6-month checkup

[TriciaK]

I've tried several times to write this post but it's a little harder this time. It is so much easier to report good results from our scheduled Pet scans and blood tests, but my news is a little less than good this time. I had my 6-months checkup a couple of weeks ago. It was my 5-year cancerversary and I really expected to be NED again. However, this time the PET showed a growing cancer nodule again in my left lung, and a CA marker of 68, not as good as I expected. My oncologist is a very upbeat oriental man whom I really like. He told me the news and then said matter-of-factly "We'll start doing cancer markers once a month and move the PET scan and blood tests to every three months, unless the CA marker rises. We'll watch it closely." Then he added:"We still have a lot of options and there is Tykerb". So being naturally an optomist, I expect the best but of course, naturally prepare (at least subconsciously) for the worst. I will have my monthly power port flush tomorrow and a cancer marker test also. I'll let you know the results and if the plan changes, and of course hope for your thoughts and prayers. As most of you know I have been fighting BC since 1985, my third round in 2004 being her2. I will be 80 December 9th so I almost feel quilty hoping for another miracle.
I remember that there was a site which listed info on what all the numbers mean on the blood test reports. Several of mine were different than usual, so I would appreciate knowing that site so I can check the numbers out.
I do know that I feel more confident this time around than I ever have, since being on this great website for these last 4 or 5 years. I appreciate it so much, not just the info we help each other with, but the love and friendship I feel here. We pray together, laugh together, hope together and many times weep together. As has been said many times, no one else really knows what we go through. Thank you, Joe and Christine, and thank all of you who are friends and sisters and fellow warriors. Hugs, Tricia

[ElaineM]

Chin up !! Although the news is not all good please try not to let this get you down. You have proven that you are a fighter. Perhaps you can talk your oncologist into giving you Tykerb sooner rather than later. Hang in there and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
You have my good wishes and the good wishes of everyone on this board.

[ElaineM]

By the way, there is a pretty good internet site called Lab Tests Online that helps to explain most blood tests
I think the address might be http://www.labstestsonline.com

[Chelee]

Tricia, I am so sorry to hear you have to deal with this. But one thing I know is you are a true warrior/fighter...and if anyone can kick CA into the twilight zone again its you! You've beat it three times before and you will again.
It's sounds like you have a very positive onc and one that's ready to get the job done. You hang in there and know you will be in my thoughts & prayers. Sending you lots of positive energy to beat this.

(Big hug coming your way!)

Chelee

[Believe51]

Sweet Tricia, it is so like you to post your news with such grace. I am so sorry to hear this newest fight for you and will be praying for your miracle right along with you. Sounds like you are already gearing up for battle just like the Warrior you are. Remain tough Lovey and continue to show bc exactly who is boss!! I love you my Friend and I walk besides you.>>Believe51

[Pam P]

Tricia - Sorry to hear your tests weren't clear. I agree with Elaine that asking to start the tykerb early might be a good idea to hopefully prevent any further activity. You have many options if needed. Your onc. sounds really positive and will watch you closely. Keep your positive thoughts up; you will deal with this bump in the road and get back to your NED ride. Wishing you the best health!

[chrisy]

Tricia,

Thanks for posting, whatever the news. We'd be thinking about you either way. I love your onc's attitude, and yours!

Glad you at least said you "almost" felt guilty asking for more miracles...because you never need to feel guilty about that, and being greedy for your life is no vice.

Take care, keep us posted!

Chris

[tricia keegan]

Hi Tricia,

I'm so sorry you have more stress and tests to worry about but none of us can ever have too many miracles:)
You'll of course be in my thoughts and prayers for only good results and please keep us posted:)

[vickie h]

Tricia, You are such an inspiration to so many of us. Keep that miracle in your mind and we are all praying for you. Your journey since 85 has been remarkable and gives everyone hope. You are such a special, kind soul....giving me the fortitude to keep moving forward even during the times of fear.
Much love,
Vickie

[juanita]

sorry to hear this. i will say a prayer that this can be nipped in the butt now.

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

but sorry the news was not what you wanted.

Your onc sounds so reasurring and I could feel his "calm" through your post. You DO still have lots of options . I am sure he will take good care of you.

You have been a constant supporter for so many of us and so gracially. We are all here for you always.

Keep us posted on your progress and keep letting us see your beautiful smile.

Take care

[suzan w]

Oh my goodness, Tricia...not the news you wanted to hear! You are a super warrior woman though and I am sure you will give it another swift kick in the %#$!!! Best to you! XO Suzan

[Mary Jo]

Oh Sweet Tricia....You are one of the sweetest souls here at her2support. You always are their for each of us with your optimistic and loving attitude. I pray only the best for you and that treatment will be easy on you as you work your way back to your NED status.

Love you Tricia and a gentle, loving hug I give to you.

Mary Jo

[Mary Anne in TX]

Tricia, if you were 101, 210, etc I'd still be cheering ya on to go for it and never even consider feeling that "G" word! You give to us in giant amounts and we need you! I read every single one of your messages and I miss you when you're away. ma

[Laurel]

It sounds as though you have a lot of living yet to do, Tricia. I say go after that Tykerb. The one thing I have learned from Cancer is that LIFE is a precious gift worth fighting for. Please keep us posted on what transpires.

[Barbara H.]

Hi Tricia,
You have been an inspiration to me since I first learned about this site five years ago. I was very sorry to hear that you have to deal with the cancer again. However, I feel that your oncologist will find a treatment to help you reach NED again.
I'm sure that you are quite busy, but I always do look forward to your posts.

Best regards,
Barbara H.

[nitewind]

Hi my birthday buddy! I am so sorry to hear your news but you are one tough lady and you can beat this thing down. Who says that there is a limit to how many miracles we can ask for and receive?
You are one of the sweetest ladies here and I always look for your posts and I keep you in my prayers.
Looking at your picture, I still find it hard to believe that you're the age that you say you are.
Please do keep us posted, we want to know everything (we are so nosy), but that's only because we love you and we care so much.
I'll be watching for your posts.
Love and hugs

[caya]

Tricia,

I am sending lots of hugs and good wishes to you. You are one brave warrior woman - keep the faith.

all the best
caya

[WomanofSteel]

Tricia, there is always another miracle around the corner. Sorry about your news. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

[freyja]

Tricia, you have been an inspiration to me. You deserve all the miracles a person can get. You are a model survivor and I have faith in your strength.
Love, Celeste

[Shobha]

Tricia, you are in my prayers. It is such a difficult news to hear but I too have faith in your strength.

hugs,
shobha

[Karen Wheel]

You are so sweet! I'm new here but really wanted to say you that YOU (and all of us!) deserve every day we have of life! You know, our bodies really can live to be 110-115 pretty easily - we just have to believe it! And... well, small other hurdles - like beat the big C! But I believe you can, and will! Thank you for your inspiration! Karen

[schoolteacher]

Tricia,

You are an inspiration to me. I will be praying for you.

Amelia

[Patb]

Tricia
So sorry to hear the results of your test but there
are lots of drugs to try and I will be sending healing
thoughts and my prayers your way. Maybe sooner
than later on some type of treatment.
patb

[michka]

Dear Tricia. I am so sorry to read that you have to fight again. I hope you will find the right weapons with your onc. to kill the beast, once more, like you always did so courageously. I am sending you strength and love.Michka

[MJo]

You are such a pioneer and a trailblazer. I trust you have many more years of fighting ahead of you. Your oncologist sounds wonderful. A good oncologist is a blessing, like a good husband. (It's easier to switch oncologists!)

[Joan M]

Tricia,

It's hard to cope with the news of another nodule, and thankfully it's only one spot. Your oncologist seems to be right on top of everything.

It seems that you were NED for five years. If that's the case, you stand a very good chance of beating back the cancer to NED again.

Hugs,

Joan