mimi9999
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Your news about Tarceva is wonderful. Seeing your post is timely for me. I was diagnosed in June ’09, stage 4. Have been on the G/C combo for nine months, prescribed by Dr. Javle at MDA. This week, I was back in Houston for a PET scan and consultation. The diagnosis now is “stable.” He wants me to start Tarceva right away and possibly stop the chemo in three months. Received news yesterday that my insurance has denied coverage for the Tarceva, not that unusual since Tarceva is indicated only for lung and pancreatic cancer. Dr. J will conduct an appeal that he says he as had success with in the past. Won’t know anything until the end of next week.
I am interested in knowing if you had any obstacles in getting started on Tarceva. Are you a patient at MDA?
Is there anyone out there who has applied to Genentech for aid? If so, do they provide assistance for patients with cholangiocarcinoma?
What wonderful news Houston Mom! May God bless!
My experience with seeking a liver transplant…
I consulted a transplant specialist in Dallas in July who was kind, but very clear that I am not a candidate. He added that he didn’t know of a transplant team in the country that would accept me. I have CC, large tumor located in both liver nodes, with enlarged lymph nodes in the area. His most startling comment was that if there is any chance of mets, the transplant would be bad because the anti-rejection drugs following a transplant act like a fertilizer on cancer cells. I have only his word for this, but I know him to be one of the most respected specialists in the state.
I am on chemo prescribed by M.D. Anderson as of early August. My second follow-up CT last week showed a bit of shrinkage as it did the first time. My tumor marker numbers have been cut in half, so I will continue the program indefinltely. Fortunately, I am tolerating the treatments well.
I had great hopes for the transplant as I waited for the appointment, but it was not to be. I’m grateful for MDA and the encouragement I have received there.
I was diagnosed in June with Stage 4, Intraheptatic CC, no certain mets determined. Had first appointment at MDA with Dr. Javle Aug. 3. I had first gem/cis treatment last Thursday, Aug. 6. I’m on a schedule for same treatment every 2 weeks for 6 treatments. Will have CT after 4th treatment at which time a decision to adjust the treatment could occur.
For now the gem is 1020 mg over 60 minutes. Cis is 51 mg over 60 minutes. The total time was nearly 6 hours because of the fluids required for flushing…for 4 hours before the chemo started. I have had some mild reactions, but it is day 9 and I have felt very good for 3 days.
Thanks for all the wonderful information I have found here. It is very encouraging to read your post, Jamie. It seems I have the same type of Cho you have. I pray for the remission you experienced and that you may experience it again!
