Friday, March 12, 2010

The Beast is Back

Yesterday I had my monthly checkup to go over my CT scan results with my oncologist, Laurie Small. There is no fun way to share the results--it appears that there are some spots of cancer which appeared on this scan, Tuesday. My CA125 has also risen to 65 (anything below 35 is considered normal). So, I am now officially off the drug trial that I was on, and will be going back into treatment for this recurrence. I will be going on Doxil for my chemo. This will mean monthly infusions, and is supposed to be a relatively well tolerated drug. There should be no more hair loss (good thing, I only have about 10 left) and the other side effects are the typical--nausea and fatigue. The worst side effect is skin rashes on the trunk and arms and legs, and something called PPE, which is a severe rash and skin peeling (like a bad sunburn) which occurs on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This does not mean that I will get all the side effects, but those are the most common ones. Before I begin treatment, she is referring me to a gynecological urologist. The Dr. who read the CT scan also found what he thought was scar tissue on my urethra (I know that is misspelled--it is the tube from the kidney to the bladder). Since this is not her specialty, she wants me to see a specialist so that if there is any treatment needed for that, it can be done before the chemo begins. IF there is significant scar tissue, they might decide to put a stent in the tube to prevent any further blockage. Currently there are not problems with my kidney function numbers, but she just feels this should be checked out before the Doxil, so that if there is surgery needed, it will happen before the chemo. She would also like me to consider having a port surgically implanted to make accessing a vein easier for chemo and blood draws. This is a catheter place directly into an artery below the collarbone, so there is always a place to access for chemo infusions or blood work. About half of the patients have them. So--all in all not the greatest news, lots to digest and learn about. I have had a good run of remission, and Laurie feels that I will be able to achieve another remission with this treatment. I just wanted everyone who reads this to have the information as I received it. I'm not sure that anyone but Cheryl even reads this anymore, and Cheryl already knows because she stopped by right after I got home from my appointment. Wish I could think of some cute picture to post with this or some clever retort to end this with, but right now I can't--so I'll just leave it with cancer sucks--please support the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life--Nancy

15 comments:

  1. I just love you is all I can say. I read the blog.

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  2. Dear Nan,

    I am sitting in bed in the New London Inn in NH. I always check in on the blog. I am so very, very, sorry to read this news. DAMN! If there is ANY thing I can do PLEASE let me know. Should the Gold Bond girls get together before you start treatment? Love, love, love you.

    BB

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  3. Nancy - I'm so sorry to read this news. I agree, cancer sucks. If I know anything about you though it is that you are a strong, resilient woman who radiates beauty and kindness from within. Let that beauty kick the shit out of this! Let your strength (and us, your friends) help lift you up when you're tired! Let all of our prayers & positive thoughts send you quickly into remission! You are loved! - Laura (Burrill)

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  4. Hi Nancy,

    I can't tell you how sorry I am and just how unfair it is for all you have had to deal with. You are a beautiful, funny, person with a great spirit and you will overcome this as you have in the past...

    Thinking of you always..

    and don't forget to vash the vindows!!!

    Love you,

    Nancy

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  5. hi nancy,
    you sure have had one long stairway to climb. we all keep you in our prayers & hope those side effects are not for you. this page nx to gilda radner's comment that doesn't hit home when it is you. lynne joining you in being a cancer survivor. luv you all

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  6. Hang in there baby! If anybody can do this, you can! Will send lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way. The sun will be out soon. Find a moment or two to enjoy it. Love,Karen

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  7. Dear Nancy, I read your blog, sorry to hear about the news. ou know what we are dealing with and its not fun, keep fighting and don't give up. Your a fighter like Bob, we love ya guys Claudia

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  8. Hi Nan,
    It looks as if a few pwople really DO read our blog! It's nice to read all the messages of support. What can I say...you know I'm there for you...and love you through thick and thin(?)
    Cheryl

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  9. March 15 - My dear Nancy, I received the latest blog message from Cheryl
    concerning your recent checkup. My heart is breaking to hear this and wish it
    could be otherwise. Just call it a little set-back and know that thoughts and
    prayers will be there to help. Love yyou. Aunt Ann

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  10. Dear Sweet Nancy,

    I am so sorry to hear this. I hope that you know how much you mean to us, how
    much this news ignites a fire inside me to do even more to fight this disease.
    You are a special wonderful woman. I am always here for you - no matter what
    you need, please do not EVER hesitate to ask. Sending you BIG hugs and TONS of
    love and kisses, and all of my strength to get through this. Dawn Emory

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  11. Aw, Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear that. If you need ANYTHING please let me know.
    I will always be here for you!!!
    Rest up and feel better - I'll make sure to keep you in the loop.
    Hope to see you soon.
    LOVE YOU!! *HUGS* Becky Driscoll

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  12. Sherrill Ames Weisman March 12 at 8:07pm
    Just read the blog. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Let me know if you need any thing. I love and admire the strong, humorous, and sensitive person you are. Call you soon. Rainbows of love, Sherrill

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  13. Nancy,

    I too am so sorry to hear of this set back. You are strong and I have no doubt you will pull through this round as you have before. You'll be in my prayers.

    Love, Kathy

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  15. Nancy
    I have just discovered this blog and want you to know I too am so upset over this latest news. You are a fighter and have such a positive attitude, you can beat this too. I have sent you angel to watch over you. You are always in my prayers. Ann (Tillotson)

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