Just when we thought things were going well

Discussion Board Forums General Discussion Just when we thought things were going well

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  • #24927
    carol58
    Spectator

    In our experience, Gemzar stopped working, but it’s such an individual thing. Charlie had it for 14 weeks. For him, it only kept the tumors from growing. Charlie, like Jeff also had IMRT 3-D radiation and more chemo. There are more things to try. Don’t give up. Best wishes and keep us updated.

    Carol

    #24926
    darla
    Spectator

    Heather,

    You will be in my thoughts & prayers. Hoping for the best for both of you.

    Darla

    #24925
    jclegg
    Member

    Heather,
    Just a little note to say that I am thinking of You and Lee, and I will say a prayer for you – my best to both of you.

    Joyce C.

    #24924
    marions
    Moderator

    Heather…Jeff (as always) covers it all. When looking back at the postings on this board, you will notice (at one point) for Gemzar to be replaced with other treatment protocols. You are saying that Lee has gained 43 pounds but you are not mentioning the time span for this weight gain but, I assume that the onoclogist is watching all of this closely, and possibly, will recommend a diuretic for Lee in addition to a stent. The good news is that Lee is feeling well overall. Please, keep us informed with the MRI results.
    Tons of good wishes coming your way,
    Marion

    #24923
    jeffg
    Member

    Heather …Far from the end of the road? Other chemos and or combos available. Also radiation. IMRT 3-D conformal radiation I had on my liver about two 1 1/2 years ago and it is still approximately the same size. It initially shrunk a bit and remained stable. It just can’t make up it’s mind. Make syure he is on furisimide twice daily, x-ray to see if retention in lung areas, if so drain it. Rest and stay off feet and elevated more often. Possibally time to put in stent. Some people have pressed on with stents for a few years. This is not the time to give up but time to rally. Radiation to the liver can be done externally like I said even though they don’t like the idea and is risky. Well, the whole business is risky ; chemo radiation, sugery you name it. But faith and hope doesn’t give up in my book. X-ray, drain , stent, and radiation. Please forgive me for not remembering exactly what Lee has had done at this point , but I don’t think option are completely expired yet. Wish you guys the best!
    God Bless,
    Jeff

    #24922
    lainy
    Spectator

    Oh, Heather! Wow! I didn’t know a tumor could double in one week! And such a weight gain? Sounds like he is jaundiced and I am surprised they didn’t act on this immediately. Did they send him home or is he in the hospital? Wish I could help but don’t know enough about the chemo stuff. Do not think in terms that you are at the end of the road. You have not heard yet if anything can be done so you have to have hope. If you feel like you would like to talk let me know. Please keep us informed.

    #1800
    heatherkp
    Member

    Yesterday, Lee went in for his Gemzar, and as usual they did his bloodwork first. Dr. Mathern came in to speak with him and told him that within the last week, the tumor has doubled in size and chemo was cancelled. They scheduled an MRI for today…but rescheduled for first thing Monday morning. After results from Monday’s scan they will determine what route to take next. Lee is yellow, his ankles swollen…but otherwise feeling quite well, and has gained a whopping 43 pounds. We are turning to all of you, the experts. Is tumor growth normal….does Gemzar stop working…what chemo/radiation route advice can you offer….we are feeling like this might just be the end of the road for us. Any kind of guidance from you will be of great, great appreciation.

    Heather

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