Recurrence - And the treatment plan is....

My husband and I meet with the oncologist this afternoon.  The pathology shows that the cancer is more like UPSC and not breast cancer (I was diagnosed with Stage II IDC in June 2015 followed by StageIIIC1 USPC in Sept 2015).  I will have a PET scan on Tuesday morning to see the scan show activity anywhere else.  Provided there is no other activity my onco believes that going very aggressive with treatment will allow me the optimal amount of progression free time (and thus survial time) so she is recommending I surgery to remove the node (if it is the only activity on the PET). The node is very high in my abdominal area so this will be a very tough surgery but she feels it give me the best option for beating this back into remission for a period of time.  The surgery would be followed by 6 more chemo treatment using Carbo, Taxol, and adding Avastin this time.  The chemo will be done in a hospital setting using a desenitization process since I had mild allergic reactions to both Carbo and Taxol last time.  

If more than one place shows activity we will skip surgery and will move directly to chemo as surgery will provide no benefit if I have a bunch of activity.  

We will in addition be sending my biopsy tissue or the lymp node itself (if surgically removed) to Foundation One for genomic testing.  I will not qualify for any trials as I was diagnosed with two cancers within a few months.  The onco says this precludes me from any trial other than maybe a Phase I trial - if the requirements are "loosened". 

I'm hopeful yet anxious. I had hoped to have much more time NED but that is not God's plan for some reason...so onward we go!

Comments

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    You are strong and you can do

    You are strong and you can do this, but I am so sorry that you have to.  Attidude is a real game changer, and it sounds like you have a great one going into this.  Never give up hope.

    Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    Cindy, please come back and

    Cindy, please come back and let us know what the scan shows. I'm sending loads of support, prayer and hopes that this is an operable issue. So sorry you are having to go through this again. It sounds like you have your head in the right place. I agree with Lou Ann, your attitude will help you get on the other side of all of this.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    edited March 2017 #4
    Cindy many hugs and prayers

    you are not alone and we are all pulling for you!  Sorry you are going through all this and thankful that your trust and hope is where it needs to be <3  (((HUGS))

  • Editgrl
    Editgrl Member Posts: 903 Member
    Hopeful,

    Cindy, that sounds like a solid plan. Sending positive thoughts that the cancer is confined to that one pesky node And you'll be able to whack that mole for good!

     

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member
    Sending positive thoughts and

    Sending positive thoughts and hope. Keep that wonderful attitude.

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    edited March 2017 #7
    Agreed - this sounds like a

    Agreed - this sounds like a solid plan from an experienced medical team. With your positive attitude and the support of your husband, it sounds like you have everything you need to get through these treatments successfully and put this behind you. It won't be easy but nothing worth doing ever is. Sending you positive vibes for your scan on Tuesday. I have one scheduled for Monday so I'll try to make a personal plea to the PET scan gods for you while I'm there! You can do this!!

  • janaes
    janaes Member Posts: 799 Member
    I gree too.  It sounds like a

    I gree too.  It sounds like a very good plan.  It sounds like you are on top of it as well.  You sound like a real though cookie to me.  You keep fighting girl!!!!!!

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    Kvdyson said:

    Agreed - this sounds like a

    Agreed - this sounds like a solid plan from an experienced medical team. With your positive attitude and the support of your husband, it sounds like you have everything you need to get through these treatments successfully and put this behind you. It won't be easy but nothing worth doing ever is. Sending you positive vibes for your scan on Tuesday. I have one scheduled for Monday so I'll try to make a personal plea to the PET scan gods for you while I'm there! You can do this!!

    Your scan on Monday

    Kvdyson we'll be thinking of you on Monday (((HUGS)))

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,352 Member
    cindy, please let us know how

    cindy, please let us know how the scan goes and what your plan is.  I am so sorry to hear this but we are here for you.

  • cindy0519
    cindy0519 Member Posts: 173
    Thanks everyone! PET is at 6

    Thanks everyone! PET is at 6:30am. I will touch base when we get results!

  • Big Sister 5
    Big Sister 5 Member Posts: 18
    God Bless

    Cindy, I wish you the best and will be praying for you. 

    Lynn

     

  • SandyD
    SandyD Member Posts: 130
    edited April 2017 #13
    Thinking of you Cindy

    Let us know what you find out and what is decided for treatment. Completely understand the "hopeful but anxious" feelings. It's exactly where I am right now. Sending thoughts, prayers, healing vibes. 

    Sandy

  • cindy0519
    cindy0519 Member Posts: 173
    edited April 2017 #14
    PET confirmed one the one

    PET confirmed one the one lymph node has metabolic activity related to cAncer. So we are forging ahead with surgery (major according to the Onco) to remove the node tomorrow morning. I will be the hospital 4-5 days, then spend a few weeks recovering at home before beginning chemo again. Right now the plan is to use Carbo, Taxol, and Avistan. However thr node that is removed is being sent to Foundation One for genomic testing so we could have a change of plan depending on what this teat reveals. 

    Still anxious and hopeful :)

     

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,352 Member
    edited April 2017 #15
     "Never give in, never give

     "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." - Winston Churchill

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    Cindy - sending you loads of

    Cindy - sending you loads of love and support for your surgery. Please let us know how you are doing when you feel good enough to do so.

    Take care.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    edited April 2017 #17
    Cindy

    Sending hugs and prayers that surgery will go quick and easy with no problems.  Lou Ann

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    edited April 2017 #18
    Cindy,

    Sorry to hear you are having to go through this.  Sending prayers that the surgery will go smoothly and that you will recover 100% quickly.  Here waiting with you.   (((HUGS)))

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    edited April 2017 #19
    Cindy, hoping that the

    Cindy, hoping that the surgery was successful today and that you are recuperating nicely. Give us an update once you're feeling up to it. Sending you positive thoughts of healing and strength, Kim

  • Big Sister 5
    Big Sister 5 Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2017 #20
    prayers

    You are in my prayers. My sister is presently receiving carbo and taxol treatments. She just had the third visit and will have number four the Tuesday after Easter. I am praying for you and all the other wonderful people on this site. 

    Lynn