Hello Again!!!

Hi, Tony!

I have had great results from the Gemzar/Cisplatin combination. The possibility of radiation at the same time was discussed and rejected before we started (July 2007). Initially, it was hoped that the chemo would reduce the size of the growth to allow for surgery, but in 6 months, the chemo worked so well that the tumor did not show up on the scan–Remission! the first time. Of course, one of the side effects did not show up during the treatment time. The opening from the stomach to the duodenum shrank, so I had to have surgery. Various other battles ensued and I had a hysterectomy in July of 2008. The cysts on the ovaries were metastasis, so we went back to chemo. It again worked, with remission again in time for Christmas! The two cautions from my experiences: 1. Keep yourself well hydrated! Dehydration is no fun. and 2. One of the anti-nausea drugs is a steroid that elevates the blood sugar. During chemo, I had to learn about diabetes, use the glucometer, and take an insulin enhancing medicine. Thank God I am currently off of ALL medications, growing my hair back, and regaining energy. You are young. If you have been involved with sports or working out, try to maintain the activity. I did water aerobics as often as I could and I believe it helped with maintaining a positive attitude, retaining as much strength as possible, and in sharing my ups and downs, I received so much emotional and prayer support. Amazed the oncologist that I kept working throughout, too. Of course, I did use up a lot of my sick time, but never used it all up and I’m back to time periods with NO sick time used. So I’ve had CC for 2 years now and I’m surviving quite well, thank you.

God bless you!
Louise:)

Tony,
I was diagnosed in Dec 08 with stage IV cc. I have been doing Gemzar since January. I had alot of side effects the first dose, but most of those have gone away. I have had 11 doses so far. When I was getting my stents replaced in February, they said the tumors in my bile ducts were significantly improved. I also had a PET scan in Dec and March. A spot found in my liver in the Dec PET scan was gone in March. So the chemotherapy has been working. The doctors have refused to do radiation because my cancer had metastisized to my spine. They did do radiation on the tumor on my spine because it was causing pain. Let me know if you have any questions about my experience.
Good Luck.
Michelle

Can I come too?

I think I will stick to getting to the seaside about 7 blocks from where I live. Even that feels like an adventure! Learning to live within my limitations. It is harder than it sounds and far less fun. But as my psychologist said, it is good that I have stopped fighting with my body so all my energy can be focused on fighting my cancer….but a nice trip does sound fun.

Hi Tony – regarding radiation or radiofrequency ablation, I was told the same thing. My tumor(s) is too big for radiation, and it would damage what good liver I have left. I definitely want to hold on to the good parts of my liver!
Sounds like your docs are going for shrinkage and / or stopping the growth. Remember, like Dave said, make sure to tell the docs everything about how you feel, but make sure they give you plenty of anti-nausea meds from the very beginning.
Right now, I’m looking at chemoembolization, but the interventional radiologists office is so disorganized, I’m questioning whether this is the guy I should have doing it. As others have said, if you don’t have a good feeling about what is going on with YOUR care, then speak up or move on to another doctor.
All the best, hang in there.

Tony,

You don’t have to be sorry. We have all had days like you are having & we have all had the same thoughts & feelings that you are now. You need to be able to talk about it &what better place to do it than here, where we all care & all understand. As Lainy said, vent all you want, we are all here for you.

Darla