CT scan results
The CT scan is pretty much what we expected...there has been some growth in those pesky lymph nodes. Not much, but again it was expected since I have been on a break from chemo for about 6 weeks.
The news I wasn't prepared for...there are now a couple of nodules (they were noted in a previous scan, but I wasn't aware of them) in my lower right lung that we will be watching. The onc can't say for sure that it is or isn't cancer from the pictures. They aren't worth a biopsy, because if cancer is confirmed it doesn't change the treatment plan. And if it's not cancer, it doesn't change the treatment plan. So we'll watch them and see if they change with the next set of pictures (in about 2 months).
So, as expected, it's back to chemo for me. I'll be starting Navelbene next week if the scheduler can get me in. It'll be two weeks on and one week off. The onc says it is well tolerated, a quick infusion, and doesn't require benedryl, decadron, etc.
Hugs,
Linda
Comments
-
Linda sorry that you are having some unexpected development
Linda
Sorry,
It did not came back as we hoped. I will be starting Xeloda next week too. I hope both medications will be effective for us. I remember you were on Xeloda for sometime ago.
I got my Xgeva shot today, still little tired from biopsy.
Please enjoy your time off and good luck next week with coming back to the ring.
Hugs
New Flower0 -
Linda,
I continue to pray
Linda,
I continue to pray for, and think about, you. I'd say you're overdue for some good news, especially given the utter grace with which you continue to accept the not-so-good news.
Good luck with the Navelbene. Hopefully, the Onc is right and it won't be too bad.
Smiles and Admiration,
Deborah0 -
@Linda
I don't know how you feel because it hasn't sunk in yet,but just know I'm praying for you.I know enough about you reading all your older post your going to beat this like always and continue to give positive advice to all of us.you haven't been given a death sentence just another bump in the road. HUGS ~~MollyZ~~0 -
This Sucks!mollyz said:@Linda
I don't know how you feel because it hasn't sunk in yet,but just know I'm praying for you.I know enough about you reading all your older post your going to beat this like always and continue to give positive advice to all of us.you haven't been given a death sentence just another bump in the road. HUGS ~~MollyZ~~
I am so sorry that the news sucks! I understand the disappointment.....just know, Linda, that I think about you often and of course will keep you in my prayers..you have a lot of us praying for you....we're here for you, always...if you ever want to talk, I'd be happy to give you my number...
Big (((((hugs)))
Nancy0 -
New Flower...MAJW said:This Sucks!
I am so sorry that the news sucks! I understand the disappointment.....just know, Linda, that I think about you often and of course will keep you in my prayers..you have a lot of us praying for you....we're here for you, always...if you ever want to talk, I'd be happy to give you my number...
Big (((((hugs)))
Nancy
I was on Xeloda for 7 months...I have to say, for me, it was the easiest treatment yet! I took Itfor a week and then off a week.....honestly, I did not have any side effects at all..the only thing....my hair thinned some...it gave me 7 months of a "normal" life...I just went about my life as usual...mine had to come from an oncology pharmacy...and came Fed Ex......my co-pay was $35.00.... it is expensive...
Hopefully the Zeloda will be as kind to you as it was to me...
Hugs, Nancy0 -
Nancy, ThanksMAJW said:New Flower...
I was on Xeloda for 7 months...I have to say, for me, it was the easiest treatment yet! I took Itfor a week and then off a week.....honestly, I did not have any side effects at all..the only thing....my hair thinned some...it gave me 7 months of a "normal" life...I just went about my life as usual...mine had to come from an oncology pharmacy...and came Fed Ex......my co-pay was $35.00.... it is expensive...
Hopefully the Zeloda will be as kind to you as it was to me...
Hugs, Nancy
Nancy,
I do need an encouragement to start.
Jamie,
Are you ready for the Bus0 -
Linda, I am so sorry to hear
Linda, I am so sorry to hear about the lymph nodes and the chemo. I am happy that there has not been aggressive spread there. I am praying that the lungs are not cancer.
I have had nodules and abnormal lung scans since before (beginning 2004)I was diagnosed with the bone mets (same side). I have been told by 3 pulmologists that the area is too distal to biopsy easily. The last pulmonologist that I saw is considered a real genius genius (lol). Anyway, he told me that I probably do have breast cancer in my lung, it has been stable for 8 years. When I asked what kind of lung cancer sits there for 8 years, he replied "the kind that isn't lung cancer, but is breast cancer."
He basically told me to just keep an eye on it because breast cancer in lungs may not grow as aggressively. In my case, it hasn't. I am praying, praying that the same is true in your case.
Please let me know if I can do anything! I hate that you are back on chemo and am praying that you tolerate it well. Big hugs my sweet friend!0 -
Hi Nancy
Sorry that it is what you expected, and that you have the nodules. Good news is the Navelbine held my liver tumors and lung nodules steady, no growth! I am on what was to be a 4 - 6 week break, but he wanted to chg it to 1 week, because the last time we tried a break the liver tumors grew and the cancer spread to the connective tissues. I compromised to 3 weeks. Mentally and physically I could not continue.
I have the Navelbine 3 weeks on, 1 week off, and Herceptin every week, and the week that is Herceptin only, I get the Xgeva shot.
Was told no anti-nausea/steroids with Navelbine. The first push, I vomited for about 24 hours. Thought it was something I ate. The second week, the nausea and vomiting lasted 2 days. I told the nurse, for the last 5 1/2 months I was on the anti-nausea/steroids. I didn't get sick but gained back 20 of the 35 I lost after going off Tamoxifen. I get extremely tired and my numbers drop, but it is holding the liver steady. Like CC and your onco, mine told me we would watch the lungs. He said it was too invasive for something that wouldn't change the treatment.
July 9th I go back on Navelbine. Not looking forward to it but it has done the best of any of them at holding the liver tumors steady. Wish it was working on the bones.
Enjoy your next week off! I know that this has been such a pleasant 2 weeks without chemo. Other than the bone pain, I have felt better in the last 2 weeks than I have in 17 months.
Linda, I hope the best for you. If you have any questions on the Navelbine that I can answer I will.
Hugs and Prayers,
Carol0 -
Praying for you Linda.Chickadee1955 said:Linda,
I continue to pray
Linda,
I continue to pray for, and think about, you. I'd say you're overdue for some good news, especially given the utter grace with which you continue to accept the not-so-good news.
Good luck with the Navelbene. Hopefully, the Onc is right and it won't be too bad.
Smiles and Admiration,
Deborah
Hugs,
Praying for you Linda.
Hugs, Noel0 -
Lung Nodulescamul said:Hi Nancy
Sorry that it is what you expected, and that you have the nodules. Good news is the Navelbine held my liver tumors and lung nodules steady, no growth! I am on what was to be a 4 - 6 week break, but he wanted to chg it to 1 week, because the last time we tried a break the liver tumors grew and the cancer spread to the connective tissues. I compromised to 3 weeks. Mentally and physically I could not continue.
I have the Navelbine 3 weeks on, 1 week off, and Herceptin every week, and the week that is Herceptin only, I get the Xgeva shot.
Was told no anti-nausea/steroids with Navelbine. The first push, I vomited for about 24 hours. Thought it was something I ate. The second week, the nausea and vomiting lasted 2 days. I told the nurse, for the last 5 1/2 months I was on the anti-nausea/steroids. I didn't get sick but gained back 20 of the 35 I lost after going off Tamoxifen. I get extremely tired and my numbers drop, but it is holding the liver steady. Like CC and your onco, mine told me we would watch the lungs. He said it was too invasive for something that wouldn't change the treatment.
July 9th I go back on Navelbine. Not looking forward to it but it has done the best of any of them at holding the liver tumors steady. Wish it was working on the bones.
Enjoy your next week off! I know that this has been such a pleasant 2 weeks without chemo. Other than the bone pain, I have felt better in the last 2 weeks than I have in 17 months.
Linda, I hope the best for you. If you have any questions on the Navelbine that I can answer I will.
Hugs and Prayers,
Carol
Linda, I'm sorry you got unexpected news on your latest CT scan. My husband was diagnosed a little over a year ago with Stage IV Esophageal Cancer. (He has done well with chemo and is on a break right now.) The reason I mention this is that last fall on a CT scan he had a couple of lung nodules show up. His MO said that was fairly common and would just watch. Then, next scan they were gone and haven't been seen since. I'm hoping and praying that will be the case with yours.
Angie0 -
It just makes me so sad
I can't help but cry. You are such a fighter Linda. You've had such a rough road and I don't know how you do it.
I am pretty much speechless. But the words for prayers to help you will be forthcoming.
I wish I had the right words.
Fight Like A Girl ...
xoxo
Mary0 -
sending my healing thoughts
sending my healing thoughts and prayers0 -
Linda, I am very sorry.MAJW said:This Sucks!
I am so sorry that the news sucks! I understand the disappointment.....just know, Linda, that I think about you often and of course will keep you in my prayers..you have a lot of us praying for you....we're here for you, always...if you ever want to talk, I'd be happy to give you my number...
Big (((((hugs)))
Nancy
Linda, I am very sorry. This does suck. I am sending positive thoughts and prayers!
Hugs, Lex0 -
Waxing and Waning Cycle
Hi Linda,
From what I am reading your are not receiving copies of your scans? It is a good idea to have them. I always have copies of all tests and my oncologist notes. Therefore, we remain on the same page. These are obtainable from your oncologist's office or medical record department.
Once stage IV, biopsies are not often repeated after the initial one. Between my 2nd and 3rd recurrences there was 8 years. A biopsy wasrequested to make certain I was still ER+ as the cancer could have mutated, it hadn't. The surgeon's notes stated both lungs and lining were studded with tumors and that was 4 years ago. There still are to many to count now but, the bottom line is I'm still here. Treatment remained the same when the ribs became involved. Therefore, no need for a biopsy for those either. I no longer allow myself to become to upset with the waxing and waning of this cancer.
Hoping Navelbine will make the next scan show that those nodules are in the waning cycle.
Wishing the best,
Doris0 -
Thank you all for your
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It's why I come here, because of you.
CC...I'm not thrilled to be going back on chemo either. But I know I will be in treatment (aka chemo) for the foreseeable future. I might get short breaks here and there. Thanks for what you said about your lungs, it's very encouraging.
New Flower...I did Xeloda for a while too. And yes, it was very easy. Since it's oral there are no trips to the center. But for me there was a bit of a head game about giving the drug to myself vs someone else giving it to me. We only stopped because it didn't work on my cancer. I hope it works for you for a long time.
Doris...I usually do get copies of all the reports. And you're right, I wasn't happy that this was on a previous report and I didn't know about it. I think it's because I got results over the phone once or twice. I will be more thorough in the future. And I've only been stage IV for 10 months, and already I'm getting used to the waxing and waning...a great way to describe it.
Carol and Nancy...I have so much respect for the two of you. Thank you both for showing me how to gracefully deal with this nasty beast.
Huge thank yous to everyone. Your contributions, thoughts, and prayers surround me and help keep me safe and sane.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
You are so inspiringGabe N Abby Mom said:Thank you all for your
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It's why I come here, because of you.
CC...I'm not thrilled to be going back on chemo either. But I know I will be in treatment (aka chemo) for the foreseeable future. I might get short breaks here and there. Thanks for what you said about your lungs, it's very encouraging.
New Flower...I did Xeloda for a while too. And yes, it was very easy. Since it's oral there are no trips to the center. But for me there was a bit of a head game about giving the drug to myself vs someone else giving it to me. We only stopped because it didn't work on my cancer. I hope it works for you for a long time.
Doris...I usually do get copies of all the reports. And you're right, I wasn't happy that this was on a previous report and I didn't know about it. I think it's because I got results over the phone once or twice. I will be more thorough in the future. And I've only been stage IV for 10 months, and already I'm getting used to the waxing and waning...a great way to describe it.
Carol and Nancy...I have so much respect for the two of you. Thank you both for showing me how to gracefully deal with this nasty beast.
Huge thank yous to everyone. Your contributions, thoughts, and prayers surround me and help keep me safe and sane.
Hugs,
Linda
to me. I wish I lived closer to you. That way I could bring you little gifts to keep that beautiful smile of yours....smiling.
I do pray for you and all of our sisters. I pray that someday this beast will no longer be able to ruin peoples lives!
Although I feel I am a lucky one (no chemo or recurrence) I understand most of what you are going through. It pains me to see so many beautiful people live and die from this awful disease.
The song that goes through my head (often) is "It's MY Life"...Jon Bon Jovi.
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I'm alive
These words ... I live by. I know my posts don't always sound positive, but I do live for the moment. I hope you continue to fight for what is yours. *LIFE*
God Bless you dear Linda....
Gentle Hugs to you
Mary0 -
Linda--I know going back into treatmentMsGebby said:You are so inspiring
to me. I wish I lived closer to you. That way I could bring you little gifts to keep that beautiful smile of yours....smiling.
I do pray for you and all of our sisters. I pray that someday this beast will no longer be able to ruin peoples lives!
Although I feel I am a lucky one (no chemo or recurrence) I understand most of what you are going through. It pains me to see so many beautiful people live and die from this awful disease.
The song that goes through my head (often) is "It's MY Life"...Jon Bon Jovi.
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I'm alive
These words ... I live by. I know my posts don't always sound positive, but I do live for the moment. I hope you continue to fight for what is yours. *LIFE*
God Bless you dear Linda....
Gentle Hugs to you
Mary
sucks, but I am glad that the treatment you'll be getting is one of the "kinder" ones. I'm keeping you in my prayers as well--you've gotten some great advice and encouragement here. I want you to know that I'm in your corner as well--holding you up in prayer and sending out all the positive energy I can for you to get good results with this new therapy. You have certainly been an inspiration to me and I know that determination and courage you have will continue to get you through this phase of your journey.
Love and hugs, Renee0 -
Thanks CCCypressCynthia said:Linda, I am so sorry to hear
Linda, I am so sorry to hear about the lymph nodes and the chemo. I am happy that there has not been aggressive spread there. I am praying that the lungs are not cancer.
I have had nodules and abnormal lung scans since before (beginning 2004)I was diagnosed with the bone mets (same side). I have been told by 3 pulmologists that the area is too distal to biopsy easily. The last pulmonologist that I saw is considered a real genius genius (lol). Anyway, he told me that I probably do have breast cancer in my lung, it has been stable for 8 years. When I asked what kind of lung cancer sits there for 8 years, he replied "the kind that isn't lung cancer, but is breast cancer."
He basically told me to just keep an eye on it because breast cancer in lungs may not grow as aggressively. In my case, it hasn't. I am praying, praying that the same is true in your case.
Please let me know if I can do anything! I hate that you are back on chemo and am praying that you tolerate it well. Big hugs my sweet friend!
It is good to know that BC in the lungs does not take over the lungs like regular lung cancer does. That is a very hopeful thing to hear.0
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