Update from my dr appt

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BonnieR
BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I had my Dr appt Monday adn then after they did a ct scan.

My nurse called last night to let us know they were pleased with the Ct Scan results; she said not much had changed since the CT Scan in February. I asked her to mail be a copy of the report ~ I like to know what not much is. :-)

The plan is to stay on the current chemo, Gemzar, and the Nexavar pills for another month. I now get gemzar 2weeks on and 2weeks off, and take 2 nexavar pills every other day. On May 4, I get another CT Scan, tumor markers rechecked, and see the Doc on the May 7. Another scan has been ordered because of a kidney and ureter being dilated.

My tumor marker was exactly the same this month as last month(but not a good measure for me anymore). I have been having a lot of lower abdomen pain, especially painful at night, and my nurse didn't know why. I am thinking maybe it is the kidney thing, I am not crazy about having so many CT Scans but we do what we gotta do sometimes.

Pray all is good in your neck of the woods. We had a winter storm hit ~ what an April Fools joke on most of Minnesota.

Quess that's it from this chick in the sticks. Sending buckets of Teal Hugs ♥ Prayer to all. Bonnie
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  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
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    HEY, CHICKY!
    So glad to hear that at least things appear stable. Those pains can be from so many things - scar tissue, adhesions, etc., etc. Your body has been through so much, it's no wonder you would have these 'twinges'. But I'll pray that the Lord will see fit to ease them up for you. I know, in our minds, it sends up a red flag that something might be wrong. It certainly works on me when I have a pain or two.

    Thank you for updating us. I think of you often and pray for you always!

    Luv & Hugs!
    Monika

    P.S. DON'T SEND ANY OF THAT SNOW OUR WAY! We got an inch the other day, and as pretty as it can be, I'M READY FOR SPRING!!
  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
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    mopar said:

    HEY, CHICKY!
    So glad to hear that at least things appear stable. Those pains can be from so many things - scar tissue, adhesions, etc., etc. Your body has been through so much, it's no wonder you would have these 'twinges'. But I'll pray that the Lord will see fit to ease them up for you. I know, in our minds, it sends up a red flag that something might be wrong. It certainly works on me when I have a pain or two.

    Thank you for updating us. I think of you often and pray for you always!

    Luv & Hugs!
    Monika

    P.S. DON'T SEND ANY OF THAT SNOW OUR WAY! We got an inch the other day, and as pretty as it can be, I'M READY FOR SPRING!!

    Hugs to you Bonnie
    Bonnie I am glad your stable. Hope the gemzar knocks it out. I have twinges of pain after chemo and hoping its the chemo destroying the cancer. I am sure my adhesions have a lot to do with some of it. I pray all cat scans are good Bonnie. You are a special lady and I pray everything gets better for you. I know you and I have been on a roller coaster over last few years. This is one journey we could of done without but have met very nice people and caring people. I am going to get my Etopiside today. Seems like I just had it. ha It depresses me more then most chemos for some reason will find out if it took count down they will take blood today. Probably know tomorrow or Friday. God Bless.
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy
  • Cindy54
    Cindy54 Member Posts: 452
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    Your News
    Bonnie...I am glad that things are stable for you. I agree with you...I get tired of CT scans also. But if it helps to keeps tabs on things we can't see, I'm all for it. I guess it means that the things you are doing are working. That is a good thing, even if we would rather hear that everything had disappeared. Maybe you have the "magic" combo for now.

    You did not send any snow our way in Pennsylvania, right along the lake, but you sent the wind. I can handle that.

    No foolin', Bonnie, I wish you a good day today. Hugs to you...Cindy
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
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    Hugs
    Hi Bonnie, I'm chiming in with rest of these wonderful warriors. I’m glad that everything is stable. I hope that the combo kicks it in the butt this time. I started Gemzar Monday, I hoping it does the trick. I wish I had ct scans more often but my last one was 6 months ago. I should have them more often than that.Sending the "chick that sticks" bunches of Teal Hugs.
    Love, Terry
  • JanQ
    JanQ Member Posts: 236
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    ct scan
    Bonnie, it is good to hear things seem to be stable. I know I hate doing the ct's but then when you do have pain and have not had one in a while it makes you wonder what is going on in there.
    I hate you are in pain, I have quite a bit of abdominal pain, but I just think like Monika it is probably scar tissue or adhesions, even as I wright that, my mind always goes to cancer. We just have to give it to the father and prayer he continues to give us the strength for this fight.

    God Bless, you are in my prayers.
    Jan
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
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    Those little pains and twinges..
    I ALWAYS feel all kinds of new worrisome pains and twinges in scary places the first 4 or 5 days after each chemo round. I think the chemo must aggravate so many things, particularly all along the digestive track. Praying that this is all it is for you.

    No change in your CT-scan is still good news,...holding steady. (((Bonnie)))
  • Susan523
    Susan523 Member Posts: 231 Member
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    abdominal pain
    Hi, Bonnie~

    I wanted to share with you that I also have these sporadic pains and twinges around my abdominal area, and even sometimes a "pinching" feeling in my stomach. I started on Gemzar
    March 10, and yesterday was my 4th dose. Well, yesterday I asked my doctor if those pains could be caused from the chemo attacking the cancer cells, and she said "it very well could be". So there's 1 opinion for you. :-)

    You are a sweetie, and you are always in my prayers.

    Love,
    ~Susan xoxo
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
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    "Steady as she goes"
    Hi Bonnie,

    Sorry to hear about the pain; I hope it's not affecting your sleep!

    These spring snow storms are just something we can expect any given year. We had snow on Monday, and I've heard Denver had a bit, too. I haven't heard if the recent snow put us over the edge for another record yet. As long as it doesn't get too cold, I'm good with it.

    No one's called me about the CT scan I had done last Wednesday, so I guess that's a good thing. I hope your results make you glad.

    Sue
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
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    "Steady as she goes"
    Hi Bonnie,

    Sorry to hear about the pain; I hope it's not affecting your sleep!

    These spring snow storms are just something we can expect any given year. We had snow on Monday, and I've heard Denver had a bit, too. I haven't heard if the recent snow put us over the edge for another record yet. As long as it doesn't get too cold, I'm good with it.

    No one's called me about the CT scan I had done last Wednesday, so I guess that's a good thing. I hope your results make you glad.

    Sue

    Thanks Much :-D
    Thank you all for your love and support. I did google dilated kidney/urether and it sounds like what my pain is from. This pain has been more severe and different than all the other aches and pains, and believe me I have them too. LOL ~ And know the adhesions cause some, add in constipation pain at times, and overall pains from just being alive. At least it is a bit better and can rest a little longer at night.

    Sue you have really been on my mind and in my prayers ~ still praying for good results. I'll be watching for your post with the results. Do you have an appointment scheduled to go over them?

    Any way just wanted to say thanks ~ sending buckets of warm fuzzies ♥ prayers ♥ hugs to all.

    Love ya Bonnie
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
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    I agree
    If it's not bad news then it must be good!!! I too, have the abdominal pains that send my into a questioning mood. I think I am just more aware of each little twitch these days. Hopefully, this will be short lived for you.

    Snow in spring!!! We almost froze in Japan but it was in the 40-50's and a damp cold that we were not used to. The cherry blossoms did pop out and we did get to enjoy them. They have cherry trees everywhere. I will post about the toilets later.

    ((Hugs and prayers))) Saundra
  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
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    BonnieR said:

    Thanks Much :-D
    Thank you all for your love and support. I did google dilated kidney/urether and it sounds like what my pain is from. This pain has been more severe and different than all the other aches and pains, and believe me I have them too. LOL ~ And know the adhesions cause some, add in constipation pain at times, and overall pains from just being alive. At least it is a bit better and can rest a little longer at night.

    Sue you have really been on my mind and in my prayers ~ still praying for good results. I'll be watching for your post with the results. Do you have an appointment scheduled to go over them?

    Any way just wanted to say thanks ~ sending buckets of warm fuzzies ♥ prayers ♥ hugs to all.

    Love ya Bonnie

    Your News
    Bonnie - I'm sorry to hear you are having more pain, but it's wonderful to hear things are staying steady right now. Did you inquire what they will do if it is the kidney thing?

    As everyone said - every single ache, pain, etc makes you think, what now!! I can't stand it sometimes.

    It was been snowing all day here in Eastern South Dakota - nothing really stuck - but now it's coming down harder and hanging on to the ground and may actually accumulate. I could sure use a few days of sunshine in a row along with warmer temps.

    Thinking of you often and sending prayers your way. What an inspiration the Chick Who Sticks is..........Hugs!!

    Kris
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
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    No Progression
    Dear Bonnie, thanks for your update. It sounds like the chemo combo you are getting is holding things at bay. This is good news! The pain, however is not. I hope your doc team can figure out a treatment soon. Is your CRE (kidney) count elevated?

    My tumors were sitting on my ureters back in 08, causing the kidneys to back up, and count to go way up. They put stents in the ureters and the kidneys drained right away. 4 liters in a day. I guess it is a very common procedure for OVCA, so maybe you already have them.

    Warm hugs and prayers,
    kathleen:)
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
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    kayandok said:

    No Progression
    Dear Bonnie, thanks for your update. It sounds like the chemo combo you are getting is holding things at bay. This is good news! The pain, however is not. I hope your doc team can figure out a treatment soon. Is your CRE (kidney) count elevated?

    My tumors were sitting on my ureters back in 08, causing the kidneys to back up, and count to go way up. They put stents in the ureters and the kidneys drained right away. 4 liters in a day. I guess it is a very common procedure for OVCA, so maybe you already have them.

    Warm hugs and prayers,
    kathleen:)

    Thanks Kathleen
    Hi Kath, always good to hear from you. the pain is better and I get another ctscan May 4th. I know other women who have stents in too.. so yuo are right it must be common for ovca. I guess with all the growths in my pelvic area that wouldn't surprise me. But hoping something shifted as the pain isn't as hot as it was. :-)

    Now how are you doing? Post an unpdate please. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
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    BonnieR said:

    Thanks Kathleen
    Hi Kath, always good to hear from you. the pain is better and I get another ctscan May 4th. I know other women who have stents in too.. so yuo are right it must be common for ovca. I guess with all the growths in my pelvic area that wouldn't surprise me. But hoping something shifted as the pain isn't as hot as it was. :-)

    Now how are you doing? Post an unpdate please. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

    My Ca125
    Well just got my phone call I didnt want to hear. My count went up again and again will have to change chemo. From 18000 to 25000. So once again here we go. I was doing well on carbo until December but then went up and took Etopiside and its not working. He may try carbo again I dont know my body is kind of weak but we shall see. Weird other then chemo I dont feel bad. Bonnie have you had your counts go high and try different chemos until something worked? Its a " little " overwhelming. But here we go again. I hope all of your are doing well. God Bless
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
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    (((((SANDY))))) Sorry about the rising CA-125
    Just a hug, since we all know what those phone calls are like: the acary news, the tears, then the chin goes up and you push on, hopeful as you make a new battle plan. I have cried holding the phone more times than I like to think about.

    I have a CT-scan on Friday and will be holding my breath until the results are in. You can bet I will be white-knuckled gripping the phone so tight when that call comes in. ((((Sandy))))
  • green50
    green50 Member Posts: 312
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    (((((SANDY))))) Sorry about the rising CA-125
    Just a hug, since we all know what those phone calls are like: the acary news, the tears, then the chin goes up and you push on, hopeful as you make a new battle plan. I have cried holding the phone more times than I like to think about.

    I have a CT-scan on Friday and will be holding my breath until the results are in. You can bet I will be white-knuckled gripping the phone so tight when that call comes in. ((((Sandy))))

    Thank You
    I guess I have heard these words before with other chemos that didnt work, but some do, so just have to plug on. Just surprised at how high my count goes and chemo makes me feel achy and weak and I have had some bloating but thats it. Its in God's hands and hopefully the next chemo will work. I pray yours is good news. Thank you again for the hug.
    Hugs and prayers
    Sandy
  • Dreamdove
    Dreamdove Member Posts: 175 Member
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    green50 said:

    Thank You
    I guess I have heard these words before with other chemos that didnt work, but some do, so just have to plug on. Just surprised at how high my count goes and chemo makes me feel achy and weak and I have had some bloating but thats it. Its in God's hands and hopefully the next chemo will work. I pray yours is good news. Thank you again for the hug.
    Hugs and prayers
    Sandy

    Sorry to hear that, Sandy
    You are such a nice person and it's sad to hear about the rising CA-125, especially after your 7-year struggle. I have admired you for your strength and I'm sure your husband, where he is now, is very proud of you. But I hope things will turn out ok for you. Take care. Elizabeth
  • Dreamdove
    Dreamdove Member Posts: 175 Member
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    (((((SANDY))))) Sorry about the rising CA-125
    Just a hug, since we all know what those phone calls are like: the acary news, the tears, then the chin goes up and you push on, hopeful as you make a new battle plan. I have cried holding the phone more times than I like to think about.

    I have a CT-scan on Friday and will be holding my breath until the results are in. You can bet I will be white-knuckled gripping the phone so tight when that call comes in. ((((Sandy))))

    Is that you, Linda?
    Cute kid in the pic. Must be you. You look like you had such high hopes for your life, when the picture was taken. I hope you still do. Elizabeth
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
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    The photo is my granddaughter (8 yrs) & new bunny
    I just bought that little bunny on Sunday. I had a pet rabbit that died just before I got my cancer diagnosis, and I missed having a rabbit. I have an outdoor hutch in my garden and the rabbit poop fertilizes my veggies and flowers. But this bunny is so tiny and it's so cold here still in Pennsylvania, that I bought an indoor hutch for these cold nights for this little baby bunny.

    The beautiful child is my grand-daughter Emily. She is sleeping over tonight and is one of the great joys of my life. My grandkids have been very kind to me about the cancer.
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
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    green50 said:

    My Ca125
    Well just got my phone call I didnt want to hear. My count went up again and again will have to change chemo. From 18000 to 25000. So once again here we go. I was doing well on carbo until December but then went up and took Etopiside and its not working. He may try carbo again I dont know my body is kind of weak but we shall see. Weird other then chemo I dont feel bad. Bonnie have you had your counts go high and try different chemos until something worked? Its a " little " overwhelming. But here we go again. I hope all of your are doing well. God Bless
    Prayers and Hugs
    Sandy

    Until Something Works
    Dear Sandy, I am so sorry to hear your ca125 has taken a jump again, dang it not what we wanted to hear. I have been trying things for a long time ~ but my ca125 is not a good marker for me, just an indicator. I have been at 6 with ct-scan showing lots of cancer. That is what we go by, the ct scan.

    At times I have wondered "if it was time to stop" but haven't felt it to my core and really believe I well. When the Doc thought I was coming to the end I asked to try something else and walla it worked and killed off some of the cancer. But of course it appeared in new areas and have many implants now. It really does get overwhelming ~ sending you extra hugs. You know we are all praying for you and your medical team.

    Prayers N Hugs Bonnie