Good News for my Sis

I know that you are in bits right now Mizzey, we unfortunately all know what that feels like and can so feel your pain. Yes please try and stay as positive as you can and your sister will need you there with her throughout everything. And know as well that we will always be here for you too.

Hugs,

Gavin

Hi Mizzey,

I am very sorry indeed to hear the news you have about your sister. I know how hard this will have hit you both and I so wish that I could say something that would help right now. I am glad to hear that she has an appointment to see about a trial and I do believe as well that you have made the right decision in supporting your sister no matter what she decides to do about all of this.

I so hope that your sister will get some good news at this meeting and please let us know what is discussed if you can. And please know as well that we are all here for you.

Hugs,

Gavin

HI! Sally so good to see you but keep wishing we didn’t have to keep meeting this way. Just wanted to butt in here and say good wishes to your Sister who is fighting with such strength, dignity and grace! She is a role model for others as well. Looking for better scan reports this next time! HUGS!

Mizzey…….I am so sorry to hear of the latest developments. My heart goes out to all.
I realize it won’t cure your aching heart, but it might help to understand what indeed it means to have “stable” disease.
Tumor measurements follow a criteria for evaluation, In your sister’s case, stable disease was identified; because the tumor did not decrease by 30%, but also did not increase by 20%. (These measurements reference to smallest tumor at onset of disease.)
Additionally, scans have limitation however; at this time, it is the best we have. I have learned that the plate of scans measures 1cm in thickness, hence anything smaller is not identifiable. Therefore; it is possible to have disease progression not visible on scans and this in turn confirms the fact the the surgeons eyes allow for the most accurate way of disease identification.
Has the physician discussed molecular profiling in where tissue is analyzed for molecular aberrations and possible treatment based on those findings?

Certainly it would not hurt to investigate a clinical trial. As Lainy mentioned, ultimately it will be your sister’s decision to make, but her decision must be based on education and clinically sound information.

Hugs,
Marion

My mother had a resection late July in 2013. The 7cm tumor was removed but 3 nodes were involved. She had 6months of gemniside and was in remission till this past June ….then mom’s cancer re- appeared and 2 nodes were (hot) dr’s terms and a tumor. she just underwent 3 months of gem/cim and the nodes are now clear YEAH:) but the tumor did not shrink at all. She will now have radiation to blast the tumor and then perhaps she will be back in remission (if such a thing exists) but no complaints because she was given 6 months to live almost exactly 2 years ago… And it ain’t even close to over yet!!!! Hope this information helps.

Mizzey100,

During chemo, I had blood checked for basic stuff….liver function, red blood cells, hemoglobin, kidney function, white blood cells, bilirubin, and a few others that are in standard blood profiles.

They watch some of this for toxicity that might signal a need to stop the chemo, but also for white blood cells, to make sure you are able to fight infections….or need treatment for that…or to sit out a week or two from treatment.

I did sit out one week toward the end of the chemo, because my hemoglobin dropped so low and the white blood cells were also very low. That one week worked wonders even though the last chemo I received knocked me back again. It was a good decision to make, IMO, to sit out that week and let my body recouperate a little more.

Before each scan I have, they do a basic blood profile, checking all the same items, to see if there is any change…better or worse. I never did have anything out of normal before diagnosis….liver function, billirubin ….everything was normal. Since my CA 19-9 test was also normal prior to diagnosis, they don’t even bother with it nor any of the other tests they did prior to diagnosis, since all were normal and didn’t indicate the cancer was present. They have told me that there is no point in repeating those tests as they aren’t likely to show anything if the cancer returns, either.

Julie T