update

lindadanis
lindadanis Member Posts: 235
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Well since ed got his great news last week about this pet scan showing cancer is diminishing in all spots, he is starting his 7th chemo session tomorrow. This will be thee 4th session of oxcyplatin and xeloda. Is this common to continue if improvement is seen? He never lost his hair with all seven sessions so I am wondering if it will come out as chemo continues?
He is eating better, feeling better and I believe somewhat relucant to start chemo tomorrow, although his news is great, I think he feels that this chemo will never end. I told him that he is a very lucky man to have such a great pet scan and that the next one could be better or worse, who knows what is going to happen, I am just so relieved that something good has happened in the last eight months. It has been a long road for ed but also for diana and myself as well. He is continuing his journey about the motorcycle issue, don't know why since he will be on more chemo for three more sessions and possibly could not ever ride the bike for the next three months.
I want to thank everyone who has wished us good luck and continue to write and post to me.
I hope everyone of you get the news that we received last week. Don't ever give up, you never know what is around the corner. Look what happened to us, we were bracing ourselves for the devastating news that there were no more treatment options for him and look, a good pet scan (wow)!!!!!!!!!1

Linda

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • JaneE2366
    JaneE2366 Member Posts: 289 Member
    #3
    chemo should be continued
    Linda,
    I believe the only for a stage iv patient to stay in remission is continue with chemo. Charlie finished his infused chemo last July and has been on Xeloda ever since...there is no end in sight. And it doesn't guarantee he will stay in remission. Charlie just went for his PET a week ago and we were told on Thursday that he has some activity back in his stomach and esophagus. Sounds to me like it may be on it's way back. We pray it isn't but we continue with the Xeloda and will change to a more agressive chemo when it is needed. The hair loss is the least of the problems.
    Stay strong,
    Jane
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    JaneE2366 said:

    chemo should be continued
    Linda,
    I believe the only for a stage iv patient to stay in remission is continue with chemo. Charlie finished his infused chemo last July and has been on Xeloda ever since...there is no end in sight. And it doesn't guarantee he will stay in remission. Charlie just went for his PET a week ago and we were told on Thursday that he has some activity back in his stomach and esophagus. Sounds to me like it may be on it's way back. We pray it isn't but we continue with the Xeloda and will change to a more agressive chemo when it is needed. The hair loss is the least of the problems.
    Stay strong,
    Jane

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • JaneE2366
    JaneE2366 Member Posts: 289 Member
    #5
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Muga
    Sherri,
    Charlie also has to have muga's since he is on Herceptin. He had one before he started getting the Herceptin...that was in Sept....he had a follow up in April and his #'s dropped....so the oncologist didn't feel comfortable giving him the Herceptin. So we went to see Charlie's cardiologist and he repeated the test. #'s were still lower than the original #'s but they are still within range....so he said, given Charlie's situation, go for it.....so we are on schedule.
    Thanks for the prayers....quite frankly, I am scared it is coming back....trying to stay positive. One good thing is Charlie is staying positive....I am the one that isn't dealing with this piece of news very well.
    Hope all goes well on Friday...will you both in my prayers as well.
    Stay strong,
    Jane
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #6
    JaneE2366 said:

    chemo should be continued
    Linda,
    I believe the only for a stage iv patient to stay in remission is continue with chemo. Charlie finished his infused chemo last July and has been on Xeloda ever since...there is no end in sight. And it doesn't guarantee he will stay in remission. Charlie just went for his PET a week ago and we were told on Thursday that he has some activity back in his stomach and esophagus. Sounds to me like it may be on it's way back. We pray it isn't but we continue with the Xeloda and will change to a more agressive chemo when it is needed. The hair loss is the least of the problems.
    Stay strong,
    Jane

    Hi Linda Ed and
    Hi Linda Ed and Diana,
    Thanks for a great update! I agree, the hair loss is the least of his worries. My dad never did lose his hair. He took Xeloda and did very well with it, until he got the mets to the liver. As far as having to continue the chemo, if that is what it takes to keep it in remission, that is what it will have to be! As long as Ed's quality of life stays well, I say go for it! You have to rejoice in this moment, today, do not think and dwell on the future for right now. The motorcyle.....boy he does not give up does he? I think he is starting to grow some bull horns, he is so stubborn! I agree with William, Ed does this to push your buttons and see how angry he can make you. Try your best to ignore him when he starts up with this. Best of luck to all of you. Enjoy this good news, and have some fun for a change!! Keep in touch.
    Tina

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