PET Scan results **UPDATED**
I had my PET on Friday and got the results today. The good news is that the tumor in my right lung is gone. The bad news is that instead of one medium size and shrinking tumor in the upper lobe of the liver, there are now two very large tumors that occupy from 1/3 to 1/2 of the lobe. The onc says surgery is out because the anti-rejection drugs can cause tumors elsewhere to bloom. I told him that I'd talked with several people who have had liver resections and replacements but he still didn't think it was an option.
Considering the tumor growth, it appears that Zaltrap isn't working for me, so he's putting me back on Avastin and Oxy in my next session. I have to be honest here: I'm at the point now that I worry I won't see 2014, or even my birthday in May.
God Bless to all
Ray/Doc
Comments
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Treatment
So sorry that the new meds are taking. Just don't have nothing to offer besides another opinion and prayers. Maybe the new treatment will help. Wishing the best for you. Prayers on the way.
Kim
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Ray, you stop talking like that...
You are going to fight this friend just like you did all the other obsticals that you have faced.. Please don't give up .. you have inspired me so often here.. and I don't know what I'd have done with out knowing you. All my love and <<HUGS>> Your other Jersey Girl.. Donna 0 -
Dear Ray
I hope that you can explore the surgery option further with another doctor. I have to think there is one out there who will see it differently.
As you circle the wagons and bring in reinforcements, don't give up finishing the editing on that book, planning one heck of a birthday bash and contimplating a blow out date for next New Year's eve!
May God bring you the best medical solution for improvement all round.
Hugs and love,
Miss Kitty
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Get a second and third
Get a second and third opinion on the liver surgery and get it from a surgeon not an oncologist. I have had 3 liber surgeries. They took 65% of my liver last year.0 -
getting to "yes"
The antirejection drugs are for transplants, you just want the old one trimmed. When I was looking for surgeons for my wife's para aortic lymph nodes [cluster as it turned out], the medical oncologists badgered me to do their [expensive, ugly, hopeless] version of chemo instead, despite freely admiting it would not be long term successful.
The unobtainable surgery got her to long term, and our mild immunochemo is still working. Got to find that magic surgeon that has a good track record with your kind of operation.
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Are you able to get a 2nd opinion?
I've seen other cases where up to 80% of the liver was removed, so I'm not sure that your doctor is totally correct in his opinion. My experience has been that our oncologists don't always know what is and is not possible in the surgical realm. The other thing I would wonder about is the procedure in which chemo is pumped directly into the liver. Again, I've read of people on these forums who had that done to shrink the tumors, and then followed it up with surgery. Givent that the lung tumor is gone, I don't think I would accept this as the final word...it just seems like there may be more that can be done! Ann Alexandria
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2nd opinion (or how many it takes)
I'm going to consult the surgeons down in salt Lake City at the University of Utah as well as the local doc who took out my appendix and gall bladder in October. As far as getting chemo pumped right into the liver tumors, my onc and I discussed it a few months ago and he checked. It's not available in this state. I have looked into the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, but I'd have to relocate to another state and even then, they're not contracted with my insurance company.
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For a listing of cancer centers by state, try this siteDoc_Hawk said:2nd opinion (or how many it takes)
I'm going to consult the surgeons down in salt Lake City at the University of Utah as well as the local doc who took out my appendix and gall bladder in October. As far as getting chemo pumped right into the liver tumors, my onc and I discussed it a few months ago and he checked. It's not available in this state. I have looked into the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, but I'd have to relocate to another state and even then, they're not contracted with my insurance company.
patientresource.com
(don't know how thorough listings are)
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Good advice hereDoc_Hawk said:2nd opinion (or how many it takes)
I'm going to consult the surgeons down in salt Lake City at the University of Utah as well as the local doc who took out my appendix and gall bladder in October. As far as getting chemo pumped right into the liver tumors, my onc and I discussed it a few months ago and he checked. It's not available in this state. I have looked into the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, but I'd have to relocate to another state and even then, they're not contracted with my insurance company.
Oncologists and surgeons see cancer somewhat differently. It is certainly worth it to talk to a skilled surgeon and get her advice. I know it's hard to stay postive when you've had so many curve balls thrown your way, but it's in you to keep fighting.
Talk to a good surgeon.
Hugs from California~
Tommycat
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Yo have had lots of goodDoc_Hawk said:2nd opinion (or how many it takes)
I'm going to consult the surgeons down in salt Lake City at the University of Utah as well as the local doc who took out my appendix and gall bladder in October. As far as getting chemo pumped right into the liver tumors, my onc and I discussed it a few months ago and he checked. It's not available in this state. I have looked into the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, but I'd have to relocate to another state and even then, they're not contracted with my insurance company.
Yo have had lots of good solid advice...glad to see that you are getting 2nd & 3rd opinions! You have to fight...don't get discouraged.
Alex
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Praying for you my dear friend !Maxiecat said:Yo have had lots of good
Yo have had lots of good solid advice...glad to see that you are getting 2nd & 3rd opinions! You have to fight...don't get discouraged.
Alex
I'm sure things will become better for you from now!
Hugs!0 -
Liver targeted therapy
Ray,
I am so sorry to hear of this development. I do sincerely hope you go for several other opinions as the others have suggested. If the cancer is only in your liver, maybe liver targeted therapy would be a good option - hepatic artery infusion or SIR spheres or Theraspheres. I wish the best for you and hope things start looking up. Hang in there.
Sandy
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Get 2/3 opinion
Ray/Doc,
Do not be discouraged by the news, just push for a second and third opinion. The CCTA may be able to work with you and what your insurance can pay. Talk to their financial counselor or social worker. A friend of mine had stage 4 prostrate to the liver and was given 1 year. He got a second opinion at Duke and now has tremendous shrinkage in the liver to where they can resect. Do not waiver, do not give in. We are always here for you. Don't get mad, get even with those tumors! Please keep us posted.
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I hate this dang disease...
I hate this dang disease... As the others have said, try not to get discouraged, and keep fighting...
Warm wishes for better days ahead,
Cyn
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