waiting room asked us about our histories and we found out he is 3 weeks out from surgery to place the HAI pump. It felt so wonderful to have this man look at my friend and I and see how much hope our success gave him.

If you are currently inoperable (liver mets), please consider a second opinion at MSK. Additionally, our oncologist will work with those with mets in liver and lung. If you need contact information for her or other information, please PM me.

Jasminsaba...I did ask Dr K about whether complete response in liver tumors from chemotherapy alone necessitates liver resection. Her answer is that she believes (and said that studies have show as well) that true remission or complete response from chemo alone is very very rare and that she would resect the liver tumor's former locations to ensure removal of any microscopic cells. She said the only time she has seen complete response "stick" was when the HAI was used in conjunction with systemic therapy as well.

I pray for health and happiness for all those here,
Amy