bgmat48

Pyrimidine is the new drug. Can’t find much info on it. It also has Gemsatabine and cisplatin in it. My platelets count was low at chemo yesterday 64000 if they go below 50000 next week they wont do the chemo. Treatment is once a week for 3 weeks then a week off. That is for 2 months then a scan. If scan shows improvement then they go to phase 2. If not they stop the trial. After 2 + years of stable that beast has gone haywire!

Well it didn’t work, my last scan shows multiple small new spots, increased growth on existing tumors.   oncologist says the cancer cells

become immune to the chemo.  I have been accepted in a clinical trial starting 6 August. Next week I will have multiple exams and a scan and blood tests and EKG. I already had an MRI and X-rays with nothing bad showing.

I must admit I am a bit worried and discourage  after 4 years of battling this beast. It was under control with Gemzar/Cisplatin,  7 Tace procedures then radiation and Xeloda.

But, I am ready  to keep fighting and hope for the  best.

Friday was my last radiation and Xeloda treatment. The first 2 weeks the American Cancer Sociaty couldn’t help me with a ride so I drove myself. On the last week a friend came to visit from VA and drove me to treatment. She also cooked meals to put in the freezer for me after she was gone. I feel blessed to have a friend like her. ?

So this week I am resting when I need to.  I am not feeling bad just very tired.

Saw the radiation oncologist today.  He gave me 2 options, regular radiation or Proton radiation. He explained about each and told me they both are efficient, the only difference being the proton one does not go past the tumors and the regular one passes through.  Because the proton requires a procedure before being applied which consist of inserting marker beads in my liver with a needle while under full sedation and having had 7 TACE and 3 years of chemo I choose the regular radiation as I am tired  mentally and physically right now.  Not sure yet if chemo will be put on hold as the radiation treatment is for 15 treatments over 15 days except for weekends. I do have to travel to MD Anderson in Houston every day. Not sure when they will start, will find out on Friday. Hoping it will get rid of the small tumors. the other 2 have been around for 3 years and treated with TACE however, one  of them still shows live cells on the edge. Radiation oncologist talked about treating those as well eventually.

I spoke to MD Anderson PA before chemo yesterday and she answered my questions which were:

It is a rollercoaster ride as last s c an showed a small 2cm growth on one tumor but scan 3 months ago was showing both tumors shrinking.

Why is one tumor still growing? Cancer cell always look for new way to multiply

Will it ever go away: No

Will it get worse someday? Yes

Do you have a plan B if Gemcis stops working? Yes, we don’t ever give up.

If the TACE is not successful than radiation treatment is next.

She said I am in the 1%  of CC PATIENT who are doing good.

My blood test are all within range so far. CC has not spread anywhere so far, I am doing okay with chemo, minor side affects only.

So, I went home after chemo and thought about our conversation, was not sure how to feel about it, felt sorry for myself for a while then got over it, had a glass of wine and went to bed.

It is pretty much a scan to scan waiting game. My next scan is at the end of June.

When I read about other CC patients having such hard time 🙁  feel I have no reason to complain, since my CC was found early, it was lucky and I feel blessed and plan on keeping my sense of humor and positive attitude for as long as I am able.

Counting my blessings, my family, my friends, my Labrador who has become my emotional support 🙂  being able to do Therapy dog visits with her to nursing homes, schools, the Woodlands Children Museum.

Wishing you all CC patients and families all the very best, stay strong ?