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Hello to all my friends in cyber-space, I haven't posted for a while.....no excuses, just run-over by life.
As many of you know, my Linda has applied (last April) to get into the vaccine trial in Washington. She met all of the initial requirements however....there was still concern over those pesky liver mets.
Linda has been on herceptin since April / 04, first with navelbine and later with xeloda. The xeloda was at the suggestion of the Washington vaccine group to reduce a high tumor load. The research has shown that patients with high tumor loads respond less favorabily than those who are NED or with stable disease and small tumors. Unfortunately, all of the ultra-sounds and the 2 recent CAT scans have shown that there has been little change in the mets for the last year..."extensive infiltration of the liver consistent with metastatic disease"
Conversations with Dr. Webster from U of W 2 days ago brought us closer to our goals. She suggested that Linda get a PET scan as that is a scan that will "light-up" active disease. Theoretically, the anomolies on the U.S.'s and CAT scans may be a result from dead cancer cells, scar tissue, etc. All that chemo for the past year and little progress.... scar tissue??? I hope it is more than wishful thinking. If we weren't optimistic, we wouldn't be this far!
Here's the problem: to get a PET scan appointment through the (ontario) system will take at least 12 weeks. I called a private facility in Toronto and they will get us in on Sept. 14th for $2380.00. That is our first choice until something better comes along.
My question: anyone know the rates in Cleveland or Buffalo? Waiting times? We both feel that this is a time sensitive issue. The sooner the better. All responses appreciated.
This has also prompted us to examine our current protocals and future ones. That is another topic.
Kindest regards,
Al
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