chemoembolization
 

Has anyone had one or know someone who has. I am afraid this might be my last option. I have had two treatments of Carbo, Abraxane and Herceptin and since I started in March my tumor marker has gone up from 113 to 160 and today it's 257!. I am scared and don't know what to do my doctor mentioned this to me the visit before last and I wanted to know if it works it seems everything is failing me and fast. Please please any information will be appreciated. It's so hard to believe anything will help me at this point I feel horrible all the time and have been in and out of the hospital a few times these past few months I don't want to give up hope but it is so hard I am so sad right now.

I love you all!

Hi Karen,

I know your looking for information on chemoembolization but I can't give you any. I only wanted to give you a cyber hug and to say that my prayers are with you. I also pray someone can give you the information you want.

Love you Karen...............and I'm wrapping you in prayer.

Mary Jo

Karen
I feel your fear and your pain...but you must remember that many times when a new treatment begins, the tumor markers can go up...the cells are dying off at a very fast and heightened rate and are loading up in the bloodstream...most onc. don't get alarmed unless they see no leveling off after chemo has been given a chance to do its job...it seems early for that since you just started this new regimen. You are in my prayers and thoughts Karen, stay strong, remain positive...we are all with you in this fight. I am sure you will see an improvement soon.

Karen, you know you have always been in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could help more. Love, Bill

I did have two blood transfusions last Thursday di you think that would make my markers jump like that?

lOVE YOU ALL

Karen could you do Tykerb, Taxol, and Herceptin? There has to be a combo that is right for you. I'm believin' and praying for you. ma

Karen,

I don't have any medical suggestions but I wanted you to know that I am thinking about your fight and praying that you will find the right combo. Remember that it always the darkest before the dawn.

I hope you feel better soon.

all the best
caya

Karen,

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please know we are all here for you. Hoping that the new treatment is just settling in and you will see the markers decreasing soon.

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

chemoembolization
 

Karen,

If you haven't, try doing a search on all forums for chemoembolization and read through the threads referencing it to see what you can find there. I know at least one person here has had very successful chemoembolization but may not be online frequently enough to catch your post yet.

AlaskaAngel

Karen,
I do not know anything about Chemoembolization, but I am sure you will get the answers you need from others here.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I will say a special prayer for you tonight as many others will also.

Take Shelia's words to heart. She is a very smart lady.
Stay strong. They just need to find the right piece to your puzzle.

Donna
I love your photo. So peaceful and beautiful.

Dear Karen - so very sorry you are going through this - I can hear your fear and sadness - feel for you sis - sending you love and prayers for healing and hoping more answers can come for you.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Blessings
Hermiracles

Karen, I understand how you are feeling--when you feel awful physically it is hard to stay positive. My situation is similar to yours in many ways, so I feel much empathy for you. Everyone here is thinking of you, cheering you on, praying for you. So keep your courage up dear sister. I just googled Chemoembolization and that gives info about it. Surely someone on this site has had it done or knows someone who has.

When will you have scans--maybe they will tell a different story than the markers. It does not look like you have tried gemzar or ixempra. So there are more options if needed. Keep us posted. We love you too.

Karen,

Ask your doctor about the jump in tumor marker numbers. I always heard that the markers jumped on this treatment. I have not asked about mine...head in the sand and need to know kind of mode I am in. Please ask your doctor.

Love, Hope, Peace, Carolyn

Hi,

I talked with the doctor today and he is very concerned about the tumor marker my marker has always been on the money. He also mentioned getting a cat scan next week and talking to one of the doctor's at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. And also taking Ixempra and looking into the chemoembolization. I am still so scared I have tried every drug except Avastin. Seems like everything is failing me. I will keep you all posted on what happens as soon as something does. Thanks again I love you all.

Love Karen

Hi Karen,

Just wanted to tell you that I am praying for you and your next line of treatment.

Hugs,
Tonya

Sweet Karen, we all love you, too. You still have options, and I know you are a strong fighter and an experienced warrior. You need to stay strong. You are an awesome woman and an amazing woman. Our love and prayers are pouring out to you. Love and prayers, Bill

My love and prayers are with you and you know this ....fight ...fight ..I think you hav a good Doc ..lets wait ..(I hate this wait thing ) I'm with you in this, I Love you ...I wish we can live close to you and give you a hug ....

Karen,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am praying so hard for you. You will find something that works.

Love, Hope, Peace, Carolyn

Karen, I'll keep on prayin' til that special concoction is found for you! I know you're scared. I'd be too. But, I'm going to do something brave (not a clue what yet) today and send you the prayers of success. Please keep telling us what is happening and let us pray with you to victory. Much, much love, ma

Hi Karen,

I just wanted to check on you too. I'm praying hard that the right treatment comes your way and that you may have some peace while it is being figured out. Stay strong.

Hugs,
Tonya

Cancer Is Not The Enemy. Fear Is Our Greatest Foe!
 

Hi Karen, my sweet Sister,

I wish I had medical advice re your situation, but I surely understand your fear and indeed panic. I imagine most of us have been there. Here's what I've learned on this score.

I too have felt desperate, deep in the woods, but I kept reminding myself that I was not lost. My body ached with the death of my cancer cells, but my Spirit felt strong, brave and determined. I KNEW the storm would not touch my core. I would not let it! My will was great and I seemed to possess the awareness that I would triumph. Despite it all, I stayed steadfast. This is what I am praying will come to fill your thoughts.

I KNOW that thoughts that are filled with panic and dismal prospects -- will attract that to us. So, I work each day at acknowledging these destructive thoughts, experiencing them, venting them (by talking to others and writing my feelings down, as you are doing!) and then ridding myself of all that damning negativity!

Toxic thoughts have a similar effect as toxic substances. We don't want them in our body -- or in our mind. Remember -- delay is not denial. Though your desired results are not now at hand, that does not mean you have failed. Let's at least wait for the CT scan results, to see whether this course of tx is working. There are other options should it prove not to be the correct piece to your puzzle.

The tangible evidence of your efforts lies before you. Trust that this is so. BELIEF is far more powerful than hope. To call your desired outcome to you, infuse your thoughts with this electrifying might. AS YOU EXPECT THE BEST, SO IT WILL BE. It is a Universal Law.

Let go of all the horrid scenarios that are darting out you. Instead, see yourself vividly -- surrounded by family and LOVE. The cancer will slowly recede against the strength of your Soul and will!

Do not mistake what you know for all there is. Surely, investigate every avenue, but with a calm of being led. What you can control are your thoughts. In fact, this is your job as a patient who will not settle for anything less than success.

My arms surround you, and my prayers and loving, healing energy are streaming out to you. I believe you can feel this as you read my words. Breathe, my sweet Sister. You must be a positive entity. Let how you respond tell all who you truly are, a Warrior Queen, full of grace and courage. Know that you are never alone. Never. I believe Teachers, Guides and Guardian Angels walk with us. Stay strong, brave and determined, Karen. Release the fears. Fear and faith cannot occupy the same space. Open your heart and let Universal LOVE fill you up to overflowing. It will help you stay the course. You are headed to victory. Hold on to that thought, please...
Andi

Karen, You still have options. And it's good that you're checking into the chemoembolization. Also, thanks again for your PM about RFA. Love and hugs, Joan

Karen,
I'm praying for you and sending you hugs! Keep us up to date - we love you!
Love,
Beth

Karen,

i have had 3 chemoemolisation (TACE) and all went absolutely great.. and well Iam still NED. I recommended it to someone else here in London and she is now NED too. You can go home on the same day. My liver functions have been fine since and my friend also.

I am not sure what drugs you will be using and if you are trully wanting to get involved with it I can find out what it is I received.

I went to chemoembolistion not as a last resort but as my first treatment option I was still doing taxotere at the time. Both in combination worked like a treat, once my tumours reduced by 30%in one afternoon, sweet. I had absolutely no doubt that I have made the right choice for me.

Best wishes

Karen
 

Hi Karen!
You're on my mind this afternoon and I'm saying my "Karen prayers" for you. Lots of love and hope and peace of mind. ma

Karen,

Don't know if you have had the procedure done or not. I am learning new things every day. Did some checking into "chemoembolization". Here's what I've got. Looks like it is a very good procedure and quite promising. Hope you'll feel better soon.

chemoembolization
 

Hi,
I have never heard of it, but that doesn't mean it is not real. Keep bugging your docs. Keep asking about it and other possible treatments.Do an internet search. There must be someone on this planet who knows something about it and where to get it. Hang in there !! Try to stay positive.

chemoembolization
 

Hi
My curiosity got the best of me. I did a quick Yahoo search and found the following links for you and your doc. Theylook like they are from reliable sources. An interventional radiologist is a radiologist who is certified to do some surgical procedures like biopsies and other treatments rather than just reading scan films etc.
http://www.sirweb.org/patPub/cancerTreatments.shtml
http://www.sirweb.org/patPub/cancerTreatments.shtml
http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/db_a...px?CdrID=46708
Good luck.