Test results are in…..not what I was hoping for!

Discussion Board Forums General Discussion Test results are in…..not what I was hoping for!

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #37223
    leolangheim
    Spectator

    Rick,
    I’m sorry to hear of the bad news. I hope your vacation in Florida is going well my friend. I hope your appointment with the onc went well. I’ll continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers every night.

    With love and light,

    -leo

    #37222
    barbara
    Spectator

    I, too, have mets from the liver that spread to the omentum. Gemzar and Xeloda decreased it all for 1 year and then I was put on Gemzar and Oxalyplatin when the mets started to grow rapidly. They now have decreased againover the last 6 months. What was your allergic reaction to Oxalyplatin? I have been here since diagnosis in Oct, 98 and they gave me 8-14 months to live so don’t believe what they say. There are many other drugs they can give you. I live in SD, CA andf am treated at UCSD Moores Cancer Center. Good luck and happy vacation.

    #37221
    monkeybutt
    Spectator

    Hang in there Rick. I agree with Marion. Hope your visit with the oncologist shines some light on it.

    Kris

    #37220
    linda-z
    Spectator

    Stay strong Rick. Just think of beautiful Florida and your wonderful family to spend time with. And as many have said before on this board, little steps to accomplish a great goal. Here’s hoping that you have good news tomorrow, or at least another avenue to begin for treatment.

    Linda Z.

    #37219
    marions
    Moderator

    Rick….we have seen on this board often for therapies to lose their effectiveness. I assume that another regiment will be proposed. Regarding your “increase” I believe, it is ever so slight and it may not necessarily demonstrate an upward trend. Several follow-up blood tests are needed. And, that will take some time. I am thrilled to hear about your upcoming vacation. You need it, you deserve it, and absolutely nothing should stand in your way.
    Good luck tomorrow. I am sending tons of good wishes your way,
    Stay hopeful,
    Marion

    #37218
    lainy
    Spectator

    Hi Rick…..start packing! Florida may just be the RX that is needed. I have found that when I am thinking bad news before going to the ONC it never is that bad. My intuition is always wrong on that one, thank goodness. Don’t apologize for the rant and rave, we have broad shoulders. and that is why we are here. We hope you get some good news or at least the news that the ONC wants to try something else. Go and have a great vacation.

    #37217
    lalupes
    Spectator

    I’m sorry you’ve had such unwelcome news, Rick. I hope your Onc visit went well today & that he was able to put the news into a good perspective.

    I hope you are able to RELAX on your vacation & that you come back fighting fit.

    My very best to you
    Julia x

    #3412
    rick-kamp
    Member

    I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride, that is for sure. I’ve never really shared all of the details of my journey but I share a few of them here.

    After being enrolled in the Mayo protocol for liver transplant followed by chemo/radiation, I was found in the later stages to be ineligible because I had spread of cancer to the omentum. At that time I was sent home to start on chemo Gemzar/Oxaliplatin.

    When I started chemo my CA 19-9 was at 14,000. (I know, very very high). Over the next 4 months it dropped to 5,000. Then I became allergic to the Oxaliplatin and it had to be discontinued in February and I continued with Gemzar. In March, my CA 19-9 continued to drop down to a low of 2124. My most recent measurement on April 7 showed that it has started to slightly increase now – up to 2164.

    I know that this isn’t a statistically significant increase, but it is a break from the trend I was showing of substantial improvements. To start with a high of 14,000 and get down to 2124 is a good accomplishment over 5-6 months. I’m concerned that since the Oxaliplatin was stopped this is the root cause of my now increasing CA 19-9 and maybe I am no longer responding to the Gemzar anymore. Everything was going along pretty well, all things considered, until now. Is it possible that this latest test could just be an anomoly and that if I continue treatment the next month could continue to show improvements? Has anyone has similar experiences with CA 19-9 climbing while on chemo after seeing good response to it?

    I have an appointment with my Oncologist tomorrow morning to review the results. I’m afraid that he may want to discontinue chemo or give me some other bad news. We are leaving for a much needed Florida vacation tomorrow afternoon so I am hoping that something can be worked out have a plan in place before I leave. I don’t want to be wondering about this and whether it is the begining of my decline the whole time I’m in Florida!

    Ugh – I guess this has turned into a big rant and vent. Thanks for listening and if anyone has some input, please feel free to give it.

    Rick

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
  • The forum ‘General Discussion’ is closed to new topics and replies.