wittrockj

Marion-

We have not officially been told this is bone metastasis as of yet. One radiologist thought he might have seen something on her CT in September at the level of T6, but her oncologist was a little ” unsure” of that, and was choosing to watch this spot for now. The rib disease we found, we are unsure of how long that has been there. It is possible it has always been there, as my mom has had some back pain for years, or it’s possible it is due to the cancer. We wait to hear from her oncologist today, and see what they might recommend next. We hope to head back to Mayo, run some additional tests and begin some treatment. I will be asking about radiation, as this is something I have been researching as well.

Thank you for your advice and kind words. I admit that some days it is tough to stay strong and I just want to cry. But even when I am feeling a little down, my mom reminds me that she isn’t done fighting yet, and so neither are we. I trust in God that he knows what is best and he is watching out for us the best he can. I believe he will find a way to help us all through this situation whatever the outcome might be. And my faith in my mother’s doctors remains strong, as they have been two of the biggest fighters in her corner. We trust they all know what is best for my mom. Thanks again

Update on my mom:

Well we have had a rough couple of days. Mom wasn’t feeling well late Tuesday night, so she went into the doctor Monday and they ran some labs, which landed her in the hospital. It appears her potassium and her albumin were low, so they wanted to put her in observation to give her some fluids and give her some zophran to help with the nausea she has been having. To date, mom had lost about 50 pounds on this journey, but after almost a week of NO eating, we were suprised to find her up 10 pounds. It apepars she is taking in some fluid in her legs, and I am now concerned she has some ascites in her belly. We wait this morning for a new report from our doctor back home and the oncologist at Mayo. We might be heading to Mayo to figure out what’s going on and see if we need to start some treatment instead of waiting for a clinical trial.

This has been some difficult news to swallow. I fear that this is just the beginning of things taking a turn, and getting worse. My mom is only 54 years old, with two daughters who are not yet married or have any children. I am scared she will miss out on all that life has to offer not only her but us. Please pray for my mom as we continue to wait for answers and hope to find something that will make her feel better soon. Thanks

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01078649?term=AT+406&rank=1

I think this is the trial she is under…now to research..what to expect, what works, and hope find answers.

Wow!

Thank you all for your warm welcome and responses. We have been overwhelmed with this process, as many of you have already experience, so every bit of information is so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Marions-Thank you for your kind words and the information you have passed along. We are very excited about the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, not only to help my mom, but in the hopes of helping many, many others battling this disease. Mom signed up on day one of being seen at Mayo to be involved in research, because she too feels everyone deserves a fighting chance. And if there is any way we can help someone else succeed then we have done our part. I am thankful to know more about the process of clinical trials and what to expect. We too hope we can add the information with our experiences and help someone else in need. Thanks again for your help

Kathyb- We do not know what clinical trial she will be accepted into as of yet. Doctors said she qualifies for a couple of different trials, but we will not know more until they review all of her information and tests more thoroughly. In addition, they have said she needs to be chemotheray “free” for a minimum of 4 weeks before starting a trial. She received her last chemo treatment just two weeks ago, so we have a little bit of wait to go before we can know more information. Thank you for the information regarding the trial you are on. If you don’t mind me asking, how has your experience with this trial been so far? Have the side effects been manageable? And how do they monitor your progress? Any information you could pass along would be greatly beneficial to us as we are trying to learn anything we can about the options available for my mom. I hope to find out soon which trial will be selected for her so I can update you all. We have been very fortunate with my mothers’ health so far, as time and time again she seems to prove them wrong, with remarkable lab results each time, and minimal, manageable side effects. She has the attitude of a saint…and sometimes I don’t know how she puts on a smile, but cancer is not going to get her down. Thank you again for your information as well. If I find out anything about the clinical trial soon, I will be sure to update you!

Gavin-
Thank you to you as well for your kind words and information. I have been researching daily, through the links you have all provided to learn as much information as I possibly can. I understand exactly how you have felt, as we have felt some of the same emotions as we have worked through this dreadful disease process. It is the most difficult thing I can have ever imagined, but we are so thankful and appreciative of the support out there from the people who truthfully understand. It has been a blessing in disguise to be able to reach out to others. I too am glad to hear you have the right attitude and continue the fight like us. It helps make each day just a little bit easier or more bearable. Doctors have not said much yet about what type of treatments they recommend, as they first felt it was important to start with chemotherapy. We now wait to start a clinical trial and see where that brings us. We have been very fortunate in the fact, that her labs have remained normal, and she has yet to experience any signs of jaundice or itching, or any of the expected symptoms so far. Thank you for your information. I know I won’t find all the answers I want, but whats important is together all of us fighting this disease can help each other find pathways to success. I will be back often to update you all as we know more about her care.

Thanks again to all who have responded. Your information is greatly appreciated and helpful as we seach for more answers. Thanks