NED dancing with someone else... but not me
So months later, those suspicious areas that were there in October are still there, along with a few more. Everything is still very small and contained within the lymph nodes. Apparently, the lymph nodes are still not enlarged, but the two that showed hypermetabolic activity in October are showing more hypermetabolic activity with slightly higher SUV readings. The good news is that there are no masses anywhere, and the abdomen and pelvic area are still clear. And I am still asymptomatic.
I've been researching a lot since last fall, especially in regard to hyperthermia. As daylady found, there have been tons of studies and clinical trials done that show impressive results combining hyperthermia with chemo or radiation, most of them done in Europe. In fact, in Holland, where some of the most highly regarded clinical trials were done, hyperthermia is part of the standard of care for treatment of cervical cancer.
There are a number of clinical trials going on in this country, but none that deal with uterine cancer. Most facilities that do offer hyperthermia here offer it in conjunction with radiation which is not an option for me. Or they have very specific conditions they treat. Very few offer whole body hyperthermia.
So, next week, I, too, will be winging my way over the Atlantic to Germany, to Dr. Herzog's clinic, to be treated with hyperthermia and low-moderate dose chemo. I'm very excited about this. The addition of hyperthermia to chemo or radiation in trials sometimes more than doubled the response to treatment. I think it's almost criminal that treatment with that kind of success isn't readily available in this country.
As Helen has said, Dr. Herzog has a very integrative approach to cancer treatment with emphasis on maintaining quality of life during treatment and really treating the whole person, not just the cancer.
I am thrilled that my gyn/onc is very understanding and supportive, offering to help in any way that he can moving forward. Even my ob/gyn, whom I saw last week for a routine exam, was very excited when I explained what I was doing. It's wonderful to have that kind of support from my conventional doctors.
Germany was never on my list of countries to visit, but I guess now I'll be able to check it off my list! The adventure begins...
Comments
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Best wishes and Good Luck
I'm so sorry you have to do this but we all will be very interested in your journey. God Bless.
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Best wishes
I'm sorry you've had this news from your latest scan, but glad that you're able to pursue this kind of treatment. Best wishes. Keep us posted. As always, your attitude is an inspiration to me.
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Editgrl
Chris, thanks for letting us know your latest news. Too bad you and Helen aren't there at the same time! I hope you have the same great results that she has had so far in her treatments. Have a good trip and please make sure to let us know how you are doing. I love your spirit my chemosabe partner and friend. Sending you loads of love and hugs! Cindi
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Actually, Helen and I willTeddyandBears_Mom said:Editgrl
Chris, thanks for letting us know your latest news. Too bad you and Helen aren't there at the same time! I hope you have the same great results that she has had so far in her treatments. Have a good trip and please make sure to let us know how you are doing. I love your spirit my chemosabe partner and friend. Sending you loads of love and hugs! Cindi
Actually, Helen and I will overlap by a day. I arrive the day before she leaves, so we're hoping to meet. Helen and I live within a couple of hours of each other so it's kind of funny that the first time we meet will be halfway around the world.
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Chris, I am so sorry to hear
Chris, I am so sorry to hear that report. You are definitely an inspiration to me as you were the first one I met on this board with a similar diagnosis. I look forward to your updates and wish you the best of luck with this new treatment. Kim
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Sending good thoughts!
I'm sorry your scan gave these results but I am glad to hear you are taking this forward with hyperthermia. You too inspire me! I look forward to hearing how it goes. May I ask, was it difficult to get accepted into the program in Germany?
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Oh yeah! Now, that isEditgrl said:Actually, Helen and I will
Actually, Helen and I will overlap by a day. I arrive the day before she leaves, so we're hoping to meet. Helen and I live within a couple of hours of each other so it's kind of funny that the first time we meet will be halfway around the world.
Oh yeah! Now, that is something.... I hope you both can make it work. Knowing how important it was for me to have you during my treatments, I just know the two of you are going to become a powerful force in this fight together.
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Wow Chris-
You and Helen are our great adventurers! I am glad you will hopefully meet up, as I'm sure she has a lot of great information to share. You are both SO brave! I too am so sorry to hear your dance with NED was interrupted- we had such high hopes that those little buggers were just something else. Here's hoping that this is just part of the plan to make things even better and that you'll soon be back on the dancefloor with NED! You'll be held so close in our thoughts and prayers and we'll look forward to your updates as you can give them. (((HUGS)))
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You"ll still dance with NED
Maybe not right now, but at sometime. I am glad to hear you are following Helen's lead and trying out hyperthermi. It certainly sounds interesting. Sometimes we just have to be brave and try things that might give us hope. Hope is always there. Best of luck. I will be thinking of you often. Keep us up to date on how everything is going for you.
Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann
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Chris, I am sorry to hear
Chris, I am sorry to hear about the additional spots and eager to hear about your experience. Between you and DayLady we look forward to hearing more. Travel safe and hugs.
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Chris, it sucks to hear that
Chris, it sucks to hear that those spots in the nodes aren't getting shrinking. Can't we just have a break?
But I'm glad to hear you're being supported fully by your conventional medical team to go ahead to Germany for treatment. I know not all doctors would be as supportive of your decision. It looks like Helen has opened up a whole new option for all of us if it is needed in the future. I am wishing you the best results with Dr. Herzog and the whole hyperthermia approach. Please keep us updated on your treatment!
I would also be interested in learning the costs of going to another country to get treatment. I'm assuming none of this is covered by insurance and you would have to shell out personal costs to cover their treatments.
Praying for health!
Rebecca0 -
Bad news/good news
Iwas growing a bit concerned since you haven't been posting as much lately . I am happy that there is good news to go with the bad. I wish you a safe journey and that treatment goes well. How cool that you will link up with Helen
I am often frustrated and embarrassed by our attitude of superiority in the US. Why do we think we have all the answers? Wouldn't it be wonderful if all the world could sing in perfect harmony like in the old coke commercial? Just think of what humankind could accomplish.
i shall be waiting excitedly to hear more from you. xxxooo
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