pet/ct results - questions too

[Pam P]

I got a copy of my results today, but won't see my onc. until tomorrow. Pet/ct states progression.

I have bone mets & the report says they are increased in size, number and prominance. Not what I want to hear. I go to a new scanning place now & the report doesn't itemize which areas like the other place did. I used to get a report that said each bone & the SUV # for each. I know the mets were just in ribs/vertabrae before, but with this report it doesn't say where the new ones are. I think I'll call & see if I can get a more specific report.

In addition.... it says my pleural effusions have increased. I've had these for years, but they showed increase several months ago I think as a result of being on avastin and then decreased slightly again. But I'm off avastin now and the left one has gone from 3.0 to 4.9.

The report also says increasing bibasilar pulmonary atelectasis. Does this mean that is due to the increased effusion? or is this a new situation. Does it mean possibly lung mets? The report says lungs otherwise appear unremarkable. (When I first got p/e they tested the fluid & it didn't show cancer - it was determined that the taxotere I was on at the time caused it.)

My ca2729 also has been rising so I know when I see the onc. tomorrow he will decide to change me chemo treatment. I've been on gemzar/herceptin now since Feb. It has been such an easy combo for me to tolerate. I don't know what he'll suggest, but I know last month he mentioned either taxol/carbo (which I'm scared of as I've heard the carbo is really hard), or abraxane, or ixempra, or doxil, which I don't want to do because of the risk with herceptin & I want to stay on herceptin. If anyone has reason to think I should push for one drug over the other I'd like to hear from you.

Also --- I saw my chiropractor today. I see her occasionally - maybe 5-6 times per year. She's been suggesting I come more regularly as she says there's tons of research that the chiroparctic treatments do so much good to boost the immune system & is good for fighting cancer. She says if it was her she'd be getting a treatment every week. I know she's not just trying to increase her sales - she's also a friend and gives me free adjustments often. Do any of you do chiroprator treatments as part of your additional treatments for cancer?

Another question --- what about acupunture? Do any of you get this to help with preventing progression? I know it helps with alleviating side effects, but I think there are other benefits. I only had 1 treatment a few Not fond of needles, but am willing to try it some more if it could help with staying healthy!

I'm trying not to get panickly, but the progression report is scary as well as having to start another unknown chemo drug. Thanks for reading and thanks for any suggestions & info. Pam