Some not so good news...

[chrisy]

Looks like I'm about to flunk out of the Avastin/Tykerb trial. There is a problem in my last scan indicating "interval growth". I have not seen the scan or the report as Dr. Rugo is having it reread. Maybe by some miracle it was a smudge on the radioligist's glasses?

Anyway, I'm pretty bummed but trying to get in gear for what the next steps might be. So far I think it's just more progression in my liver.

I'm not completely without a plan, I have several thoughts already. Any suggestions - including wild ones - would be appreciated

So would good vibes, encouragement, and prayers....

Thanks
Chris

[Believe51]

I am glad that the test scan is getting reread and that you have an idea of where to go with this if need be. I shall shelter you in a special part of my heart until we get more news about this. Of course continued prayers my Special Friend, you will remain in all of my most positive thoughts throughout this all. Try to keep your bearings through this until confirmed.....and then go get 'em. I love you so Chrisy and will wish for your best>>Believe51

[PinkGirl]

Sorry Chris T, that's a bummer. Now I understand
why you requested a visit from Tip & Tex. They
are very healing critters.

I don't have any advice about drug combos, but
I will be thinking about you and sending you lots
of good vibes.

Onward and upward - I know you've got what it
takes.

[mslinda]

Chris, sorry about this news. I will continue to pray for you.
Linda

[Barbara2]

You have been doing so well and you will probably continue to do so. We pray that if the scans show some growth it will be very slight. It may knock you out of the trial, but your doctor will have another plan for you that could work for a very long time. I'm sure folks on this board will offer suggestions of what has worked for them, too.

Praying for healing for you and the Lord's guidance and direction for medical decisions that will be made.

[StephN]

Dear Chris -
I am so glad the Miraval experience got your "scanxiety" to the background for a few days. You were worried, but all your labs looked good so there was reason to be optimistic.

With only two tumors (unless there are more now), was ablation or one of the other procedures out of the question??

Also would be surprised that a little progression would knock you out of the trial. Most trials allow SOME progression if the previous results showed some regression or stable. At least they will give it another round and scan again before sending you on.

Praying for smudges or scarring, not progression.

[MJo]

Here's a wild one -- whatever combo of treatment you choose, take the chemicals with you on a world cruise and have them administred in the ship's infirmary.

[doh2pa]

Hi Chris,

I am so sorry about your news but encouraged by your spirit. Still tools left in the tool box girl! I too have liver mets that responded very well to TCH (well a modified TCH - the T was a taxol like study drug) and had an 8 month remission on Tykerb/Xeloda, which has since gone south. I am now on Navilbene/Herceptin and although I've only completed one course (3 weeks on, one week off), I do feel better. I was having pain in the liver area radiating to my back and that has almost completely resolved. So I am hopeful that scans upcoming after the second round will be positive.

Don't give up on Tykerb/Avastin. Take a deep breath and see what doc says. If you go the Navilbene route, I'll be happy to give you any info I can.

In my thoughts and prayers,

[kareneg]

Oh my dear friend,

You have my good vibes and prayers, I am praying that everything will work out.

[Julie2]

Criss,

Hope the news from your onc is good. Sending all the positive energy you need at this point.

Julie

[tricia keegan]

Chrissy I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't have any advice to offer but an abundance of prayer's and good wishes for smudges are winging their way to you right now!

[Cathya]

Chris;

I am just wondering why you are not on herceptin? Could they add it to this combo (I know it's a trial so perhaps they won't within the trial) and keep going?

Cathy

[caya]

Chris,

Sending you positive vibes and prayers...
I am sure Dr. Rugo will have a new plan for you that will be successful.

all the best
caya

[hutchibk]

Hi Chrisy - just know that I am sending every blessing that I can your way... we will get through this, we have learned how to adjust our sails...

[jones7676]

I surely hope for you it was a "misread". But, if it isn't don't give up.....there are lots of weapons in the arsenal that they can try. I hope if you do need a change that they find just the right one for you!

[tousled1]

Chrisy,

I'm praying that you won't "flunk out" of the trial. Hoping that the scan reread will be nothing but good news. but in the event you have to drop out there are many more options out there for you. You are a warrior!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Oh, Chrisy...! Definitely not what I wanted to hear! Such *interval growth* sounds challenging. And yet, perhaps, another radiologist will see such spots as scar tissue, noting they are cyst-like and filled w/fluid. This happened to me. I got 3 independent radiologists to read my scans (through 3 separate oncs). A lot of leg work, but so worth it when 2 out of 3 concurred that they were not looking at tumors, but the dead remains of tumors. So smudgy glasses or fingerprints on the pics or whatever I am hoping for happy news for you. You deserve that. You have been at this long enough.

Regardless, I am sending you loving, healing energy! And will attach some prayers to go out to the Universe in your name, absolutely!! You are one of the sweetest Souls I have met on this board, full of fun and piss and vinegar and sensible advice when needed. So my Sister stay positive no matter what! Think of Yosemite. Go there in your mind as you sit in the serenity of silence.

I can feel the Universe shift as I type, as good vibes aplenty are being beamed out west to you. Molecules of your destiny are organizing at this very moment to bring you your desired goal. KNOW that in your heart.

As you've said to me in the past, BREATHE, honey. I believe you cannot fail!
Andi

[Mary Jo]

Oh Chrisy....I'm so sorry. I can do the prayers and I most definitely will.

Also I send hugs and love dear friend.

Mary Jo

[Donna]

Just want to say how sorry I am to hear this news, you are always such a joy to see smiling in your photos and your posts are always positive and fun. There are so many options out there, you are treated out of San Francisco was it? I just remember it was somewhere major - that has to be one of the centers for trials and cutting edge treatment.

Wishing and praying for the best outcome on this for you!

Donna

[Sheila]

Chrisy (aka Roomate)
No you know we both can't get dropped on the Avastin...you have to stay on it until I go back on! Seriously, maybe tweeking the meds and mixing it up again will kick butt....maybe adding a Taxol Herceptin to the Avastin will do the trick...I feel bad as I know that the Tykerb had to be much easier that an infusion (except for the poopies)
Sending you lots of love and prayers, you will overcome this, you are a strong woman. Tex and TipToe are on their knees saying prayers for you right now!

[goops]

Chrisy,

I am sorry to here this news - I will pray for you. I hope it proves to be a false alarm.

[Bill]

Hi Chrisy! I'm sorry to hear the news, but it's good you're getting the scans reread, could be scar tissue or dead tumour tissue, that's what I'm praying for. I had thought of Xeloda as well. Keep on smiling! Prayers and love to you, Bill

[Faith in Him]

Chrisy,

I'm praying that it is just scar tissue and that you can carry on with your trial. Sending hugs and love.

Tonya

[madubois63]

Like everyone else, I am so sorry to read your post. Big prayers and hope coming your way for a mistake on that report!!!!

Maryann

[Mary Anne in TX]

I think I'll believe it's smudges and pray like it's not. I'm so sorry you got this news, but will pray for a creative, knock-out answer for you. Luv, ma

[Sheila]

Chrisy
Pack all your worries, fears, and down thoughts into your Diva Bag...they are going on vacation, you will prevail over this...every once in a while we seem to get hung over the edge for a short time....we are with you in this time in healing thoughts and lots of prayers.

[Carolyns]

Hi Chrisy,

Oh, this could possibly stink but I am holding out hope until you get final word.

I had to drop Tykerb and Herceptin after 7 months due to progression in the bones and a pea size lump on my neck that has grown. I am back to Gemzar (again). I finished up Gemzar last December to get rid of liver mets, skin, lumpie bumpies on my chest and kick back the bone activity. It worked nicely for me the last time and I hope it will again.

If you need to try something new, Gemzar worked for me and I found it very tolerable and without hair loss.

Fingers crossed that this is just a fire drill.

Love, Hope, and Peace,

Carolyn

[sassy]

Chrisy,

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that this will be a smudge. Know that we are with you in spirit.

[hermiracles]

Thinking of you Chrisy ~ hope it all works out for you.

Blessings
Hermiracles

[lexigirl]

Chrisy,

Thinking of you and saying prayers for comfort as you wait to hear back. I am happy that you have some other ideas just in case...

Hugs and prayers,
Lexi

[lilyecuadorian]

Christy I'm here for you ...thinking about you and visualize that whatever weapon you will used is going to be a kick but drug, we need to stick together like in the movie "ANTZ" .together we are more powerfull and safe and in this site always are ready for " emergency advice " and always get mental-spirit and "information support" we have both ..for keep this fight up....

[Jean]

Chrisy...I am sorry to hear this... I am keeping you in my prayers.

Keep that beautiful smile on your face!
Hugs,
jean

[DonnaD]

Chris,
I am so sorry to hear the news. Perhaps when reread you will have different results.

Just remember there is a right piece to your puzzle they just have to find it.

Thinking and praying for you. Please keep us informed.
Donna

[Believe51]

..letting you know that you are in our continued prayers>>Believe51

[Vanessa]

I am sorry that you did not get the news you wanted. I too am hoping and praying it is just a smudge. I will ramp up my prayers for you and will say one right now. Best wishes.

[Kim in CA]

Dear Chris,

I'm hoping upon re reading the scans that a different conclusion is met. If however there is indeed something going on, I would investigate the RFA, as Steph said. Also, since you have been off of the Taxotere for awhile, and you had such a good response, maybe you could try that with Herceptin again. I was also curious if you are still keeping track of tumor markers and Her2 Serum levels. I just keep thinking back to that spot on my liver that turned out to be scar tissue. I'm glad you haven't had too many chemos, so there are still lots of options. Sending you prayers and posistive thoughts.

Love Kim

[Patrice]

Chris,
Like Lily, I'm visualizing anything and everything to make sure you're healthy - sending you all the prayers, good thoughts, and love I can think off...and will anxiously await a great report!
Love, Patrice

[Lolly]

Chrissy, sorry to hear the news. It's so discouraging to have to switch gears again, I know what you're going through but that you have a plan forming is good. Keep a repeat of Taxol/Carbo/Herceptin on the back burner, since it was successful before. We've had some success restarting chemos that I responded to in the past, as long as I didn't have real resistance develop. My onc's rule of thumb is waiting at least a year before reusing a chemo. We added Navelbine to my maintenance Herceptin 3 seperate times until I became resistant. Now we're restarting Taxol with Avastin/Carbo(which I've not had) and I'm showing response. It seems as if you haven't had a lot of different chemo combo's so you've got options, which is hopeful.

Hang in there, let us know what you and your onc come up with.

<3 Lolly

[SoCalGal]

Just a quick post to say that I will do my best to find a cure for cancer this weekend. I know we are all just sick and tired of having this crap intrude in our lives.

I am sending you extra prayers and hugs. And some of my strength (comma*) too.

Okay - that's my typing allotment for today - neck problem still BAD.

xoxo Flori

*my ghetto keyboard is missing the comma key - sketchy situation while I'm not me...

[hutchibk]

Flori - I have total confidence in you finding a cure this weekend...didn't know you were even working on it. You are an amazing woman! And I will happily lend you a few ,,, if you need them. Just let me know : )

brenda

[Liz J.]

Hi Chris,

Sending prayers and all positive thoughts your way.

Sincerely,

Liz J.

[Patricia]

Hi Chris,

I am so sorry to hear your news. Hopefully it will turn out to be a false read. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Patricia

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

The dreaded words that we do not want to hear - possible progression...

You certainly will be in my prayers, always have been my friend.

Have you considered adding Xeloda to the Tykerb. I had great results for a whole year while on this combo which I though was great.

As with me while I was on Avastin/Tykerb - we found I needed a chemo added which is what I am on now (Herceptin/Avastin/Taxotere) do not know as yet how my response will be but we knew at the time we tried just the Tykerb/Avastin that it might not work without an added chemo.

Is abalation an option for you? Whichever path you chose I know it will be a good one. Your are such a fighter .

Good luck my dear and please keep us posted as to your results.

[Becky]

Dear Chris

I am thinking about you. Keep forging ahead - you don't even know the verdict yet and it might be Not Guilty!

Love to you

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hope the sun is warm against your skin today, Chris! The bad news better beat it! There is an army praying for ya! ma

[PinkGirl]

Don't worry Chrisy ... help is on the way...


252

253

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

tiptoe's Visit With Marie And Ed Seems To Have Kicked In! Just Thinking Out Loud. Healing Energy Is Real. And Delay Is Not Denial!!

so, Open Your Heart, Chrisy...

[Sheila]

They are on their way Chrissy with lots of healing energy and love....priority mail this morning....let me know when they arrive....

[Bill]

Ok,, I see the deal now with Tiptoe and the Tiger! What an awesome idea! I thought that you all just lived in places where you let prairie dogs or something crawl around on you and you didn't seem to care,, or maybe I was the only one seeing animals on women's shoulders and sitting on chemo. pumps. While we're at it,, let's ship a box of commas to Flori. Here's mine>,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Thoughts and prayers to you all,, Love,, Bill

[Mary Jo]

Ok - here Flori - here's my comma's ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Hahahahahahaha Bill - that was good.http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Gerri]

Hi Chris,

Adding my positive thoughts, prayers and good vibes to the mix. You are amazing. Keep fighting the fight.

All my best,

[Joy]

coming you r way my friend. I know you will find the right thing to do now. I'm sorry for any icky news and grateful to you for being a part of this trial, even if it is not working. Have you sopikne with anyone about SIR spheres? It is someting that I always keep in mind for the future.

Keep us posted on any secisions and needs and know how loved you are!!!!

[sherri]

Dear Chrisy,

It has been a week since we are back. It was great to see you in person. I hope eveything goes well and you are in my thoughts. Don't get discourage, you will be fine, I know that.

Big hug,

[chrisy]

Dear friends, thank you for all the wonderful, kind responses. I feel as if I have been resting in a flow of love like a river...and am feeling very joyful right now to 'know" all of you.

I still have no word on the scans...but since I'm supposed to be treated Thursday I expect I will know by then! Of course, maybe I'll just opt for Flori's cure instead,,,,,,,,,,,Flori, if laughter is the best medicine I sure got a great dose!

Sending my own prayers for all of you to have peace, health, and love this day.

Chris

[AlaskaAngel]

Chrisy, your beauty always shines through. I'm sorry you are in limbo for now, and hope the best.

Hugs,

AlaskaAngel

[Soccermom]

Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus,Chrissy! Wish I could be more helpful ...
Big gigunda hugs to you!

Marcia