Only "slight" decrease on PET....is it time

Chelee · 02-06-2010, 12:57 AM

Rich, Exactly...that's what I've been told. Things have changed. So many women I know of "online" told me they did have rads while on an AI...and others said no. Seems to be up to the person's onc. When I talked to my radiation onc...he said I could be on an AI...it was no problem. So lets see what my onc says this Monday when I tell her the Rads Onc said it was ok to be on an AI. I wish they would all get on the same page...it is beyond frustrating to patients like myself.

Chelee

Chelee · 02-06-2010, 01:22 AM

Rich, You make a good point to my first question about changing chemo combo's. I'm not clear yet about the mentioned "increase". It does not say for sure it's cancer. As to my femur the PET doesn't say anything about it other then mentioning there was interval internal fixation of right femur. I'll have to see what my onc says. The PET did not mention any activity on right femur so that is a good thing.

As to the dosing intervals for Navelbine...my onc started me out at the regular dose but since my counts tanked she decreased my dose each wk to almost nothing. I wasn't happy with her when I found that out. She could of been giving me Neupogen right away versas decreasing my dose of Navelbine. I started out wkly on Navy beans...then because she left for a "month" she changed my schedule to every 2 wks while she was away. So I can't help but wonder if I would of had better results had she not reduced my dose 3 wks in a row?!

That's why I'm still hoping some stage IV gals might weight in here. How long before you should see a good decrease in all area's? Is two months long enough or not? I'll make sure we stay on the full dose of Navelbine this time. No more short changing me.

Chelee

Adriana Mangus · 02-06-2010, 04:14 AM

Dear Cheele,

I was on navelbine a least twice and it did work for me. It brought me down to NED, both times.

My oncologist said that as long as the numbers + pet scan were stable he was going to continue the navelbine. I agreed.

The number (tumor marker), alone is not sufficient information to make a sound decision, especially in your situation. I sense urgency and anxiety in your postings, you need to sit down with your oncologist and review your records.

For example; how long did you stay on in your last chemo, did your tumor marker number change? how long after the last chemo combo you had, did the number change? What about the Pet-Scan? Do the numbers, low or high, relate to the pet scan results? These type of questions you need to discuss with your oncologist.

I've had anxiety periods in which I don't know what to believe, --am sure you understand,- - so please remember you are not alone, I do understand what you are going through. Have confidence you will find the right treatment to fit your specific medical needs.

Much Love,

Adriana