Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

I have scans tomorrow - the first after starting the palbociclib trial. My husband can't go with me 'cause he has to take our son to an audiology specialist for misophonia. So 4 of my friends are going with me. Afterwards, we hope to hit the Cheesecake Factory and maybe some shopping. I have a coupon for Crate & Barrel! God is good! :-)

- Penny

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Thats wonderful Penny, I hope the scan shows you're having a good response to this drug and you ladies have a lovely day shopping and eating!!:)

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Praying scans are good!
Have a great time shopping and eating with your GFs!

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Best of luck on the scans and have fun with your gals!

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

I'll start off by thanking God for all His miracles, cures, and advances in modern medicine, especially these machines that can detect down to the millimeter the size of cancer growth. I also thank God that he's used this trial to bring me and my family back to Him and His Church, and for all of you and your prayers. I truly believe He's not forsaking me. Without our prayers, I probably would've been a goner months ago, and who knows what the state of my soul was like.

First - the good news. They were concerned about a spot on my left rib. From what I read on the new CT scan report, it's "mild cortical thickening, likely on the basis of prior trauma. No acute fracture or suspicious osseous lesion is seen." In other words, it's probably from radiation of the area after I had my mastectomy. Doesn't surprise me - this side of my body has been cramping up for months.

Now, the bad. There's over 200% new cancer in my liver. There's 8% growth in the old tumor. Then there is a new tumor that's 3cm x 1.1cm, with two new "satellite" lesions (tumors) nearby. One satellite lesion measures 8mm x 9mm. The other is 1cm x 1cm.
I sent an email to my oncologist. I was supposed to come in for treatment this Wednesday so I'd like to know if I can cancel that, or if she'd still like me to come in and talk to her. Sometimes she calls me and we talk on the phone so I don't have to go in. I also put forth some ideas in the email for liver-directed treatments. I tried ablation twice, so I don't think I want to do that right now. But there are others, like Sir-Spheres - tiny beads of radiation that get sent throughout the liver; chemoembollization - a powerful chemo drug is sent directly into the liver through the hepatic portal vein; and stereotactic radiotherapy - radiation of the liver. I'll keep you posted when I hear back. I pray that my medical team hasn't given up on me and isn't all "gloom and doom" yet.
I still feel pretty good, physically, and am looking forward to a snowboarding trip the end of this month. I thank God for that. Mentally - I guess I'm doing ok, all things considered, so I thank God for that also.

As usual, I ask for more prayers - for me, my family, and my medical team. Thank you.

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Penny,
I pray that one of the treatments you mentioned will get you to NED or stable. You seem to have a great outlook and I pray that that continues. Please let us know what happens and which route you end up taking.
Hugs, Cathy

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Penny,
I logged in just to read your news. I am disappointed you did not have all around good news but I love your attitude and faith. I wish you all the best and hope your onc agrees to correspond remotely and comes with a tx plan that attacks your liver tumors.

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Penny I will be keeping you in my prayers. Your faith and strong positive attitude will get you through this!

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Penny,

I wish that you had better scans, but God has a plan for you.

Sending prayers your way.

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Sending good wishes and prayers Penny!

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Penny, you're in my prayers to get this thing reversing!

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Hi Penny, where are you in South Jersey? I'm from there! I grew up in Woodbury Heights. :) I am praying for you too, hang in there!

Carol Ann

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Hi Carol Ann. I grew up in Absecon and now live in Egg Harbor Twp, right outside of Ocean City? Are you still in NJ?

Thanks to all for your prayers and words. My oncologist called me yesterday. We discussed sir-spheres, chemoembolization, and trying to get insurance approval (again) for perjeta. She also managed to get the drug company from the trial I was in a year ago to "unblind" me. Turns out I was on a placebo and not the parp inhibitor veliparib. So she's also looking into getting me compassionate use. She said to give her a few days to discuss options with medical team. She's not worried since my vitals still look good - praise God for that! So hopefully we'll have a new plan by next week. Still looking forward to a snowboarding trip with friends and family the end of this month. They'll be @25 of us!

As always, prayers for all,
Penny

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

No, I live in North Carolina now, but I greew up going down the shore to Ocean City and Longport. Ocean City had the absolute best boardwalk! I had a Great Aunt who lived in Chelsea Heights and so we went to the Atlantic City boardwalk a lot too in the summer.

Sounds like your onc has a good plan in the works for you, I am praying and holding positive thoughts for you!

Carol Ann

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Hi Penny. I am sorry to hear about the bad news. I am a strong believer and am thankful I have my faith. I will keep you in my prayers. BTW. I used to live in Absecon! I know the are well. Good people there !

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

LOL Linda. I think we've had this discussion. Don't we have/had the same last name? I can't remember - chemo brain!

Love,
Penny

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Snowboarding sounds great!

Have a good time - I'm sure your medical team will find a good option for you after your trip.

Sending you good vibes.

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Yes, Penny I am sure we did . I suffer form CB big time I call it the CRS syndrome!

Re: Scans, Cheesecake, & Shopping
 

Dear Penny,

I'm sorry you've had progression in your liver. I know what you mean about cancer refocusing us and making faith more relevant. I got news of a disappointing PET scan yesterday. I went to church (my congregation worships on Thursday) and sang and prayed, and in those moments I felt God's love and the love of my brothers and sisters enveloping me. I know I'm going to die--probably of breast cancer, but I also know I am perfectly safe.

It's possible to experience a lifetime of joy in just a few moments. That, to me, is "eternal life." It's gratitude and openness and bliss. It's worth it.