Scan results -- good news! Chemo working!
I was diagnosed with multiple bone mets a few months ago. Started a new chemo regime (XELIRI). Had a PET scan after 4 cycles. The chemo is working!!! Every met has shrunk, and metabolic uptake has decreased. Yea!! I was so stressed while waiting for the results, I could hardly talk (very unusual for me!). I'm so relieved this cocktail is working -- coz I didn't have a whole lot of options left. Side effects have been very manageable.
This is my 5th time on chemo. But, 7.5 years since my first diagnosis (Stage III rectal) -- and I'm still ticking! And kicking!
Tara
Comments
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YIPPIE!!!AnneCan said:Awesome!
I am so happy for you, Tara! You are an inspiration to us all, dealing (+ healing) with this for 7 1/2 years. Keep on inspiring us.
Go Tara...Go Tara..uh huh a...uh huh a....you go girl!!
Jennie0 -
Awwwright Tara!!
Now isn't that just a great way to kick off a weekend, eh??
I'm happy for you!!!!
Cheryl0 -
nice work
I read your about me page and it looks like you have been to hell and back a few times. What an incredible story of courage and strength, one that I think we can all be inspired by. I am always very curious about the survivors and what they do to win this battle. It seems that its usually a combination of things and much like opening a lock if you get the right combo it works. With that being said if you had to choose the most important thing in your survivorship I wonder what it would be....0 -
Great!
So glad you shared your good news with us. It is always a lift to hear that someone is having success.
Unfortunately the scales have been leaning heavily on the 'no so good news' lately. Thanks for helping to put some on the other side!
May you have continued improvement on this treatment.
Marie0 -
Awesome
So glad that you are getting some good results with this.
Kim0 -
thankszenmonk said:nice work
I read your about me page and it looks like you have been to hell and back a few times. What an incredible story of courage and strength, one that I think we can all be inspired by. I am always very curious about the survivors and what they do to win this battle. It seems that its usually a combination of things and much like opening a lock if you get the right combo it works. With that being said if you had to choose the most important thing in your survivorship I wonder what it would be....
Thanks for your kind words. I haven't updated my 'me page' for a while (I've had 3 lung mets, at 3 different times -- then these bone mets. But LOOOONG and lovely periods of NED between (I seem to be on a 2 year cycle!).
I loved your question about what do I consider the most important thing to my survivorship. The motivation of staying alive for my kids, and a very determined (stubborn?!) attitude have certainly all been invaluable.
But I have to say the most important thing for me has probably been teaming up with a wonderful oncologist. He is very wise and knowledgeable -- but also treats me as an equal partner. He recognized early on what I need to get through (I'm a research, evidence-based nerd, and want to try the most aggressive approach I can reasonably tolerate). I feel that he listens to me and that we are a team. That has helped me immeasurably. I need to feel that I am taking an active, if not leading, role in my treatment decisions, and he has given me the security (through his solid background and vast experience and up-to-date research) and courtesy to do so.
I'd love to hear others' views on this topic....
Wishing you all the best
Tara0 -
Great News!
It is so great to hear that chemo is working and you are doing well. Keep on fighting and you will win this battle.
Take care,
Sara0 -
Great news!
Very good to hear!0 -
Hey Tara - Thanks fortaraHK said:thanks
Thanks for your kind words. I haven't updated my 'me page' for a while (I've had 3 lung mets, at 3 different times -- then these bone mets. But LOOOONG and lovely periods of NED between (I seem to be on a 2 year cycle!).
I loved your question about what do I consider the most important thing to my survivorship. The motivation of staying alive for my kids, and a very determined (stubborn?!) attitude have certainly all been invaluable.
But I have to say the most important thing for me has probably been teaming up with a wonderful oncologist. He is very wise and knowledgeable -- but also treats me as an equal partner. He recognized early on what I need to get through (I'm a research, evidence-based nerd, and want to try the most aggressive approach I can reasonably tolerate). I feel that he listens to me and that we are a team. That has helped me immeasurably. I need to feel that I am taking an active, if not leading, role in my treatment decisions, and he has given me the security (through his solid background and vast experience and up-to-date research) and courtesy to do so.
I'd love to hear others' views on this topic....
Wishing you all the best
Tara
Hey Tara - Thanks for sharing your good scan results. Love to hear it. I had a bad scan this week, but I know I'll good scans once I start chemo again.
Your relationship with your oncologist sounds great. I also appreciate how my oncologist listens to me and pays close attention to how I am feeling. I'm not as active, or perhaps proactive, as you are as far as understanding the evidence and research. That's something I'm looking to change as my focus moves from cure to management. I'm not giving up on a cure, but I think I need an attitude like yours in order to properly manage this crap. In other words, I need a little more brains to go along with my fight. Does that make sense?
I'm also fighting to stay alive for my kids - and my wife.
Update your 'my page' when you get a chance. I'd love to hear your whole story.
Take care - Roger0 -
Kick Azz News !!!!!Kathryn_in_MN said:Great news!
Very good to hear!
I like it when a plan comes together........good for you sweetheart, good for you !!! Love ya, Buzz0 -
Rah, Rah, Shish Com Bah!!!
Old cheerleader lead on there. You GO Girl!!!!0 -
WOOOHOOOO!!!
Kara,
WOOOOHOOO!! I do not go on this site too often, but am SOOOOO glad I checked in today. I am so happy for you. If anyone caN KICK THIS CANCERS BUTT, IT IS YOU. HANG IN THERE AND KEEP ON FIGHTING.
Now, go out and celebrate.
Can you see me smiling!!!!!!
Maureen0
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