AGAIN, BACK IN THE DAY ('95) AS A FIRST LINER -- I was shocked that there was no further scans (ev 8 wks w/chemo). It didn'tmake sense to me. I did do comprehensive bld tests ever 3 mnths.
In lat '97 my onc called to say everything was fine w/the bld tests. Oh that's good to hear. Well, there was some elevation in the liver enzymes. But it is a very slight elevation. I wouldn't worry about it.
3 mnths later -- the same conversation took place. My busy onc w/so many patients didn't even realize. (In Spirituality -- there are no coincidences.) I was beginning to worry.
3 mnths later -- same scenario. However this time I asked for an abdominal sonogram. Well, I guess I could substantiate that. Okay. I made the appt. The Radiologist looked and looked and apologized saying, I have to send you for a CT scan. I can't be sure of what I am looking at. (I think he knew, but hoped...) I made the CT appt (getting the scrip for it from my onc). Results came in. Abnormal cells the doc said over the phone. Why don't you and Paul come in this afternoon and we'll talk about it. Paul left work early and we went. Appears to be malignant cells. Do biopsy. Biopsy concluded multiple malignant tumors in the liver. Because *I* asked for it!
Taxotere for 9 mnths. Ev 8 wk scans. Afterwards, every 3 mnths. Finally I begged for ev 4 mnths, gaining confidence over the yrs and having 3 days of not being able to leave my toilet after drinking the drink for abd CT. Ok, but you can't go any longer! Ok. I stayed w/the program. Feb '06 I saw Pegram in Calif and he said that at this point I can graduate to ev 6 mnths.
I request a scrip for ev 6 mnth transvaginal pelvic sono -- to be told my ovaries are visualized and beautiful. I go to NY for this as in Fla *techs* perform the procedure and Radiologists *read* the results and write the report. I find the techs don't dig as aggressively (which is uncomfortable, but more conclusive). In NY the Radiologist always is able to visualize the ovaries, never tells me at your age they're probably atrophied.
I was getting ECHOs ev 6 mnths and Pegram has upped me to annually on this. I still get comprehensive bld ev 3 mnths (fasting), which includes my endocrinologist's requested bld panels. I went to her w/22 yrs of hot flashing all day that had become unbearable. She said high blood sugar can be the cause. I was glucose tolerance, etc. and though I am not diabetic I clinically qualify to be treated for high blood sugar. That has improved markedly, as have the hot flashes, though they have not been eradicated. The endocrin doc sees you as an entire being and I am thrilled w/all the addl info I have accrued about my body through her. It makes me think every cancer patient should see such a doc. It opens a whole new vista to me. Thyroid, estrodial, testosterone, a whole panalopy of areas never questioned by any of my oncs (who are rock stars, brilliant, cutting edge).
I too am staying on Herceptin until something better comes along. I'm hanging in there. As one of my oncs in NY said, Cancer isn't curable. It is a chronic condition. But we can control it once we find the right recipe for you. If one doesn't work, we have many at our disposal. Right now, Herceptin is controlling my defective gene and I am filled with elation for this gift of Life! With love to all,
ANDI 