CT is more "Dense"?

julierene · 03-26-2009, 08:40 AM

So my tumor marker fell 50 points down to the 70's just one month ago. My CT, however, shows more dense tumor in my liver. The stuff in my bone remains the same. My last CT was 2 months ago. I don't know what to think of this, and my onc is just speculating what to do in each scenario. If the TM test is lower, then we stay the course. If the TM is higher, then we move to Avastin Ixempra. My options for treatment seem to be narrowing and I have to wait till Friday. Man, I am scared.

chrisy · 03-26-2009, 09:11 AM

Julie,

I saw your posts on the BearMan thread, but wanted to respond here.

You said you are waiting for the TM's and if they are down, then the more dense liver spot is necrosis. Another way to get a better read on it would be to get a Pet/CT. Something to think about for the future.

Your onc's comments about herceptin "either it works or it doesn't" concern me. True, the cancer can escape herceptin alone, but still enhance the effectiveness of a chemo. I suspect the same might be true with Tykerb. The 2 work differently so one might work if the other doesn't, but my oncologist feels strongly that you always want to have a her2 targeting factor in the mix.

Scary stuff, but her2 status can change - you might consider getting that reassessed - and if the cancer is still her2+ that makes the case stronger to push for a her2 component in the therapy.

But, that's all plan B...I think plan A (the change on the CT is necrosis) is gonna be the one.

Keeping fingers crossed for you
chris

Mary Anne in TX · 03-26-2009, 10:18 AM

Julie, I'll keep you in very positive thoughts this week and in my prayers. I agree with Chris about keeping the her2 component in the mix. At my very first appointment when my onc laid out the plan of action, he also laid out a "what if" plan. If one chemo didn't work with herceptin, he had a plan for which ones to try with it next.
Best wishes and keep believin'. ma

julierene · 03-26-2009, 12:30 PM

If the TM's are going up with the HER2 blockers + some chemo drug, then they aren't working. I have been through several combos that didn't work. I haven't given up on them yet, but if they don't work, I don't get the reason for continuing on them. Avastin may not be HER2 targeted, but HER2 disease is usually very vascular. I know mine is from all the signs.

For the PET, I asked about that, but it won't tell us more than a TM would at this point. It will light up, but it won't tell us if it shrank or grew. I think the TM will tell us what we want to know. Those have been very accurate with me. Any thoughts?

Mary Anne in TX · 03-26-2009, 12:40 PM

It's like a huge puzzle trying to get all the ingredients right. Surely do wish they had that test for checking to see which chemo worked before we took it! Much love to you, ma